Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Réunion

Réunion Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Réunion.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Réunion has 8+ hiking trails covered in this guide, led by Piton de la Fournaise Summit Trail, GRR1 Tour des Cirques (Multi-Day) and Cirque de Mafate — La Nouvelle Day Hike. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Réunion is a French overseas region and department in the Indian Ocean, 700 km east of Madagascar and 200 km south-west of Mauritius. This volcanic island of extraordinary drama packs an active volcano, three steep-walled cirques, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain core, dense rainforest, and a warm lagoon into 2,512 km². It is simultaneously French enough to accept euros and credit cards everywhere, and exotic enough to feel like another world entirely.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Piton de la Fournaise Summit Trail

    8.5 km round trip4–5 hours round trip2,631 m summit; +500 m gain from Pas de Bellecombe (2,311 m)

  2. 2

    GRR1 Tour des Cirques (Multi-Day)

    176 km total circuit8–12 daysHighest point Piton des Neiges 3,069 m; total ascent ~8,000 m

  3. 3

    Cirque de Mafate — La Nouvelle Day Hike

    14 km round trip (Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle and back)5–6 hoursCol des Bœufs 1,865 m; descent to La Nouvelle ~300 m

  4. 4

    Piton des Neiges Summit (Highest Peak)

    15 km from Cilaos to summit and back via Caverne Dufour2 days (overnight at Caverne Dufour gîte, summit at 04:00 for sunrise)3,069 m summit; +2,000 m from Cilaos (1,200 m)

  5. 5

    Cirque de Cilaos — Grand Bassin Loop

    8 km loop3–4 hours+550 m

  6. 6

    Le Maïdo Summit Hike

    11 km round trip (La Petite France to summit on foot)4–5 hours2,205 m summit; +800 m from La Petite France

  7. 7

    Trou de Fer Gorge Hike

    14 km round trip to gorge viewpoint5–6 hours+400 m

  8. 8

    Forêt de Bélouve Cloud Forest Trail

    10 km round trip loop through tamarind forest3–4 hours+300 m

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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