Refine your search for walks in Caverne Dufour (Plaine des Chicots)
Caverne Dufour (Plaine des Chicots) walks
La Roche Écrite via Dos d'Âne
Tourist office 
21.86 km
+1,352 m
-1,346 m
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
La Roche Écrite rises to 2,276 metres and is accessible from several points. The route via Dos d'Ane is one of the longest, but also one of the most beautiful, with frequent views of the Cirque de Mafate in the first section. Some sections along the ridge are vertiginous and offer unique views. The detour via the Mare aux Cerfs and the Caverne Soldat adds an extra dimension to this long, challenging route.
Walks near Caverne Dufour (Plaine des Chicots)
Le Bélier - Aurére
Visorando Member 
8.17 km
+324 m
-1,054 m
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
First stage in the Cirque de Mafate.
Cayenne - Roche Plate
Visorando Member 6.99 km
+1,092 m
-513 m
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.
Scout Trail starting from Grand Place
Visorando Member 
11.72 km
+1,307 m
-637 m
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The famous Scout Trail, where the ridge sections offer impressive views of the Mafate cirque.
La Nouvelle - Le Bélier
Visorando Member 6.59 km
+587 m
-374 m
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The final stage of the Mafate circular loop.
Roche Plate - Marla
Visorando Member 
8.06 km
+817 m
-295 m
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Second day of the hike in the Cirque de Mafate.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
Visorando Member 
11.90 km
+1,603 m
-81 m
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
You reach the most legendary point of the Tour des Trois Cirques as you approach Piton des Neiges. The prettiest path, even if it is longer, goes through the Bélouve Forest with its splendid view of Piton des Neiges and its mountainous surroundings, and the primeval forest with its twisted trees and wild vegetation. As you arrive at the Caverne Dufour, there is a magnificent view of the Fournaise volcano and the other craters.
Marla - Roche Plate
Visorando Member 
8.28 km
+316 m
-831 m
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Stage 3 of the 6-day route in the Cirque de Mafate.
On this stage, we’ll make our way from Marla to Roche Plate via the superb site of the 3 Roches. It is here that the Galets River disappears into an impressive crevasse.
The Roche Plate site is situated directly below the Maïdo viewpoint.
Marla - Cilaos
Visorando Member 
4.27 km
+484 m
-819 m
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Third and final day in the Cirque de Mafate, heading back to Cilaos.
Refuge Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Hell Bourg
Visorando Member 
12.82 km
+622 m
-2,117 m
5h 25
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
A gruelling hike (in terms of duration), with a night-time ascent of Piton des Neiges to watch the sunrise, a return to the refuge to collect your rucksack, then a descent to Hell Bourg. Consider spending a day in Hell Bourg and visiting the ancient thermal baths.
