From Crater to Coast on La Réunion Island

Mirela Letailleur - (TheTravelBunny)
Itinerario creado por
Mirela Letailleur
What you’ll do

This 3-day hiking itinerary takes you from the cloud forests of Roche Écrite to the rim of Cirque de Mafate, down to the banana groves and coastal cliffs of Cap Jaune, finishing at the emerald crater lake of Grand Étang. It’s built for hikers who crave variety, drama, and stillness — all in one trip.

You’ll summit high above the cirques, descend into misty trails lined with fern and bamboo, and follow natural paths all the way to the sea. Expect meaningful effort, local flavors, and cinematic payoffs — but also time to sit, soak, and feel how alive this island really is.

Each day is mapped out with:

  • Detailed trail timing & difficulty

  • Where to stay (refuges, gîtes, mountain lodges)

  • Creole food spots worth the detour

  • Practical tips on terrain, gear, weather, and transport

  • Scenic extras for early risers or those with more time

Whether you're walking solo or sharing the path, this is La Réunion for hikers who love big landscapes and small, unforgettable moments.

Day Total

158 km (98,2 mi)

4 h 48 min

Day 1: Roche Écrite Summit Hike

06:00 – Optional early arrival or overnight in Saint-Denis

If you’re not already on the north side of the island, arrive in Saint-Denis the night before to rest and get an early start. Good local lodging options include Villa Angélique (boutique) or L'Écrin de Marie-Paule (budget-friendly, clean, well-located).

🎒 Pack the night before — this is a long but non-technical day hike, and an early start pays off with clearer views.

1

Elige la opción que mejor se adapte a ti

Villa Angélique – Hôtel classé Monument Historique
Villa Angélique – Hôtel classé Monument Historique
Historic Creole villa turned boutique hotel
Categoría
hotel
Est. Price
$$$
L'Écrin de Marie-Paule
L'Écrin de Marie-Paule
Peaceful, private holiday home in Saint-Denis
Categoría
casas
Est. Price
$

36 km (22,4 mi)

1 h 24 min

07:00 – Arrive at Plaine d’Affouches Trailhead (start of Roche Écrite trail)

From Saint-Denis, drive about 25 minutes to the Plaine d’Affouches forest access. Parking is free and usually safe during the day.

🥾 Start hiking by 07:30 to avoid midday cloud cover
🧭 Trail type: Out and back
🕓 Time: ~5.5 to 7 hours total (including breaks + summit pause)
📈 Elevation gain: ~700m
🌿 Trail notes: Starts in tamarind and cryptomeria forest, then climbs into high moorland with open views. The summit ridge has wooden steps, switchbacks, and a final scramble.

2

Plain of Affouches
Plain of Affouches
High-altitude forest plateau above Saint-Denis
Categoría
parque

97,7 km (60,7 mi)

2 h 39 min

10:30 – Reach Roche Écrite summit (2,276 m)

On a clear day, this is one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island. You’ll see Cirque de Salazie to your left, Cirque de Mafate to your right, and the jagged ridge of Piton des Neiges rising in the distance.

The air is crisp, the wind often brisk, and the sense of vastness is unforgettable.

📸 Summit tips: Best light mid-morning. Cloud inversion effects happen when the valleys below fill with fog and the peaks rise above like islands.

🧺 Enjoy a packed breakfast or snack here — there are grassy spots for a peaceful pause.

3

Roche Écrite
Roche Écrite
Epic summit trail with views of Mafate and Salazie
Categoría
caminata
Est. Duración
4-6h

16,6 km (10,3 mi)

29 min

12:00 – Begin descent

The return hike offers new angles and fewer people — you’ll likely share the trail with Réunion harriers (birds of prey), songbirds, and the occasional local hiker carrying wild goyaviers.

14:30 – Arrive back at trailhead + transfer to Salazie

After finishing the hike, drive to Hell-Bourg in Cirque de Salazie, one of the island’s most charming villages. The drive takes ~1h30 with stops — you’ll pass through waterfalls, roadside fruit stands, and dramatic ravine crossings.

📍 Scenic detour: Pull over at Voile de la Mariée waterfall for a stretch and photo stop.

4

Este es opcional

Cascade Voile de la Mariée
Cascade Voile de la Mariée
Multi-tiered waterfall in Salazie Cirque
Categoría
cascada

6,8 km (4,2 mi)

12 min

5

Thermal Baths – Hell-Bourg
Thermal Baths – Hell-Bourg
Ruin of a historic spa nestled in lush mountain forest
Categoría
pasear

370 m (0,2 mi)

1 min

17:00 – Check-in at mountain gîte in Hell-Bourg

Recommended options:

  • La Villa Blanche – spacious private villa in central Hell-Bourg

  • Lacaze Salazie – quiet self-catering stay, mountain views

  • Le Relais des Cimes – cozy rooms, restautant

Drop your bag, take a hot shower, and enjoy a slower pace after a rewarding hike.

6

Elige la opción que mejor se adapte a ti

Le Relais des Cimes
Le Relais des Cimes
Hotel and restaurant in the heart of Hell-Bourg
Categoría
hotel
Est. Price
$$
Lacaze Salazie
Lacaze Salazie
Quiet self-catering stay with mountain views
Categoría
casas
Est. Price
$$
La Villa Blanche
La Villa Blanche
Spacious private villa in central Hell-Bourg
Categoría
villa
Est. Price
$$

500 m (0,3 mi)

1 min

19:30 – Dinner in Hell-Bourg

Eat at Chez Alice or Villa Marthe for traditional Creole dishes like chouchou gratin, palmiste salad, and local river fish in turmeric sauce. Everything tastes better after 15km of walking.

👉 Optional evening walk through the village to admire Creole architecture and the cool highland air. Hell-Bourg is safe and quiet at night.

7

Elige la opción que mejor se adapte a ti

Chez Alice
Chez Alice
Casual Creole restaurant in Hell-Bourg
Categoría
restaurante
Est. Price
$
Tipo de restaurante
local
Villa Marthe Restaurant
Villa Marthe Restaurant
Refined Creole dining in a heritage house
Categoría
restaurante
Est. Price
$
Tipo de restaurante
local

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