6 Days • 5 Nights
Reunion Adventure: Canyoning, Paragliding & Peaks
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Canyoning down spectacular waterfalls and gorges is the exhilarating heart of this journey. Reunion is one of the world's great canyoning destinations, with spectacular canyons in the cirques of Cilaos and Salazie. You go canyoning down waterfalls and river gorges, abseiling down cascades, sliding down natural water slides, jumping into clear pools, and swimming through dramatic gorges amid spectacular scenery, an exhilarating, adrenaline-filled adventure. The thrill and scenery are exhilarating. Canyoning down spectacular waterfalls and river gorges in the cirques, abseiling cascades and swimming through dramatic gorges, is the exhilarating and unforgettable heart of this Reunion adventure.
- Paragliding over the turquoise lagoon from Saint-Leu is a thrilling highlight. Saint-Leu, on the west coast, is one of the world's great paragliding spots, with reliable thermals and a spectacular setting. You paraglide (tandem, with an expert pilot) from the heights above Saint-Leu, soaring over the turquoise lagoon and coast far below, taking in breathtaking views, a thrilling, magical flight. The thrill and views are exhilarating. Paragliding over the turquoise lagoon and coast from Saint-Leu, one of the world's great paragliding spots, soaring with breathtaking views, is a thrilling and unforgettable highlight of this Reunion adventure.
- Hiking the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano is a dramatic highlight. Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes on earth, and hiking it is unforgettable. From the caldera rim at Pas de Bellecombe, you hike across the otherworldly lava fields towards the smoking crater (conditions and rules allowing), an awe-inspiring, primal adventure amid a Mars-like landscape of craters, lava and moonscapes. The drama and scale are overwhelming. Hiking the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano, across otherworldly lava fields towards the smoking crater, is a dramatic and unforgettable highlight of this Reunion adventure.
- The spectacular cirque of Cilaos, with its canyons and peaks, is a spectacular highlight. Cilaos is a vast amphitheatre ringed by jagged peaks, a paradise for adventure. You explore the spectacular cirque, hiking its dramatic trails to breathtaking viewpoints, canyoning in its gorges, and, for the fit, hiking towards Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the Indian Ocean, all amid the spectacular scenery, reached by a dramatic road of over 400 bends. The scenery and adventure are spectacular. Exploring the spectacular cirque of Cilaos, hiking its dramatic trails and canyoning its gorges amid jagged peaks, is a spectacular and rewarding highlight of this Reunion adventure.
- Turquoise lagoons and Creole culture between adventures add balance. Between adrenaline adventures, you relax on the turquoise lagoon beaches of the west coast, snorkelling the marine reserve, and experience the warm Creole-French culture and delicious cuisine of Reunion, a lovely balance to the action. The lagoons and culture are wonderful. Relaxing on turquoise lagoon beaches and experiencing the warm Creole culture between adventures adds a lovely balance, a rewarding highlight of this action-packed Reunion adventure.
- Above all, this journey packs in the finest adventures amid the dramatic landscapes of Reunion. Reunion is one of the world's great adventure playgrounds, and this journey packs in its finest adventures. Over six days you go canyoning down spectacular waterfalls, paraglide over the turquoise lagoon, hike the active volcano, and explore the spectacular cirque of Cilaos, guided by expert adventure guides amid dramatic scenery, with turquoise lagoons and Creole culture for balance. The combination of canyoning, paragliding, volcano hiking and spectacular cirques makes this an exhilarating, action-packed journey. For thrill-seekers and lovers of adventure and dramatic nature.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your Reunion adventure begins as your flight arrives at Roland Garros Airport near Saint-Denis, where you are met and transferred to your hotel on the beautiful west coast, near Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu, the adventure heart of the island. Reunion is one of the world's great adventure playgrounds, and the dramatic beauty is immediately apparent. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, taking a first swim in the calm, protected turquoise lagoon and relaxing on the beach. This evening, dine on the delicious blend of Creole and French cuisine, and settle into the island rhythm. As you settle in, the beauty of Reunion and the promise of adventure work their magic. Rest well, ready to paraglide over the turquoise lagoon tomorrow.
Today you paraglide over the turquoise lagoon from Saint-Leu, one of the world's great paragliding spots. With an expert pilot, you take a tandem paragliding flight from the heights above Saint-Leu, soaring over the turquoise lagoon and coast far below, taking in breathtaking views of the reef, beaches and mountains, a thrilling, magical flight. The rest of the day is yours to relax on the lagoon, snorkelling the marine reserve, or explore the coast. The thrill and views are exhilarating. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, dine on Creole cuisine, savouring the thrill of the day. Rest well, ready to journey to the spectacular cirque of Cilaos for canyoning tomorrow.
Today you journey to the spectacular cirque of Cilaos and go canyoning. You travel up the famous, winding road to Cilaos, with over 400 bends climbing into the mountains, arriving in the charming Creole village set in a vast amphitheatre of jagged peaks. With expert guides, you go canyoning in the spectacular gorges, abseiling down waterfalls, sliding down natural water slides, jumping into clear pools, and swimming through dramatic gorges amid spectacular scenery, an exhilarating, adrenaline-filled adventure. The canyoning and scenery are exhilarating. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation in Cilaos. This evening, savour hearty Creole mountain cuisine, reflecting on the thrilling day. Rest well amid the beauty of the cirque, ready to explore Cilaos tomorrow.
Today you explore the spectacular cirque of Cilaos. You take a scenic hike amid the dramatic mountain scenery, to breathtaking viewpoints such as the Roche Merveilleuse, with views over the cirque and its jagged peaks, or along beautiful trails through forests and past waterfalls. You might go canyoning in a different gorge, try a via ferrata, or, for the fit, begin a hike towards Piton des Neiges. You explore the charming village and its Creole culture, thermal springs and wine. The scenery and adventure are spectacular. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation in Cilaos. This evening, savour Creole mountain cuisine and the cool air. Rest well amid the beauty of the cirque, ready to hike the active volcano tomorrow.
Today you journey to the volcano region and hike the active Piton de la Fournaise. You travel from Cilaos to the volcano region, taking in the dramatic changing scenery, and drive across the otherworldly Plaine des Sables, a Mars-like landscape, to Pas de Bellecombe on the caldera rim. With your guide, and conditions and rules allowing, you hike into the enclos and across the otherworldly lava fields towards the smoking crater, an awe-inspiring, primal adventure amid one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes on earth. The drama and scale are overwhelming. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation in the volcano region. This evening, savour Creole cuisine, reflecting on the awesome volcano and your thrilling adventures. Rest well amid the dramatic scenery, ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning in the volcano region or on the way to the coast, perhaps a last viewpoint, you journey to Roland Garros Airport near Saint-Denis for your onward international departure. You leave having packed in the finest adventures of Reunion, canyoning down spectacular waterfalls and gorges, paragliding over the turquoise lagoon from Saint-Leu, hiking the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano, and exploring the spectacular cirque of Cilaos, all amid dramatic scenery, with turquoise lagoons and Creole culture for balance. The images stay vivid long after you land, the thrilling canyoning, the paragliding over the lagoon, the awesome volcano and lava fields, and the spectacular cirque of Cilaos. Reunion offers world-class adventure amid some of the most dramatic scenery on earth, and you depart exhilarated, already dreaming of a return to the adventures of this spectacular island.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- Airport and land transfers
- Guided tours, hikes and excursions as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Services of expert local guides as per itinerary
- Expert adventure guiding, a canyoning excursion, a tandem paragliding flight, a Piton de la Fournaise volcano hike, a Cilaos cirque experience, and inter-region transfers
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Most lunches and dinners, and adventure equipment where not specified
- Optional additional activities and tips for guides
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Reunion is a French overseas department in the EU; entry rules follow those of France, and many nationalities can visit visa-free for short stays with a passport valid for the trip (note Reunion is not in the Schengen Area, so requirements can differ). We confirm the exact process for your nationality before travel
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR); cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops, but carry some cash for markets, small guesthouses (gites), mountain villages and rural areas. ATMs are available in towns; Reunion is a modern, well-developed French department
- Best time to visit: The cooler, drier winter (roughly April to November) is ideal for hiking and touring, with clearer mountain weather; the humpback-whale season runs about June to October. The summer (December to March) is hotter and wetter with a cyclone risk, though the coast remains warm; mountain weather can change fast year-round
- Hiking & the volcano: Reunion is a world-class hiking island; bring good boots, warm and waterproof layers (mountains are cool and weather changes fast, and Piton des Neiges is over 3,000m), and start early. Access to Piton de la Fournaise volcano depends on its activity and official rules; we follow current guidance for safe, rewarding visits
- Mafate & the cirques: The remote Cirque of Mafate is accessible only on foot or by helicopter, with stays in mountain gites (lodges); Cilaos and Salazie are reached by dramatic, winding mountain roads. We arrange guided hikes, gite stays, transfers and, where wished, scenic helicopter flights for an unforgettable mountain experience
- Language & driving: French is the language and Reunion Creole is widely spoken; some English is spoken in tourism, and our guides assist throughout. Driving is on the right, and mountain roads are steep and winding; we arrange private transfers and guides. Reunion blends French and Creole culture, with excellent cuisine
- Health & safety: Reunion is a safe French department with no malaria, though mosquito-borne dengue and chikungunya can occur, so use repellent. The tropical sun and high-altitude UV are strong, so bring sun protection; heed swimming-safety advice on some coasts (shark-safe swimming is within the protected lagoons and marine reserve). Take comprehensive travel insurance
- Power & getting around: Touring combines private vehicles and guided hikes, with some long, scenic mountain drives; Mafate is on foot or by helicopter. Power is 230V with European type C/E plugs, so bring an adapter. Reunion offers dramatic mountains, an active volcano, lagoon beaches and rich Creole culture in a compact, spectacular island
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience for canyoning and paragliding?
No prior experience is needed. Canyoning is done with expert guides who provide all equipment and safety, with routes for beginners to experienced (we match the level to you); a reasonable level of fitness and comfort in water help. Paragliding is tandem, with an expert pilot who does the flying, so you simply enjoy the flight. Both are exhilarating and accessible to first-timers. We tailor the adventures to your experience and comfort, so thrill-seekers of all levels can enjoy Reunion's world-class adventures safely.
Can the adventures be tailored to my level and interests?
Absolutely. Reunion offers an extraordinary range of adventures, canyoning, paragliding, volcano and peak hikes, via ferrata, mountain biking, rafting and more, at levels from beginner to expert. We tailor the activities, difficulty and pace to your experience, fitness and interests, and can add or swap adventures, or balance them with more relaxation, lagoon time or culture. Just let us know your appetite for adrenaline, and we craft your ideal action-packed or balanced adventure on this spectacular island.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (such as dinners at mountain gites on multi-day hikes, or half board at some hotels). Reunion has superb Creole and French cuisine, from cari (Creole curries) and rougail to fresh fish, tropical fruit and French pastries and wine, and we advise on the best board basis and dining, often leaving meals free to explore the island's excellent restaurants and Creole tables d'hotes.
Are the tours and hikes guided?
Yes, the touring and hikes are led by expert local guides who bring the volcano, cirques, waterfalls and Creole culture vividly to life and ensure safety in the mountains, and touring is by private vehicle. Reunion is a world-class hiking and adventure island, and guided experiences, from volcano hikes and cirque treks to canyoning and paragliding, greatly enrich and enable the adventure. We tailor the guiding and pace to you.
Do I need a visa for Reunion?
Reunion is a French overseas department in the EU, and entry follows French rules; many nationalities visit visa-free for short stays with a valid passport (note Reunion is not in the Schengen Area, so requirements can differ from mainland France). We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality before travel, so entry is smooth. Reunion is a modern, well-connected French department.
Is Reunion safe to visit?
Reunion is a safe, modern French department, welcoming and well-developed, with excellent infrastructure and no malaria. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere. In the mountains, we use expert guides and follow weather and volcano guidance for safety; on the coast, we advise swimming within the protected lagoons and marine reserve (which are shark-safe). The island is easy, rewarding and spectacular to explore, blending French and Creole culture.
When is the best time to visit?
The cooler, drier winter (roughly April to November) is ideal for hiking and touring, with clearer mountain weather, and includes the humpback-whale season (June to October). The summer (December to March) is hotter and wetter with a cyclone risk, though the coast stays warm and the island lush. Mountain weather changes fast year-round. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether hiking, whales or beaches.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of volcano and cirque hiking, canyoning, paragliding and adventure, lagoon beaches, Creole culture and relaxation, add a Mafate trek or helicopter flight, whale watching in season, and tailor the pace and difficulty to you. Reunion offers dramatic mountains, an active volcano, beaches and rich culture, and every journey is tailored to create your ideal adventure and discovery of this spectacular island.
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