A climb up Piton de la Fournaise with the volcano explained on the way
At a glance
- Theme
- Guided hikes
- Duration
- 5–6 h
- Season
- Drier May — November; start at dawn
From the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint the trail drops into the caldera, crosses the lava field and climbs to the rim of the Dolomieu crater. The guide explains what is under your feet: ropy lava, the Formica Leo cone, flows from different years.
With a guide you can also leave the marked path to reach recent flows, when that is permitted. During eruptions and alerts the prefecture closes the caldera: check the status the day before.
Where to book
We describe a type of tour, not a specific offer. Prices, schedules and availability are on the booking platforms. Duration and season are a rough guide.
Departure point on the map
Purple dot: departure area (approximate); orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay near the start
All places to stay in the area →
Things to see nearby
Viewpoint
Pas de Bellecombe lookout
The rim of the caldera, facing the volcano's crater≈ 50 m
Hike
To the Dolomieu crater
A walk across solidified lava to the rim of the volcano's main crater≈ 3.9 km
Nature
Plaine des Sables
A Martian landscape of red scoria on the road to the volcano≈ 4.3 km
Nature
Grand Galet waterfall (Langevin)
A wide waterfall and freshwater pools in the Langevin valley≈ 10 kmOther tours on Réunion
All tours →
Guided hikes
Overnight trek into the Mafate cirqueA cirque without roads: on foot from hamlet to hamlet, with a night in a gîte
2–3 daysMay — November
From the air
Helicopter flight over the cirques and the volcanoThree cirques, the Trou de Fer waterfalls and the volcano crater in a single flight
25–55 minAll year, morning departures
Whales, dolphins, turtles
Humpback whale watchingIn the southern winter the whales come to the west coast
2–3 hJuly — October
Sea and lagoon
Snorkelling and diving on the western reefThe Hermitage lagoon with a mask, and dives beyond the reef from Saint-Gilles
2–3 hAll year; best visibility May — November
Canyons and thrills
Lava tunnels of the 2004 flowDown with a helmet and headlamp into the tubes where lava once ran
3–4 hAll year, except days of heavy rain
Canyons and thrills
Canyoning in Cilaos and SalazieWaterfall descents, from beginner canyons to sporting ones
Half a day to a full dayMay — November