After crossing the Col du Taïbit, which offers a magnificent view of the cirques of Cilaos and Mafate, this challenging descent towards the Rivière des Galets allows you to continue exploring the southern part of the Mafate cirque. This stage can be included in a multi-day route.
Country:
France
City:
Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (97460) 
(S) From the centre of Marla, leave theGR®-R2 and turn left onto theGR®-R3 towards the three rocks.
(1) As you leave the islet, after crossing a small plateau and a stretch in the shade of the casuarina trees, you begin a descent down a scree slope towards the riverbed. The terrain is rocky, unstable and slippery in places. After fording the river, you’ll find yourself on the other bank of the Rivière des Galets (E).
Refreshments available at Marla (water and food). There is little shade in places, so make sure you take sun protection.
Overall rating : 4.3 / 5
Date of your route : Feb 11, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
As mentioned in a previous comment, do feel free to visit 3 Roches.
That day, we made our way up to La Nouvelle via the Plaine des Sables – a lovely way to get from Marla to La Nouvelle.
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Overall rating : 4 / 5
Date of your route : Jun 20, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
A lovely, enjoyable walk with beautiful views 
I’d recommend carrying on as far as Trois Roches. Be careful, though, when the sun is at its highest: in those conditions, the climb back up can be quite tough.
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Marla - Cilaos 
2.65 mi
+1,588 ft
-2,687 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Marla - Roche Plate 
5.15 mi
+1,037 ft
-2,726 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Cilaos – La Nouvelle 
6.40 mi
+3,691 ft
-3,163 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
The Col du Taïbit from the road from Ilet to Cordes 
4.62 mi
+2,805 ft
-2,805 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
Ascent to the Col du Taïbit 
4.02 mi
+2,851 ft
-2,838 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
La Nouvelle - Le Bélier 4.09 mi
+1,926 ft
-1,227 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The Bras Rouge Waterfall 
2.61 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,066 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
The Chapel at the start of the trail from Cilaos 
4.56 mi
+2,041 ft
-2,067 ft
3h 55
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
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