A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Mythical journey
All the essential sites of Réunion, in a single sports trekking program.
Guaranteed departure from 5 participants Trek (8 days)/Hiking (4 days) In the past, the difficulty of access made the Réunion mountains a refuge for slaves fleeing from coastal plantations. Even today, some circus villages can only be reached by helicopter or on foot.
From north to south, it is a series of exceptional stages, from Salazie to Piton de la Fournaise, in a harmony of shapes, colors and scents. Accommodations: lodgings, refuges, hotel. Carrying: personal belongings and some food (bags of about 10kg).

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Mythical journey
All the essential sites of Réunion, in a single sports trekking program.

Guaranteed departure from 5 participants Trek (8 days)/Hiking (4 days) In the past, the difficulty of access made the Réunion mountains a refuge for slaves fleeing from coastal plantations. Even today, some circus villages can only be reached by helicopter or on foot. From north to south, it is a series of exceptional stages, from Salazie to Piton de la Fournaise, in a harmony of shapes, colors and scents. Accommodations: lodgings, refuges, hotel. Carrying: personal belongings and some food (bags of about 10kg).

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • 3-day trek in the isolated Cirque de Mafate
  • 2 days of trekking to climb Piton des Neiges (3070m)
  • Hike to Trou de Fer
  • 2-day trek to reach Piton de la Fournaise
  • Swimming in the lagoon of Hermitage les Bains

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • 3-day trek in the isolated Cirque de Mafate

  • 2 days of trekking to climb Piton des Neiges (3070m)
  • Hike to Trou de Fer
  • 2-day trek to reach Piton de la Fournaise
  • Swimming in the lagoon of Hermitage les Bains

Trek-Hiking

Itinerant Stay
Off-site departure, various accommodation during the stay

Ages

18 - 55 ans

Need advice?

PHYSIQUE CONDITION
Great sportsman
i
LEVEL OF PRATICE
Hike - Level 3
i
LEVEL OF PORTAGE
Carrying level 2
i

Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the stay with the flights)
  • The accommodation
  • Lunches from day 2 to day 13
  • Local transport
...
  • Supervision and collective equipment.

Not Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the stay without flights)
  • Personal equipment
  • Dinners on days 13 and 14 and meals on day 15
  • Drinks and personal expenses
...
  • Museum entrances and cultural visits
  • Optional insurance as well as any other supplement not provided for in the program.

The program

Day by day

Day of arrival

Day 1: Monday - Night flight to Saint Denis de La Réunion
Night flight to Saint Denis de La Réunion

Day 2: Tuesday - St Denis - Cirque de Salazie
...
Arrival in Saint Denis. Transfer and visit to a vanilla plantation in the east of the island (35min). Picnic Transfer to the Cirque de Salazie located in the heights of the island at the foot of Piton d'Anchaing (1 hour); the label of “most beautiful village in France” was awarded to him (50km). In the afternoon, visit the listed village of Hell Bourg, possibility to also visit the Foliot House, an old Creole house.
Night at the cottage in Hell Bourg (924m above sea level), dinner on site.

During your stay

Day 3: Cirque de Mafate
We take the Hauts de Mafate road to the crest line that separates the two cirques (1 hour drive).
...
First discovery of the tropical mountain, the trail begins at an altitude of 1600m at an altitude of 1600m at a place called “Bord Martin”, and then plunges into the heart of Mafate. The landscape is very wild, surrounded by the mountains. This circus is only accessible on foot or by helicopter. Night in a cottage in Ilet à Bourses, at an altitude of 870m, dinner on site.
4 hours of walking, altitude difference +150m/-800m.
NB: Preparing the bags for 4 days. We will find our luggage in Cilaos on day 6.

Day 4: Cirque de Mafate
A magnificent stop in Mafate, whose isolation makes it a unique and protected natural sanctuary. In the heart of exuberant vegetation, the trail, punctuated by exceptional viewpoints, joins the Roche Plate cottage (Alt. 1100m) in 5 to 6 am, nestled at the foot of the impressive Piton Maïdo. Note: if the Ilet à Bourses - Roche Plate trail is too degraded, the stage will take place at the La Nouvelle refuge. Night in a refuge, dinner on site.
6 hours of walking, altitude difference +1100m/-350m.

Day 5: Cirque de Mafate
The trail of our hike passes at the foot of the vertiginous wall of Grand Bénard which dominates us by more than 1000m, then we reach one of the most enchanting sites in the massif: the Cascade des Trois Roches at an altitude of 1220m. The trail then runs along the Rivière des Galets, crosses arid areas and ends at the Marla lodge (Alt. 1640m). Night in a cottage, dinner on site.
4 to 5 hours of walking, altitude difference +800m/-400m.

Day 6: Cirque de Cilaos
Short stage (3 hours to 4 hours) but tough, climb to the Taïbit pass (2083m), last look at Mafate before diving into the third volcanic circus of the island: the Cirque de Cilaos. Long descent to the village of Cilaos during which we will be able to observe the different layers of vegetation. Crossing the Bras Rouge River before ending with a succession of speed bumps that leads us to the village of Cilaos. Night at the Cilaos cottage (Alt. 1200m), dinner on site.
4 to 5 hours of walking, altitude difference +700m/-1000m.

Day 7: Cirque de Cilaos
Quiet day. A loop around Cilaos, the itinerary is chosen according to the motivation of the group. Relaxation and rest before climbing the Piton des Neiges. Second night at the Cilaos cottage, dinner on site. 3h30 walk.

Day 8: Piton des Neiges
Departure in the morning for the first part of the ascent, the winding path that dominates Cilaos is steep. After 1300m of altitude difference, we reach the Piton des Neiges cottage at 2480m above sea level. At our feet, to the east, extends the Bébour forest, and further on the Indian Ocean. Night in a refuge, dinner on site.
4 hours of walking, altitude difference +1140m.
NB: Preparing the bags for 6 days. We will find the luggage in St Gilles on day 13.

Day 9: Piton des Neiges - Refuge de Bélouve
Departure very early before the clouds form, to reach the summit of Piton des Neiges, the highest point in Réunion at an altitude of 3070m. An exceptional view of the peaks of the Salazie and Cilaos cirques, we dominate the rampart of Gros Morne (Alt 2990m) and the entire Indian Ocean. Return to the refuge to get the bags and take the path leading to the Bélouve refuge on the green and humid side of the island. Night at the Bélouve refuge at an altitude of 1500m, dinner on site.
6 to 8 hours of walking, altitude difference -1500m/+700m.

Day 10: Bélouve Plateau - Bourg Murat
Hike without porting on the Bélouve plateau in the direction of the “Trou de Fer”. Walk in the heart of the primary forest in a tropical jungle atmosphere. Return to the refuge to pick up the bags, then transfer in the early afternoon to the Plaine des Cafres in Bourg Murat (1600m, 50min drive). Possibility, if it is open, to visit the volcano museum (not included). Night in a cottage in Bourg Murat, dinner on site.
3 to 4 hours of walking, altitude difference +100m/-150m.

Day 11: Grand Bassin
Short bus transfer to the starting point of our hike located at an altitude of 1600m. Descent of 900m of altitude via the Bois Court trail to Grand Bassin, a small authentic village nestled at an altitude of 700m at the bottom of a deep depression. This village is a real haven of peace. Possibility to swim under a beautiful waterfall of fresh water. Dinner and night at the Grand Bassin cottage.
5 hours of walking, altitude difference -900m/+620m.

Day 12: Piton de la Fournaise
In the morning, 2 hours of hiking to go up to the Bois Court belvedere (+600m of altitude difference) then transfer by vehicle to Piton Textor at 2164m above sea level, the starting point of our second hike (approx. 45min). After 3km we arrive on the edge of the eastern rampart (2440m); magnificent view of the plain of the sands. After 2.5 hours of walking, arrival at the volcano lodge, located less than one kilometer from the Piton de la Fournaise caldera at an altitude of 2240m. Night at the volcano cottage, dinner on site.
4 to 5 hours of walking, altitude difference +750m/-100m.

Day 13: La Fournaise - St Gilles
After crossing the Bellecombe Pass, we walk in a mineral desert made up of a pile of more or less recent lava flows to reach the edge of the Burning Crater, in the center of the volcano at an altitude of 2632m. The lunar landscape and the fumaroles make the show striking. Return to the volcano lodge.
Attention: the Piton de la Fournaise enclosure may be closed by prefectural decree in the event of significant seismic activity. In this case an alternative hike will be proposed.
Transfer to Saint Gilles (approx. 2 hours), check in at the hotel, free dinner on site
5 hours of walking, altitude difference +750m/-750m.

Last day

Day 14: St Denis from Reunion - Return flight
Free time then transfer to the airport (1 hour) and return international flight.
...
Free meals.

Day 15: Arrival in Paris

The course of this program is given for information purposes only. It may undergo modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment. In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).

SPOT

ZOOM ON: THE CIRCUS OF MAFATE

A timeless wilderness setting

Located in the National Park of Réunion, the Cirque de Mafate is a privileged place for hiking. It is an ancient volcano heart with steep ramparts and a wild character. The site is devoid of roads and can be explored via the numerous marked trails that crisscross the circus. Mafate offers sublime panoramas around a wild and preserved nature, between peaks, ravines, waterfalls and forests. Hikers are also seduced by the friendliness of the few inhabitants who populate the circus, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

ABOUT THE TRIP

Equipment Included

No equipment provided by UCPA.

Equipment Included

No equipment provided by UCPA.

Equipment not included

Bring 2 pieces of luggage (attention, no more than 20kg in total)
1 large backpack (50 to 60L) for hiking
1 bag to store unnecessary personal items during the trek.
...
This luggage will be picked up in St Gilles on day 14.

Recommended personal equipment
1 shorts
1 lightweight cotton pants
3 or 4 T-shirts
Towel (quick-drying), swimsuit
1 warm wool or fleece sweater
1 anorak that will be appreciated at altitude, especially from June to September
1 rain cape covering the bag
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Toiletry bag
1 light electric lamp
1 1L bottle
1 cutlery (bowl, knife, spoon)
2 large plastic bags (trash can type, to protect clothes in case of rain)
Toilet paper
Attention: bring more warm clothes for the periods from June to September (southern winter), gloves, hat, warm underwear, extra sweater.

In the storage bag
Anything that is not useful for trekking in order to walk with the lightest possible bag. You will find this Day 14 bag in St Gilles.

To walk
Light but sturdy hiking boots with a high heel that holds the ankles well and good notched soles
Hiking socks
Walking sticks.

For sleeping (lodgings and refuges are equipped with blankets)
Useless sleeping bag. For your comfort, it is best to provide a cotton sheet bag, which is as light as possible

Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, of which you will find some useful elements in the Formalities/Health section.

Equipment not included

Bring 2 pieces of luggage (attention, no more than 20kg in total)
1 large backpack (50 to 60L) for hiking
1 bag to store unnecessary personal items during the trek. This luggage will be picked up in St Gilles on day 14.

Recommended personal equipment
1 shorts
1 lightweight cotton pants
3 or 4 T-shirts
Towel (quick-drying), swimsuit
1 warm wool or fleece sweater
1 anorak that will be appreciated at altitude, especially from June to September
1 rain cape covering the bag
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Toiletry bag
1 light electric lamp
1 1L bottle
1 cutlery (bowl, knife, spoon)
2 large plastic bags (trash can type, to protect clothes in case of rain)
Toilet paper
Attention: bring more warm clothes for the periods from June to September (southern winter), gloves, hat, warm underwear, extra sweater.

In the storage bag
Anything that is not useful for trekking in order to walk with the lightest possible bag. You will find this Day 14 bag in St Gilles.

To walk
Light but sturdy hiking boots with a high heel that holds the ankles well and good notched soles
Hiking socks
Walking sticks.

For sleeping (lodgings and refuges are equipped with blankets)
Useless sleeping bag. For your comfort, it is best to provide a cotton sheet bag, which is as light as possible

Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, of which you will find some useful elements in the Formalities/Health section.

formalities administratives

For people of French nationality: valid national identity card or passport.

Nationals of EU member countries, Canadians and Swiss can stay there for no longer than three months without a visa.



formalities administratives

For people of French nationality: valid national identity card or passport.

Nationals of EU member countries, Canadians and Swiss can stay there for no longer than three months without a visa.



Physical intensity

Great sportsman

You are an accomplished athlete with at least 3 activities per week (intense or long running or cycling outings, cross training,...).
...
You are able to combine days of high-intensity activities during your vacation week.

Physical intensity

Great sportsman

You are an accomplished athlete with at least 3 activities per week (intense or long running or cycling outings, cross training,...). You are able to combine days of high-intensity activities during your vacation week.

Level of expertise

Hike - Level 3

For people used to hiking trips and/or practicing endurance physical activity 1 to 2 times a week. The proposed altitude difference is beginning to be significant (minimum +500m per day) and the outings are done during the day.
...
You are in a pure hiking trip.

Level of expertise

Hike - Level 3

For people used to hiking trips and/or practicing endurance physical activity 1 to 2 times a week. The proposed altitude difference is beginning to be significant (minimum +500m per day) and the outings are done during the day. You are in a pure hiking trip.

Portage

Carrying level 2

1 week program:
Carrying personal belongings for 5 days and picnics for 2 or 3 days, i.e. 8 to 12 kg.

...
2 week program:
Carrying personal belongings and picnics for 2 or 3 days, i.e. 10 to 12 kg, for the duration of the stay.

Portage

Carrying level 2

1 week program:
Carrying personal belongings for 5 days and picnics for 2 or 3 days, i.e. 8 to 12 kg.

2 week program:
Carrying personal belongings and picnics for 2 or 3 days, i.e. 10 to 12 kg, for the duration of the stay.

Restauration

During the trek, meals prepared with the help of the participants or by the lodge keepers (local cuisine often of Indian origin).
...
At noon, cold meal.
Restaurant in town.

Restauration

During the trek, meals prepared with the help of the participants or by the lodge keepers (local cuisine often of Indian origin).
At noon, cold meal.
Restaurant in town.

Management

Qualified mountain guide, whose role is first and foremost to guide you with maximum safety and to help you discover the environment.
...
Responsible for stewardship, he will appreciate the spontaneous and active participation of everyone at the stage in refueling, preparing meals, etc.

Management

Qualified mountain guide, whose role is first and foremost to guide you with maximum safety and to help you discover the environment. Responsible for stewardship, he will appreciate the spontaneous and active participation of everyone at the stage in refueling, preparing meals, etc.

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity ***
A sporty trek taking place on trails in varied terrain: high-altitude tropical forests, lava desert, cultivated areas near mountain villages.
...
Effort sometimes intense due to the significant differences in altitude and the stiffness of the trails, but no particular technical difficulty. However, it should be noted that after a rainy period some passages remain wet and slippery for a long time, (in particular the Le Piton - Bélouve stage and the descent through the Happy Valley).
Maximum altitude: 3000m.
Stages of 5 to 7 hours, sometimes longer in the second part of the trek.
Carry your personal belongings and some food (bag of about 10kg).

Electricity
The current used is 220 volts. Same sockets as in France.

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity ***
A sporty trek taking place on trails in varied terrain: high-altitude tropical forests, lava desert, cultivated areas near mountain villages.
Effort sometimes intense due to the significant differences in altitude and the stiffness of the trails, but no particular technical difficulty. However, it should be noted that after a rainy period some passages remain wet and slippery for a long time, (in particular the Le Piton - Bélouve stage and the descent through the Happy Valley).
Maximum altitude: 3000m.
Stages of 5 to 7 hours, sometimes longer in the second part of the trek.
Carry your personal belongings and some food (bag of about 10kg).

Electricity
The current used is 220 volts. Same sockets as in France.

Health and formalities

No vaccination is mandatory in Réunion, but we recommend that you be up to date with standard vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever.

...
Personal pharmacy recommended:
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Antimalarial
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Dengue: It is important to protect yourself individually from mosquito bites: repellent creams and sprays are very effective, and it may be a good idea to wear long clothes.

Dentist: a visit to your dentist before you leave can avoid a lot of inconveniences.

Important!
No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
We remind you that it is essential that you have at least a “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.

We advise you to consult the General Insurance Conditions pages on our website: https://www.ucpa.com/assurances

Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.

Health and formalities

No vaccination is mandatory in Réunion, but we recommend that you be up to date with standard vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever.

Personal pharmacy recommended:
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Antimalarial
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Dengue: It is important to protect yourself individually from mosquito bites: repellent creams and sprays are very effective, and it may be a good idea to wear long clothes.

Dentist: a visit to your dentist before you leave can avoid a lot of inconveniences.

Important!
No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
We remind you that it is essential that you have at least a “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.

We advise you to consult the General Insurance Conditions pages on our website: https://www.ucpa.com/assurances

Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.

Weather

The tropical climate of Réunion is mitigated by insularity and altitude. The East Coast gets a lot of rain, while the West Coast is much drier.
...
The hottest season, the southern summer from December to March, is also the rainy season.
Cooler and drier, the austral winter from May to November, is the most pleasant and most suitable season for hiking.
In July and August, it can freeze at altitude. There can be a 15°C difference between the coastline and the 2,600 m of the summit cone of La Fournaise. It is therefore imperative to equip yourself accordingly.

Time difference: +3 hours compared to Paris.

Weather

The tropical climate of Réunion is mitigated by insularity and altitude. The East Coast gets a lot of rain, while the West Coast is much drier.
The hottest season, the southern summer from December to March, is also the rainy season.
Cooler and drier, the austral winter from May to November, is the most pleasant and most suitable season for hiking.
In July and August, it can freeze at altitude. There can be a 15°C difference between the coastline and the 2,600 m of the summit cone of La Fournaise. It is therefore imperative to equip yourself accordingly.

Time difference: +3 hours compared to Paris.

Hosting

Lodges or refuges in villages or in the mountains. Hotel in Ermitage-les-Bains.

Hosting

Lodges or refuges in villages or in the mountains. Hotel in Ermitage-les-Bains.

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Air France, Air Caraïbes, Corsair...

...
On these companies, the maximum authorized baggage weight is 23 kg in the hold and up to 5 kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Air France, Air Caraïbes, Corsair...

On these companies, the maximum authorized baggage weight is 23 kg in the hold and up to 5 kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

formalities

No vaccination is mandatory in Réunion, but we recommend that you be up to date with standard vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever.

...
Personal pharmacy recommended:
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Antimalarial
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Dengue: It is important to protect yourself individually from mosquito bites: repellent creams and sprays are very effective, and it may be a good idea to wear long clothes.

Dentist: a visit to your dentist before you leave can avoid a lot of inconveniences.

Important!
No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
We remind you that it is essential that you have at least a “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.

We advise you to consult the General Insurance Conditions pages on our website: https://www.ucpa.com/assurances

Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.

formalities

No vaccination is mandatory in Réunion, but we recommend that you be up to date with standard vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever.

Personal pharmacy recommended:
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Antimalarial
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Dengue: It is important to protect yourself individually from mosquito bites: repellent creams and sprays are very effective, and it may be a good idea to wear long clothes.

Dentist: a visit to your dentist before you leave can avoid a lot of inconveniences.

Important!
No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
We remind you that it is essential that you have at least a “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.

We advise you to consult the General Insurance Conditions pages on our website: https://www.ucpa.com/assurances

Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.

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