Between the Cilaos Cirque and the Mafate Cirque, the Cilaos–Marla trail is one of the most iconic traverses on Réunion. It connects the town of Cilaos to the isolated hamlet of Marla, accessible only on foot, crossing Taïbit Pass. Volcanic landscapes, tamarin forests and sweeping views over Mafate make this hike a tropical high-altitude mountain experience—demanding but accessible to experienced hikers.

Quick facts at a glance

• Hike type: round-trip or traverse (with return via Mafate or helicopter evacuation)
• Distance: approximately 14 km round-trip Cilaos–Marla
• Elevation gain/loss: approximately +900 m / -900 m (Taïbit Pass at 2,083 m)
• Level: intermediate to advanced — good fitness required
• Recommended duration: 5 to 7 hours round-trip; plan an overnight stay at Marla to make the most of the site
• Trailhead access: from central Cilaos, marked GR R2 trail
• Accommodation in Marla: lodges and guesthouses available (advance booking essential)
• Clothing: hiking boots with ankle support, warm and waterproof clothing (changeable weather at altitude)
• Water: bring sufficient supplies; water sources not guaranteed safe without treatment
• Accessibility: not wheelchair accessible

What you'll see

The trail traverses several vegetation zones. You leave the terraced crops of Cilaos and enter the tamarin forest of the High Plateaus, endemic to Réunion. Higher up, vegetation becomes sparse, giving way to alpine moorland. At Taïbit Pass, the panorama shifts dramatically onto the Mafate Cirque, its ramparts and isolated hamlets nestled in the mountains.

History and context

Marla is one of the few inhabited hamlets in Mafate, perched at around 1,600 m elevation. Like all the settlements in the cirque, it was long populated by descendants of Malagasy people and escaped slaves who fled coastal plantations in the 18th century. Today, a small community still lives there, with no road access. Taïbit Pass is the only overland route between Cilaos and Mafate.

Highlights of the hike

Taïbit Pass

The trail's highest point at 2,083 m, the pass marks the boundary between two cirques. On clear days, the view encompasses the ramparts of Mafate on one side and the ridges overlooking Cilaos on the other. Wind is often strong here; bring an extra layer.

The High Plateau tamarin forest

Endemic to Réunion, this forest covers slopes between 1,400 and 1,900 m. The tamarins (Acacia heterophylla) form a dense canopy, home to several protected bird species such as the tuit-tuit and Réunion merle.

The hamlet of Marla

Arriving at Marla after several hours of hiking gives a tangible sense of the isolation experienced by Mafate residents. The hamlet has a few dozen permanent residents, a school, a church and guesthouses. The atmosphere is calm, timeless.

Photography tips

Morning light is ideal for photographing the Cilaos ridges before clouds roll in. At Taïbit Pass, arrive early: mist often shrouds Mafate by mid-morning. The tamarins offer beautiful compositions in dappled forest light. In Marla, the colorful Creole houses and terraced gardens are worth capturing.

Location and access

The trailhead is at Cilaos, accessible from Saint-Louis via the RD 242 departmental road, a winding mountain route of approximately 37 km. Shuttles and shared taxis connect Saint-Louis to Cilaos. The GR R2 trail is marked in yellow and red from the town centre. No motorized access beyond Cilaos toward Marla.

Nearby attractions

• Cilaos Cirque — the magnificent setting surrounding the town, with its ramparts and peaks.
• Cilaos Hot Springs — thermal waters ideal for recovering after the hike.
• Bras Rouge Waterfall — short hike from Cilaos to a spectacular cascade.
• Mafate Cirque — accessible from Marla, to extend your adventure into the island's wildest cirque.