The Trek of the Three Cirques in Réunion Island

At KooKoo Climb, we strongly recommend that all participants take out comprehensive cancellation insurance. This protects you in case you need to cancel your trip, encounter flight delays that affect your arrival, or face any other unexpected issues that prevent you from joining the program.

Voluntary Cancellations by the Client

You may cancel your reservation under the following refund conditions. All cancellations must be communicated in writing via email to KooKoo Climb:

- 90% Refund – If cancellation is notified 90 days or more before the start of the program.

Please note: if you paid a 10% deposit, this portion is non-refundable.

- 50% Refund – If cancellation is notified between 89 and 60 days before the start of the program.

- 0% Refund – If cancellation is notified 59 days or less before the program start date.

Refunds will be issued based on payments already made and received. If no payment has been made yet, the above percentages represent the amount still owed by the client.

Cancellations Due to Weather or Conditions

If the guide determines that weather or mountain conditions make it unsafe to attempt the trek, KooKoo Climb will offer one of the following alternatives:

a) The possibility to postpone the activity to a later date.

b) Cancellation of the activity.

If the client chooses to decline Option (a), the standard cancellation policy above will still apply.

Please note that only the guide can decide to cancel a climb due to weather or conditions. Under exceptional circumstances, KooKoo Climb may choose, at its sole discretion, to issue a partial or full refund (minus transaction fees).

Unforeseen Changes During the Program

In the event that a taxi or transport service is required during the program—due to weather, storms, snow, natural disasters, or route alterations—this cost will be considered an additional expense to be shared among all participants.

Any unforeseen additional costs incurred due to changes in itinerary or conditions will be covered by the participants, if they exceed the original program price.

By confirming your booking, you agree to obtain insurance that includes coverage for accidents in high-altitude mountain environments, as well as repatriation in case of emergency. You may be asked to provide proof of insurance prior to the start of the program.

Participants are required to have insurance that covers mountain activities, rescue, and repatriation in case of emergency.

We recommend the insurance offered by the Austrian Alpine Club, which is affordable (around €70 per year) and provides worldwide coverage.

For more information and to register, visit:👉  https://www.alpenverein.at/portal/service/mitgliedschaft/membership-benefits.php

While this trek in La Réunion is not among the most technically demanding, participants are strongly advised to have prior hiking experience and be comfortable with daily elevation gains of around 1,000 meters. Suitable preparation might include previous multi-day hikes in the Pyrenees, Scottish Munros, the U.S. National Parks, or similar mountain adventures.

• Total distance: 52.55 km
• Total ascent: 3,940 m
• Total descent: 4,126 m

MOUNTAIN GUIDE

• Fully guided hiking traverse across the 3 cirques of Reunion Island
• Expert Certified Mountain Guide

ACCOMMODATION

• 3 nights in a 3-start hotel in Saint Pierre with breakfast
• 1 night at the Caverne Dufour Refuge with dinner and breakfast
• 1 night in a beautiful creole style hotel in Hell-Bourg
• 1 night in a hostel in Bélier
• 1 night in a guest house in La Nouvelle
• 1 night in a 4-star hotel-spa in Cilaos the last night of the trek
• Double rooms are provided during hotel stays, while shared dormitory accommodation is used in the mountain refuges

CANYONING

• 1 day of canyoning in the Grand Galet waterfall

TRANSFERS

• Saint Denis - Saint Pierre (day 1)
• Saint Pierre - Cilaos (day 2)
• Cilaos - Saint Pierre (day 7)
• Saint Pierre - Grand Galet (day 8)
• Saint Pierre - Saint Denis airport (day 9)

Packing List – La Réunion Trek

Bags

• Trekking backpack (35–50L) with waist straps and waterproof liner

• Main luggage pack or suitcase 

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket

• Waterproof trousers

• Fleece jacket or equivalent

• Lightweight insulated jacket (for higher altitudes and sunrise summits)

• Warm hat

• Light gloves (for Piton des Neiges summit)

• Buff or neck scarf

• Lightweight trousers / shorts / skirts

• T-shirts

• Underwear

• Several pairs of quality trekking socks

• Swimwear

• Sunglasses

• Sunhat

• Sleepwear

• Worn-in hiking boots

• Sandals

Sleeping Gear

• Lightweight single travel sheet (required for Piton des Neiges refuge – blankets are provided)

• Travel pillow (gîtes have pillows, but Piton des Neiges refuge may not)

Essentials & Documents

• Passport (and visa, if needed)

• Travel insurance documents

• Universal travel plug adapter

• Power bank or solar charger

• Earplugs

• Personal first-aid kit (include blister care)

• Suncream

• Insect repellent

• Alcohol hand-gel

• Quick-dry towel

• Personal hygiene items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary products, etc.)

• Biodegradable wet wipes

Hydration & Nutrition

• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (min. 2 litres total capacity)

• Energy bars and snacks (you can buy snacks in La Réunion)

• Water purification tablets or treatment system (optional)

Lighting & Navigation

• Headtorch or flashlight (with spare batteries)

Optional but Recommended

• Trekking poles (useful for ascents and descents – can be purchased in Saint-Denis if not brought from home)

Réunion’s main international gateway is Roland Garros Airport (RUN), located near Saint-Denis in the north of the island. There are direct flights to Réunion from several key hubs, including Paris, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.

Travellers coming from elsewhere in Europe, North America, or beyond can easily connect via one of these cities. For most European travellers, Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly offers the most convenient and frequent connections. From North America, connecting through Paris or Johannesburg is the most common route.

With a range of international carriers and well-timed connections, reaching Réunion is easier than ever—whether you're coming for adventure, relaxation, or both.

Is This Trip for Me? – Challenge Level: Challenging

This trek has been graded Challenging due to consecutive days of sustained hiking, often up to seven hours per day, with significant elevation gain and descent. You’ll need to be comfortable walking long distances on varied and uneven terrain, including steep sections and occasional exposed paths.

On average, expect around 900 metres of ascent and 750 metres of descent each day, with some tougher stages, such as Day 2’s ascent of Piton des Neiges (3,069 m)—the highest peak in the Indian Ocean—which involves a strenuous pre-dawn climb. This climb to the top of the mountain is only optional.

How Can I Prepare?

The best way to prepare is to replicate the trip conditions at home. Try to:

• Hike back-to-back days on weekends with similar elevation and distance.

• Practice on steep, uneven trails to build leg strength and stability.

• Test your gear, footwear, and layering system in advance.

• Refine your nutrition and hydration strategy, including your go-to trail snacks.

In addition, a combination of cardio, strength, and mobility training will significantly improve your endurance and reduce injury risk. We recommend beginning your fitness preparation at least 8 to 12 weeks before the trip.

When to Go – Weather and Trekking Conditions

The best time to trek in Réunion Island is during the dry season, which runs from May to November. This period offers the most stable weather, with clear skies, cooler temperatures, and ideal trail conditions.

May to August – Cool and Clear

These are the cooler and drier months, perfect for trekking. Expect daytime temperatures between 18°C and 26°C (64°F to 79°F) at lower altitudes. In the mountains, especially during overnight stays at higher elevations, temperatures can drop significantly—ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), and even approaching freezing at altitude during the night.

Skies are generally clear with occasional rain showers, particularly on the eastern (windward) side of the island, which receives more moisture due to trade winds.

September to November – Warmer and Transitioning

This period marks the tail end of the dry season and brings slightly warmer weather, with temperatures rising to 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) by November. Higher elevations remain cooler, with typical temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

While rainfall is generally still low, humidity increases, especially in November, as the island begins transitioning into its wet season. Occasional showers become more likely, but conditions remain excellent for trekking overall.