La Réunion Island: A Hiker's Dream Through Volcanic Paradise

La Réunion Island is more than a tropical escape—it’s a world-class destination for hikers. Set in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, this French overseas region boasts striking volcanoes, lush rainforests, dramatic ravines, and secluded villages, all connected by a remarkable web of hiking trails. At the heart of it all lies the legendary GR R2, a famous trail that allows adventurers to cross the island on foot.

The GR R2: Coast-to-Coast Through Nature’s Theater

The GR R2 (Grande Randonnée 2, which translates to “Great Hike 2”) is a long-distance hiking trail that spans La Réunion from north to south, beginning in the capital Saint-Denis and ending in the coastal city of Saint-Pierre. Stretching over 130 kilometers with more than 8,000 meters of elevation gain, this trail is not for the faint-hearted — but it rewards every step with breathtaking views and unforgettable encounters.

Most hikers take 10 to 14 days to complete the journey, depending on weather conditions, fitness, and time spent exploring the remote mountain villages and cirques along the way.

Through the Heart of the Island

The trail takes you through some of La Réunion’s most iconic landscapes:

• Mafate Cirque: Accessible only by foot or helicopter, this natural amphitheater is a world unto itself. Rustic villages, suspension bridges, and silence broken only by bird calls await those who enter.

• Cilaos and Salazie: These dramatic cirques feature thermal springs, Creole architecture, and towering peaks like Piton des Neiges, the highest point in the Indian Ocean.

• Volcanic Highlands: The GR R2 traverses the high plains of Plaine des Cafres and skirts around Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Every day brings new terrain, from misty forests to lunar lava fields, and new challenges: steep climbs, fast-changing weather, and rugged trails.

Our recommended itinerary and lodging options

Accommodation is available in mountain huts (gîtes d’étape) along the way, offering basic but warm hospitality, hot meals, and a bed for the night. Some trekkers choose to carry a tent and camp where permitted, adding even more freedom to the journey.

La Roche Ecrite

Starting from Saint Pierre, your route to La Roche Ecrite (a mountain peak reaching 2,276 meters) typically includes a first night camping at Camp Mamode, followed by a stay at the Gîte de la Roche Ecrite. Spend the night there and set your alarm early—waking up at 4 am to catch the sunrise from the summit of La Roche Ecrite is a truly unforgettable experience.

Then if you continue your hike to go to the village of Dos d'Âne, you can stay at Gîte des Acacias. 

From Dos d'Âne to Aurère

Your next stop is the village of Aurère, where you’ll be greeted at the entrance by a display of fresh fruit—simply take what you like and leave your payment in a can. After a challenging hike, it’s a delight to experience such trust and hospitality, savoring sweet local fruit as a well-earned reward.

In Aurère, you’ll find a local bakery called Les Délices de Cassie where you can pre-order fresh bread or sandwiches before 6 pm for your hike the next morning. We suggest staying at Les Agapanthes, a charming gîte known for its delicious dinners.

From Îlet des Orangers to Les Trois Roches 

After passing through Aurère, your journey continues to Îlet des Orangers, where you can camp at Camping Ti Piton—renowned as one of the most beautiful campsites in Mafate.

Continuing your hike through the Mafate circus, we strongly suggest seeing Les Trois Roches. Les Trois Roches is a breathtaking viewpoint. Accessible only by foot, it offers a dramatic panorama of the Rivière des Galets as it carves through volcanic rock and plunges into a narrow gorge. Surrounded by untouched wilderness and dramatic basalt cliffs, it’s an ideal place to pause and soak in the stunning scenery.

Marla 

Your next destination is Marla, a welcoming village with plenty of gîtes to choose from—making it a convenient place to rest. Don’t miss the lively atmosphere at Snack Le Marla (Chez Jimmy), where you can enjoy great food and local festivity after a rewarding day on the trail.

Col du Taïbit

Your next highlight is the Col du Taïbit, a scenic mountain pass at 2,082 meters that links the Cirque de Cilaos and Cirque de Mafate. Sitting at 2,082 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views over both cirques and is a highlight for hikers crossing the island.

Cilaos

After your challenging trek, you'll arrive in Cilaos—a charming town where you can rest and recharge for a few days if needed, before setting out to conquer Le Piton des Neiges, the highest peak on Réunion Island. In Cilaos, we recommend staying at the Hotel des Neiges, where you can relax by a beautiful mountain-surrounded pool. The cuisine is exceptional, and the town’s walkable layout makes it easy to explore.

Piton des Neiges 

Once you’re ready to summit Piton des Neiges, you have two main options for overnight stays: book ahead at the Gîte Caverne Dufour or camp at the summit itself. If you choose to camp on top, be prepared for very cold temperatures after sunset—layers are essential, as you might even see frost on the mountain in the early morning.

After taking in one of La Réunion’s most stunning views, you’ll make your way down to Bourg-Murat. Treat yourself to a stay at Hotel l’Ecrin, where you can relax your muscles in the sauna and hammam—perfect after a long descent.

Piton de la Fournaise

Next stop will be Piton de la Fournaise, the volcano in the south of the island. 

At this stage, you can choose to camp in the area or, if you’re feeling worn out, take a bus to Saint Pierre—the largest city in the south. There, any hotel will offer a comfortable respite, but we especially recommend L’Eskal Pei, a beautiful lodge in Etang Salé, for a relaxing finish to your journey. Sylvie and Roland are wonderful hosts, and their lodge is truly one of the most beautiful places to stay on La Réunion. As a special touch, you’ll even have the chance to meet their friendly, giant turtle.

What to Pack and Prepare

This is a serious trek, so preparation is key:

• Weatherproof gear: Prepare for sun, rain, and wind—even all in a single afternoon. Pack at least three changes of clothes so you always have something dry, as wet or damp clothing often doesn’t dry overnight and conditions can vary quickly. 

• Layered clothing: Mornings can be cold in the mountains; midday heat in the valleys. 

• Navigation essentials and backup power: Bring a GPS device, save detailed hiking maps to your phone, carry a physical map if needed, and pack an external battery—especially important if you’ll be camping and unable to recharge your phone along the way.

• Water purification: Streams are common, but not always safe to drink untreated.

• Training: This hike demands good physical condition, especially for the long ascents and descents.

Why Walk La Réunion?

Crossing La Réunion on foot isn’t just a physical adventure — it’s a journey into the soul of the island. You’ll pass from Creole villages to volcanic craters, from jungle-covered hills to windswept ridges. The people you meet, the silence of nature, and the rhythm of walking day after day offer a deep sense of connection to this unique land.

Whether you're a seasoned trekker or an adventurous traveler looking for something unforgettable, the GR R2 offers one of the most enriching and spectacular hikes you can do anywhere in the world.

Lace up your boots. La Réunion is calling.

Stay connected throughout your journey

If you want to stay connected to family and access maps or accommodation options while hiking, simply purchase an eSIM from eSIM4Travel and explore freely. Stay secure on your adventure—discover our data plans here: