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Gorges du Bras de la Plaine walks
The Petite Ravine Trail
Visorando Member
1.93 mi
+1,440 ft
-1,440 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
There are several ways to reach the Bras de la Plaine. The route via the Sentier de la Petite Ravine is fairly well-known but rarely featured in guidebooks! This relatively short path leads right next to the beautiful Caverne de la Petite Ravine. If the opportunity arises, don’t hesitate to have a swim in the river or go and see the magnificent gorges downstream from the cave: do not attempt either of these if the water level is too high!
The Bras de la Plaine Gorges from the Entre-Deux
6.10 mi
+3,150 ft
-3,173 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
Here is an extraordinary water-based hike. This ascent of the Bras de la Plaine through the gorges is a hike that has to be earned. All along the way, it is a succession of caves, rock formations and very narrow passages where light struggles to penetrate. You will very often get your feet wet in this magnificent area, and that is what makes this hike so charming. However, GPS reception is very poor in the steep-sided sections.
Easy Walks near Gorges du Bras de la Plaine
Cilaos le Bloc - Dufour Refuge
2.19 mi
+3,668 ft
-72 ft
4 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
A gruelling 4-hour climb over log steps or very slippery boulders leading to the Refuge de la Caverne Dufour.
Piton des Neiges and Coteau Kervéguen
10.06 mi
+6,227 ft
-6,158 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
The ascent of Piton des Neiges, the highest point on the island of Réunion (and in the entire Indian Ocean), offers a unique 360° panorama. This is a popular hike, for which we suggest a less travelled descent route.
Dufour Cave - Cilaos
5.04 mi
+328 ft
-4,485 ft
2h 35
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
Due to a typhoon passing near the island, bad weather prevented us from climbing to Piton des Neiges. So we descended directly to Cilaos from the Dufour cave refuge.
Caverne Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Cilaos
7.29 mi
+2,011 ft
-6,207 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
It is on this final day that you reach the legendary summit of Piton des Neiges at sunrise. The descent in broad daylight offers a breathtaking view of this volcanic desert, which is gradually becoming covered in vegetation. The long descent towards Cilaos, following the other side of Piton des Neiges, takes you through a fascinating nature reserve.
Refuge Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Hell Bourg
7.96 mi
+2,041 ft
-6,946 ft
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.
Cilaos – La Nouvelle
6.40 mi
+3,691 ft
-3,163 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
This is the first stage of a 3-day route in the Cirque de Mafate. It follows well-known trails and takes you to La Nouvelle, the largest îlet in Mafate, through idyllic countryside surrounded by the impressive peaks of Piton des Neiges and the Trois Salazes.
Marla - Cilaos
2.65 mi
+1,588 ft
-2,687 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Third and final day in the Cirque de Mafate, heading back to Cilaos.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
5.26 mi
+5,292 ft
-240 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
A warm-up hike to the Piton des Neiges, though this is only suitable for experienced walkers as the slope is steep.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
7.39 mi
+5,259 ft
-266 ft
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
5.15 mi
+1,037 ft
-2,726 ft
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.