Trekking in La Réunion: A Hidden Paradise of Volcanoes, Rainforests, and Cirques

Looking for the world’s most spectacular trekking destination? Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the French island of La Réunion offers one of the most breathtaking, diverse, and remote hiking experiences on Earth. With towering volcanoes, mist-shrouded peaks, ancient calderas, and untouched forests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dream come true for lovers of adventure, solitude, and nature.

In this guide, we’ll show you why La Réunion Island deserves a spot on every trekker’s bucket list and explore the legendary Trek of the Three Cirques—one of the most awe-inspiring long-distance hikes in the world.

Where is La Réunion?

La Réunion is a volcanic island located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius. It’s an overseas department of France, meaning it’s part of the EU—complete with high safety standards, excellent infrastructure, and the euro as currency.

Despite its status as part of Europe, La Réunion feels like a lost world: dramatic, raw, tropical, and untamed. Here, deep ravines meet smoking craters, alpine ridges drop into fern-filled canyons, and centuries-old footpaths connect remote mountain villages.

UNESCO World Heritage & National Park Protection

In 2010, La Réunion’s “Pitons, Cirques and Remparts” were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, recognising the island’s unparalleled geological beauty and ecological importance. Over 40% of the island is protected under the Parc National de La Réunion, making it one of the most extensively protected natural areas in the world.

This protected zone is home to:

• Piton des Neiges – the highest peak in the Indian Ocean (3,070 m)

• Piton de la Fournaise – one of the world’s most active volcanoes

• Over 230 species of flowering plants, many endemic to the island

• A range of microclimates from tropical rainforest to alpine scrub

The Trek of the Three Cirques: La Réunion’s Crown Jewel

The most iconic trek on the island is the Trek of the Three Cirques, a multi-day journey that loops through the natural amphitheatres of Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate—three calderas formed by the collapse of the ancient Piton des Neiges volcano.

Cilaos

• A charming town surrounded by towering cliffs and thermal springs

• Offers steep trails, vineyard walks, and panoramic views

• Excellent base for preparing before tackling the more remote sections

Salazie

• The greenest cirque, covered in waterfalls, ferns, and dense vegetation

• Home to Hell-Bourg, often called the most beautiful village in Réunion

• Offers milder trails and excellent cultural immersion

Mafate

• The most remote and wild cirque—only accessible on foot or by helicopter

• No roads, no cars, just nature, gîtes (mountain lodges), and timeless silence

• A spiritual experience for any serious hiker

The Three Cirques Trek is around 50–60 km, completed over 4–6 days, with ascents of up to 1,000m daily. Trekkers sleep in rustic but comfortable gîtes, enjoying local Creole cuisine and hospitality.

Climb the Piton des Neiges: Roof of the Indian Ocean

No trek in La Réunion is complete without summiting the Piton des Neiges, the island’s highest point. With an elevation of 3,070 meters is also the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. This dormant volcano can be climbed as part of a longer trek or as a standalone challenge. Most ascents begin in the early hours to reach the summit for sunrise, rewarding you with 360-degree views over the entire island, the Indian Ocean, and neighbouring Mauritius.

Explore Piton de la Fournaise: The Living Volcano

Located in the southeast, Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. You can walk across lava fields, hike to the crater rim, and witness the landscape continually reshaped by eruptions.

The volcano is remarkably safe and accessible, with well-marked trails and an observatory. When it erupts (often once or twice a year), it becomes one of the most dramatic natural shows on Earth.

Why Trekking in La Réunion is Truly Unique

Here’s why La Réunion is one of the best trekking destinations in the world:

✔️ Epic Terrain Diversity

Trek through alpine passes, rainforest trails, volcanic plateaus, and river valleys—all in one trip.

✔️ Year-Round Trekking Season

The best time to trek is May to November, during the dry season. Weather is cool and stable, ideal for long days on the trail.

✔️ No Crowds, Just Wilderness

Unlike the Alps or Himalayas, La Réunion remains a hidden gem, free from mass tourism and overcrowded trails.

✔️ Rich Culture & Creole Hospitality

Stay in mountain lodges run by locals, taste Réunionese Creole cuisine, and experience a culture that blends African, Indian, French, and Malagasy roots.

✔️ World-Class Infrastructure

Despite its wild appearance, the island offers excellent safety, healthcare, and logistics, ideal for independent or guided treks. At the end of the day, La Réunion is a French overseas department, making it the furthest place from continental Europe where you can still pay in Euros.

How to Get to La Réunion

• Main airport: Roland Garros Airport (RUN), near Saint-Denis

• Direct flights from Paris, Johannesburg, Mauritius, Bangkok, and the Seychelles

• Easy connections from Europe, North America, and Southern Africa

The Ultimate Off-the-Beaten-Path Trekking Experience

If you're looking for a place where you can disconnect completely, hike through UNESCO-protected landscapes, and experience an untouched world of volcanoes, forests, and Creole culture, La Réunion is your answer.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or an adventurous spirit seeking new trails, La Réunion Island offers one of the most rewarding and beautiful trekking experiences on Earth.

Lace up your shoes. The island is calling. Check our one-week trek program in La Réunion and join us!