42% of the island is declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
Immersion in the impressive Mafate Circus
The dizzying views from Dos d’Âne
Exploring the lunar landscapes of Pleine des Sables
Ascent of Piton de Neiges, the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean (3,070m).
Lush vegetation with more than 800 endemic species
Touring the Circo de Cilaos and its Creole architecture
Ascent of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
The spicy Reunion cuisine
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Vanilla islands TREK THE MEETING GR R2
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Our laboratory has been on fire lately
This year we are inaugurating new routes, specifically we have emphasized special trekking routes for those who love to discover the less explored areas of the planet.
TREK GR R2: LA REUNION FROM NORTH TO SOUTH is the result of our love for hiking trips and the neighboring island of La Reunion. A place only suitable for trekking and hiking lovers. A real challenge for which a very good physical condition and a great spirit of sacrifice will be necessary. From 5 to 8 hours of walking per day (level 3/5).
This trek is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Reunion Island offers 3 GR trekking routes. The GR R1 is around the Piton des Neiges crossing the three cirques: Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie in an itinerary of approximately 60 km. The GR R3 is a 5-day immersion in the spectacular Cirque de Mafate and this one, “La Grande Traversée”, the GR R2, runs through the central part of the island in a spectacular trek from north to south or the other way around.
This trek takes place during 12 stages, although they can be increased or reduced depending on the fitness level of the trekkers. The average is 5h30 per day, although some stages will be shorter and others longer. The difference in altitude can reach more than 1000m of accumulated positive altitude gain.
Our route starts in Saint-Denis, the arrival airport and ends in the Basse Vallée, in the wild south of Reunion. We will ascend to the Roche Écrite, from where we will have a breathtaking view over the Salazie cirque. A dive awaits us in the famous Mafate cirque, isolated from the rest of the island, and accessible only on foot or by helicopter, where we will know the “ilets”, isolated plains located between the steep mountains where the communities founded by slaves (noirs marrons) fled seeking their freedom through dizzying ridges using even ropes. There is an îlet called aux Cordes for this reason.
After Mafate, the Cilaos cirque awaits us, famous for its canyons and its wine-growing activity. The ascent of the Piton des Neiges, the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean and culminating at 3,070m, will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of our trek. We will then descend to the Plaine des Sables and its lunar landscape, to ascend the famous volcano Piton de la Fournaise (2,632m) and end our trek in the wild south of Reunion, in Basse Vallée.
A well-deserved rest in Saint Gilles les Bains as the culmination of this spectacular trekking, where we will be able to do a whale safari (from June to September), diving, snorkeling, catamaran excursions, helicopter overflight…
Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVAL AT THE MEETING / SAINT-DENIS
Arrival at Saint-Denis Roland Garros airport, reception by the Indigo Be coordinator and private transfer to the hotel in Saint-Denis. Brief briefing of the next stage and delivery of information material. Free time to visit the famous “Rue de Paris” and its Creole houses, as well as the lively pedestrian streets of downtown Saint-Denis full of stores, restaurants and bars. Check-in at the hotel.
HOTEL AUSTRAL 3* HOTEL
DAY 2
SAINT-DENIS / LA ROCHE ECRITE
Breakfast and private transfer to the starting point of the GR R2, the Providence. From here, a long climb on foot will take us to the Roche Écrite lodge, a Natural Reserve created in 1999 and covering an area of 3,635 hectares comprising the ” Plaine des Chicots, the Plaine d’Affouches and the Hauts de la Montagne.635 hectares comprising the “Plaine des Chicots, the Plaine d’Affouches and the Heights of the Mountain” is part of the Reunion National Park and is very appreciated by lovers of botany as we will cross a primary forest full of tree ferns, calumets (bamboo endemic to Reunion), cryptomerias, tamarinds … Installation in the shelter located about 1h30 from the summit that we will face the next morning.
Elevation + 1890m / – 100m
Approximate duration 7 hours
HOSTEL
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 3
AUBERGE LA ROCHE ECRITE / DOS D’ÂNE
Breakfast and early morning ascent (voluntary) to the summit of La Roche Écrite ( 2,276m). It is not part of the GR R2 but from its summit we will have a breathtaking view of the Salazie cirque, Mafate and the Piton des Neiges (Elevation gain + 440 / – 440 / 3h round trip). We will continue to Dos d’Âne through a tropical rainforest trail. We will face a long ridge to Cap Noir and between the vegetation we will see the cirque of Mafate and Dos d’Âne (1,044 m).
Breakfast and start of our dive in the Mafate cirque through a technical descent that will take us to the Rivière des Galets, a river that we will encounter several times during our trek. This cirque is accessible only on foot or by helicopter and its small and isolated villages were founded by former African and Malagasy slaves who sought the long-awaited freedom, in fact, Mafate, was the name of a Malagasy slave who was one of the first to take refuge in this remote mountainous area of the island. We will arrive at the Ilet d’Aurère, the “ilets” are precisely these isolated plains between steep mountains where the communities founded by slaves (noirs marrons) took refuge.
Breakfast and continue walking to explore the cirque of Mafate, crossing small “îlets” mountain villages that live isolated from everything and still retain a great particular charm. Like the îlet Malheur, îlet Bourse… We will arrive at Grand Place les Hauts, where we will settle in the lodge.
Breakfast and third day of trekking inside the cirque of Mafate, we will walk approximately 1h30 and whoever wishes can take a bath or cool off in the Rivière des Galets. We will continue our trekking crossing several îlets and admiring the superb views over the Bas Mafate. Arrival at La Roche Plate at the foot of the famous viewpoint of the Piton Maïdo.
Elevation + 1030m / – 790m
Approximate time 6h15
HOSTEL
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 7
ROCHE PLATE / LA NOUVELLE / MARLA
Breakfast and today we will face one of the wildest and most difficult stages of the GR R2 due to the orography. We will walk along the Rivière des Galets at the foot of the Bronchard peak, a peculiar mountain with a completely flat top that gives its name to the Roche Plate region. After crossing the river several times, we will start the ascent to La Nouvelle, the most populated îlet of the Mafate cirque. In the afternoon, we will continue ascending to Marla, the highest îlet of the cirque (1,630m) where we will settle in the lodge.
Alternative: we can reach Marla through another more direct route leaving the GR R2 and following the GR R3 that allows us to enjoy the waterfall of Trois-Roches, a fracture produced on the basaltic soil through which the water of the Rivière des Galets rushes.
Breakfast and ascent to the Col du Taïbit, natural border between the cirques of Mafate and Cilaos. We will continue on foot to the Cirque de Cilaos in a long descent that will take us to the Bras Rouge waterfall and the famous mountain village of Cilaos. This village is accessible by car through the famous road of the “400 curves” so it has all kinds of services and amenities so that our night here will allow us a good rest.
Breakfast and walking tour of the original mountain village of Cilaos, twinned with Chamonix and renowned for its legendary thermal baths, its famous lentils, its embroidery and its great wine activity. Early afternoon ascent to the Caverne Dufour refuge.
Ascent (voluntary) at dawn (04h00) to the top of the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean, the Piton des Neiges, 3,070 meters high (Elevation gain + 600 / -600 4h round trip). We will admire the sunrise from its summit and descend back to the refuge to have breakfast and then continue our trekking to the Plaine des Cafres. This is a technical and very muddy trail that will leave us on the RN3 road and from here we will continue to the mountain village of Bourg-Murat where we will settle in a guesthouse.
Breakfast and continuation of our trekking towards the south of the island crossing the wet meadows of the Plaine des Cafres and discovering little by little the arid landscapes of the Piton de la Fournaise massif. The arrival at the Plaine des Sables is one of the most magical moments of our trek in the middle of a spectacular lunar landscape. Installation at the lodge.
Night departure (around 04h). Armed with our headlamps, we will start our ascent to Piton de la Fournaise (2632m), one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. We will descend briefly to the Enclós Fouquet, the caldera formed in the last eruption and from which we will reach the crater of Formica Léo. During the ascent we will admire several craters and different formations of solidified lava until we reach the Dolomieu crater. This volcano occupies almost a third of the island of Reunion and since 2020 is a member of a select Club: Natural Heritage of UNESCO for its exceptional universal value as well as the Piton de Neiges, part of the National Park of Reunion, 42% of the island is World Heritage!
Breakfast and continuation of the trekking through the GR R2 bordering the caldera of the Piton de la Fournaise and observing other volcanic cones such as the Piton de Bert and the Puys Ramond. These are about fifteen small volcanic craters that will give way to a beautiful tropical forest of lush vegetation leaving the lunar landscape that has accompanied us these last two days. We will make the longest descent of our entire trek until we arrive in the early afternoon to the valley of Basse Vallée, from where we will travel by vehicle to the beaches of Saint Gilles.
Elevation gain + 100m / -1750m
Approximate duration 7h (1h45 by car to Saint Gilles)
HOTEL ALLAMANDA 2*.
Breakfast
DAY 14
SAINT GILLES LES BAINS
Breakfast and free day on the beaches of Saint Gilles. A well-deserved rest to round off this spectacular trek, where we can go on a whale safari (from June to September), diving, snorkeling, catamaran excursions, helicopter overflight…or simply enjoy the “dolce far niente”.
HOTEL ALLAMANDA 2*.
Breakfast
DAY 15
SAINT GILLES / SAINT DENIS / FLIGHT HOME
Breakfast and at the agreed time, transfer to the airport to take the international flight.
Breakfast
Possibility of adding additional nights on the beach and/or upgrading the proposed category.
Please note that only double or single rooms will be available at the following accommodations: Hotel Austral 3*, Le Vieux Cep 3*, Maison d’hôtes Côté Volcan and at the Hotel Allamanda 2*.
In the lodges and shelters you will spend the night in rooms with bunk beds for 4, 6 or 8 people. The Piton de Neiges refuge has rooms with bunk beds for up to 15 people with shared bathrooms. If you wish you can add the supplement below and stay in double rooms where possible (not always with private bathrooms).
SUPPLEMENTS
Supplement double room in the lodges and lodges (except in the Caverne Dufour Hut in Piton des Neiges): 72 € per person in double room (private bathroom in La Roche Écrite, Dos d’Âne and in the volcano lodge and shared bathrooms in the rest).
Helicopter overflight 45 minutes (Circuses + Volcano + Coast): 320 € per person
LUGGAGE
(*) Luggage transfer supplement: 810 € to be divided among the number of participants.
(**)Supplement for luggage transfer to Cilaos only: 430 € to be divided among the number of participants.
(*)Luggage will be transferred exclusively to points where it is accessible by vehicle, in this case to: Dos d’Âne, Cilaos, Bourg-Murat, Pas de Bellecombe and Saint-Gilles Les Bains.
THE PRICE INCLUDES
Accommodation in the hotels, lodges and mountain refuges provided or similar
Transfers airport-hotel Saint Denis; Saint-Gilles-airport
All breakfasts
9 dinners included
Tourist taxes
Transfers by private vehicle Saint Denis-Providence and Basse Vallée-Saint Gilles
All visits and excursions mentioned as INCLUDED in the program.
24h 7/7 on-site assistance
Travel Dossier
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International airline tickets
Midday lunches (light picnic lunches or meals in small snack bars or bakeries in the mountain villages)
5 dinners (1 in Saint-Denis, 1 in Cilaos, 1 in Bourg Murat and 2 in Saint Gilles)
Luggage transfer between stages
The public bus in case you want “alternative” proposals for the Cilaos and Bourg-Murat stages.
Mountain guide (request a quote)
Beverages
Personal expenses
We recommend a multi-risk insurance that covers accidents in the mountains as well as a cancellation insurance.
Tips
It is a trekking of difficulty 3/5 determined on the basis of an average. There are stages of 5, and others of 4. The positive slopes are pronounced between 500 and 800 meters most of the route, although there are stages that exceed 1000 meters.
A VERY GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION IS NECESSARY TO FACE THIS TREKKING.
This program can be modified according to your expectations, also due to external causes such as weather conditions.
For a good development of this trek it is essential to have a team spirit. The cohesion of the group is an important factor, helping each other in difficult passages, waiting for each other, and taking care of each other are indispensable elements to facilitate some stages.
A principle to be respected: always wait for the traveler behind you.
Being immersed in nature for consecutive days with itinerant walks requires a spirit of sacrifice. A good physical and mental preparation is essential to walk this GR R2, as well as a pioneering spirit and a passion for adventure and challenges.
This trip is a real TREKKING in capital letters. The itinerary is indicative and could be modified at any time if necessary due to force majeure such as the closure of a lodge due to weather conditions or imminent eruption of the volcano.
The walking and route times and the number of kilometers are approximate, these elements are given as an indication and can be modified at any time.
We will be able to get food at midday in all the small mountain villages and stock up to prepare a sandwich, samoussas, fruit and mineral water…
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON ACCOMMODATIONS
This trekking route includes hotels, guesthouses, lodges and mountain refuges. Please note that in the lodges and shelters we will sleep in bunk beds in rooms with up to 15 beds. However, most of them have between 4 and 8 bunk beds. Bathrooms are always shared except in specific cases of hostels that offer double rooms (see supplements).
Instead of restricting our itineraries to areas that offer standard accommodation, we prefer to stay in more basic and spartan infrastructures in order to enjoy an exceptional location. The accommodations we offer in our expeditions are not selected because they have wifi, air conditioning, swimming pool or TV in the rooms, for our philosophy in adventure travel, that is not the most important thing. Our goal is to reach the most authentic, unspoiled and spectacular places. Enjoy these experiences, they are part of the journey.
The lodges and shelters offer sheets and blankets except for the Piton des Neiges shelter, which only offers blankets, so we recommend a sleeping bag. No towels or hygiene products are provided in any of the lodges/shelters.
TRAVELER’S KIT
What to pack for a trekking in Reunion?
Indigo Be advises travelers (at its discretion) not to forget in their luggage:
A good Gore-tex trekking shoe and vibram anti-slip sole.
Sandal for the beach or shower
Breathable and quick-drying T-shirts
Thermal T-shirt
A breathable sweater
Gore-Tex® type jacket
Fleece lining
Windbreaker
One pair of shorts
A pair of hiking pants
Comfortable pants for evening wear
A waterproof protection for pants
One layer or raincoat
A swimsuit
A small quick-drying towel
Sports underwear
Special socks for trekking
Sack sheet
High mineral protection sunscreen and respectful with the marine environment
Wet wipes (if you bring them, please take them back to your home country where they can be treated)
Headlamp, water bottle (minimum 1.5l) and walking sticks
Cap or hat to protect you from the sun
Sunglasses
Razor
Photographic equipment (memory cards, batteries, include underwater camera if you are going snorkeling).
Waterproof bag for photographic material and/or important documents.
Toilet bag with basic hygiene products
Euros or dollars to exchange.
Passport and travel insurance scanned in a cloud. Useful in case of loss.
First aid kit (Relec Forte mosquito repellent, blister dressings, disinfectant and antiseptic, sterile compresses, scissors, elastic adhesive bandage, paracetamol, anti-inflammatory, water purification tablets and your usual medicines).
And anything else that you consider appropriate and that you can carry, of course.
GENERAL FEATURES OF OUR TRIPS TO REUNION ISLAND
Our trips are designed from knowledge, we are Madagascar residents since 2006 and we know the Indian islands like the back of our hand. Our team conducts more than 17 surveys per year throughout the Indian islands, to verify on the spot the state of parks, trails, hotels, new developments and discover new treasures that are still hidden today. We are updated almost daily.
Any tour in La Réunion leaves room for the unexpected, so we ask for your flexibility in approaching the trip as travelers and not as conventional tourists.
To participate in our trips, a minimum level of physical fitness is required, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy the parks or landscapes farther away from the conventional routes.
Our adventure trips are not for everyone, they are participatory trips, in which you will not be made to row or wash your cutlery, for this we give employment to the local population, however, we want your passage through the island to cause the least possible impact, neither environmental nor social, that is where we ask for your collaboration.
The hotels are varied in our classic routes, from 5*, 4*, 3*, 2* to charming guesthouses, refuges and hostels depending on the hotel infrastructure available. We always try to include hotels with a good quality/price ratio, but in many occasions we are forced to use refuges or hostels, especially in trekking because the location does not have more hotel infrastructure or because it is in an exceptional place that deserves the stay.
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as receptive at Madagascar and Indian Ocean
inspirational for dreaming from your sofa
Spanish speakers experienced
responsible tourism and sustainable
of satisfaction
18/05/2025
A phenomenal trip
A few notes to thank you for your effort and patience. A phenomenal trip that is already asking me to come back. Delighted with the destination, the selection of activities and the organization. Nomad Photo Expeditions Photographic Group.
Harry Fisch ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
An extraordinary journey
I totally recommend it, direct, clear and familiar treatment Sylvia, Jaume and Sergi are charming.
Small and well-organized groups.
Santa our guide is a crack.
And Madagascar with its lemurs, its baobabs, its people and its landscapes stole my heart, I don’t know which one to choose.
A dream come true!
We are eager to return and get to know more corners of the island. And certainly with Indigo Be!!!!
Montserrat Ros DISCOVER MADAGASCAR
Impeccable organization
Everything was excellent! Highly recommended, both the country, a place of contrasts in its landscapes and its people, and agency with an impeccable organization! Thanks to Sylvia, Jaume for the organization and of course to Luca and Mami for guiding us all over the country!
Glòria Ramon ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
Professional people who love their work
Misaotra to the whole team, after 25 years traveling and having traveled through most of Africa you can feel flattered because it is the first time we meet such professional people who love their work and put so much passion in showing and sharing their country. Thank you Sylvia for your attention and for being there when needed. Of course we will see you in your next meeting adventure.
Clara Montes REMOTE RIVER EXPEDITION
A highly prepared team
An impeccable organization, with values that I share, a very professional team, highly prepared and dedicated to the traveler. They respect the country, its people and nature, and make us love Madagascar through their accompaniment.
Antonio Maria Following the Green Heart
Baobab Expedition, tough but intense
Back home and trying to assimilate everything we learned. Thank you Silvia for joining us on this fantastic trip, it has been a privilege to have you as a guide, the group already saw that we got along from the first day, and the route was amazing. We recommend the Baobab Expedition to all travelers, hard but intense.
Sara BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Magnificent trip through Madagascar
Excellent professionals who helped us to have a great trip in Madagascar. Thank you very much, Sylvia, Jaume, Sergi, Santa (great local guide) and all the staff. We will surely come back.
Norberto Rosseti ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
Indigo Be's affection for the country is evident.
Lupe Bote BAOBAB EXPEDITION
An authentic experience
I chose the “Baobab Expedition” itinerary with Indigo Be and it has been an unforgettable and authentic experience… Indigo Be is an agency of young professionals who love and know Madagascar in depth and transmit their passion and enthusiasm for the country to the travelers.
Our guide, Jaume, has facilitated, at all times, with his efficiency and kindness, the smooth running of the day to day.
Thanks to all the professional team of Indigo Be and ENHORABONAAAAAAAAAAA Jaume “per la feina ben feta”. A hug !!!!!
Elisabeth Segui BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Unique, surprising and unforgettable island
Madagascar; it sounds remote, like a cartoon movie and impossible animals. It is that, and also an island-country with little tourism that oozes African sap sweetened with Asian touches.
Descend a river between jungle canyons and sleep on its beaches protected from crocodiles; go deep into the jungle and listen to the sounds of its most characteristic animals, the lemurs; dive among tropical fish with the sound of humpback whales in the background; stroll at sunset along an avenue lined with giant baobabs; discover impressive rock formations in the shape of thousands of needles; taste seafood seasoned with French-influenced dyes or simply stroll along a beach waiting for the arrival of fishermen. All this is Madagascar.
Madagascar promises disconnection, adventure and exoticism…and with Indigo Be you get it!
Thank you for being wonderful hosts of this unique, surprising and unforgettable island.
Antonia Rubio BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Experiences that will stay with me for life
Among shadowy jungles, deep rock canyons and red clay moors, I found sights and experiences that will stay with me for life. And what better than from the hand of local experts like Indigo Be.
Raul Martin MADA & SEYCHELLES ADVENTURE
Ready, set... GO!
Because every trip is different and every traveller is unique, you have the opportunity to co-create YOUR PERFECT TRIP with us. And you ask yourself, how?
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OUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
A meeting via WhatsApp or Zoom with us to have a virtual tea or coffee and guide you on what we can offer you based on your travel requirements.
ROUTE DESIGN
We work with you to create a route that is 100% tailored to your preferences: accommodation, vehicle, guide, visits, activities, meetings...
SERVICES
We offer you the chance to enhance your trip with our little ‘pills’ that will make your experience unique and memorable.
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Tailor-made trips
Adventure
Trekking
Possibility of adding additional nights on the beach and/or upgrading the proposed category. 
