Waterfall Loops on La Réunion Island

Itinéraire créé par

Mirela Letailleur

What you’ll do

This 3-day waterfall itinerary is designed for travelers who love lush trails, easy-to-moderate walks, photogenic spots, and refreshing natural pools — all without needing to be an expert hiker. You’ll experience the sound of falling water in some of the island’s most scenic locations: the jungle-lined coast of Anse des Cascades, the dramatic plunge of Cascade Niagara, and a peaceful forest route to a safe alternative to Bassin des Aigrettes.

Each day offers a blend of walks, waterfalls, and food stops — with optional upgrades for stronger hikers or photo lovers. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids in tow, this itinerary balances relaxation, nature, and local flavor.

Includes step-by-step directions, accessibility notes, photo spots, swimming safety tips, restaurant recs, and local bonus stops along the way.

Day Total

145,7 km (90,5 mi)

3 h 13 min

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Day 1: Jungle Falls at Anse des Cascades

Depart from your base (Saint-Denis / Saint-Leu / Saint-Pierre)

Anse des Cascades is best visited in the morning when the light is soft and the air is fresh. Depending on your location, plan for:

~1h15 from Saint-Denis
~1h45 from Saint-Leu
~1h from Saint-Pierre (via RN2 through Saint-Philippe)

👉 Tip: The final stretch takes you through thick forest and lava fields — perfect for slowing down and rolling the windows down.

Choisissez l'option qui vous convient le mieux

Saint-Denis

Historic capital and cultural centre of Réunion

Catégorie

zone

Direction

Saint-Leu

Laid-back coastal town with surf and slow travel vibes

Catégorie

zone

Direction

Saint-Pierre

South Coast city with local food and beach access

Catégorie

zone

Direction

61,3 km (38,1 mi)

1 h 4 min

Optional short detour: Church of Notre-Dame-des-Laves (Sainte-Rose)

Just 10 minutes away, this church is famous for being miraculously spared by a lava flow in 1977. The lava surrounds the church but never destroyed it — a powerful, quiet stop.

⛪ Entry is free. A 15–30-minute visit is perfect.

Celui-ci est facultatif

Notre Dame des Laves

Volcano-surviving church with powerful history and views

Catégorie

historique

Direction

3,6 km (2,2 mi)

5 min

10:00 – Arrive at Anse des Cascades

Park easily at the main entrance. You’ll hear the waterfalls before you see them. This spot is part botanical park, part coastal haven, with volcanic cliffs, tall palms, and trickling cascades on nearly every slope.

🧭 What to do:

Follow the loop trail through the coconut grove
Walk along the shoreline path to watch waves crash against lava rock
Sit near one of the main cascades with a coffee or picnic.

📸 Don’t miss:

The tallest palm trees on the island
Cascades glowing gold in the morning sun
Traditional fishing boats and ruins near the shore.

Anse des Cascades

Lush coastal park with waterfalls, palms, and sea views

Catégorie

parc

Direction

15,1 km (9,4 mi)

20 min

11:00 – Slow drive back with scenic stops

Begin your return journey with time for pull-over photo stops, like:

Cap Méchant – a dramatic black rock lookout
Lava flow of 2007 – visible along the RN2 with signposts
Local fruit stands – pick up fresh ananas Victoria or bonbon piment.

Celui-ci est facultatif

Coulée de Lave 2007

Thrilling lava tunnel exploration experience

Catégorie

historique

Direction

17,4 km (10,8 mi)

23 min

Celui-ci est facultatif

Cap Méchant

Volcanic cliffs and wild coastline in the south

Catégorie

touristique

Direction

11,3 km (7 mi)

19 min

12:30 – Lunch suggestion: Saveurs Du Sud (Saint-Joseph)

Saveurs du Sud is a no-frills Creole restaurant near Saint-Joseph serving generous, home-style dishes that locals actually eat.

Tip: Come hungry — portions are big, and the civet de coq is worth calling ahead for.

Saveurs Du Sud

Creole-style dining just inland from Saint-Joseph

Catégorie

restaurant

Est. Price

Type de restaurant

locale

Direction

14,9 km (9,2 mi)

25 min

14:00 – Optional add-on: Jardin des Parfums et des Épices

If you're still exploring, this botanical garden is less than 15 minutes from Anse des Cascades and offers a guided walk through island spices, medicinal plants, and vanilla vines.

🎟 Entry ~€7
🌱 Relaxed pace, shady walkways — a nice balance after lunch.

Celui-ci est facultatif