The Piton Maïdo is centred on the sunrise experience, but the sector offers several complementary activities.
Sunrise at the belvedere (1-2h on site): the highlight experience. Arrival around 5:00 am, installation, photography during dawn (5-5:45 am), sunrise (5:45-6 am), golden lights on the ramparts (6-7:30 am). Stay at least 1h after sunrise to fully enjoy.
Walk in the tamarin forest of the Highlands (1-3h from the parking): marked trails through the endemic primary altitude forest (Highland tamarins — Acacia heterophylla, species unique in the world, Highland mahot, tree ferns). Several loops possible from the parking or by descending slightly to the Hauts Forêts.
Hike to the Grand Bénare (2,896 m, 3-4h round trip from Maïdo): ascent of the second peak of the island, marked trail without technical difficulty but physical (700 m of positive elevation). Panoramic view over the three cirques (Mafate, Cilaos, Salazie) from the summit. Ideal after sunrise for hikers in shape.
Trois Salazes loop (2h round trip, modest elevation from the parking): short botanical trail through the altitude landscapes and the tamarin forest. Accessible to all levels.
Descent to Mafate (3-5h depending on the targeted îlet): GR R2 trail to Roche Plate (3-4h) or La Nouvelle (4-5h). Significant negative elevation (800 m). For prepared hikers, ideally with night in îlet and exit by another access (car retrieval to organise).
Breakfast break: no supplies on site. Plan your picnic from Saint-Paul or bring a hot thermos with coffee or chocolate. The Hauts Forêts (10 min by car descending from the parking) have some farm-inns that open around 8-9 am for Creole breakfast. Camions bars sometimes appear on the parking in high season.
Read also
- Mafate, the cirque without roads — The cirque accessible only on foot or by helicopter, whose classic descent begins at Maïdo.
- The Cirques of Réunion — Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie: the UNESCO heart of the island, its vertiginous ramparts and îlets.
- Saint-Gilles - L'Hermitage — The turquoise lagoon of the west coast, 1h30 of road from Maïdo (ideal base camp).
- Réunion — Complete guide of the intense island: formalities, budget, climate, regions to discover.