La Chapelle Cilaos Hike: 2 guided options, 2026 prices

This is the most affordable way to do the geological hike to La Chapelle from Cilaos: €50 per person with Otenthike, listed on Manawa with flexible cancellation. The meeting point is at 7am at the Cilaos tourist office (2 bis Rue Mac Auliffe, in the heart of the village), where your state-qualified guide gives a full briefing on the day's conditions (weather, the group's level, wildlife you might see).

The route covers 8km with 550m of climbing, uphill from the very start. The trail alternates between filao forest and clearings, with a magnificent view over the village of Îlet à Cordes and the canyon carved by the Bras Rouge river. The highlight of the hike: arriving at the foot of the monolith, over 100 metres tall, carved by erosion and shaped like a chapel (hence the name). It's an exposed magma chamber, dominated by Piton de Sucre, a genuine geological treasure of the cirque.

Who it's for: families with children from age 8 (make sure they're steady on rocky paths), couples and friends who want to explore Cilaos with a local without spending much, and anyone wanting a half-day outing (5h, leaving the afternoon free for the village). Who it's not for: anyone who wants a guaranteed small group (no cap is stated; the €67 Bureau Montagne option limits groups to 12), or anyone put off by a long climb (550m up and 550m down can be tough if you don't hike much).

Manawa price: €50 per person. Rated 5/5 from 1 Manawa review so far (the listing is recent). Included: a guide. Not included: water (bring at least 2L), a picnic, snacks, warm clothes, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen (see Good to know below for the full checklist).

This is the premium package (€67 per person) with Bureau Montagne Réunion, listed by my partner Viator. What sets it apart: Thursday departures are guaranteed from the first booking (no minimum group size), groups are capped at 12 for a more personal experience, and you're led by a qualified mountain guide from Bureau Montagne Réunion, the island's best-known guiding organisation.

The route is the same as Otenthike's: 8km, 550m of climbing and 5h of walking from Cilaos. The difference is the guiding: Bureau Montagne Réunion focuses on the island's geological history, with detailed explanations on Cilaos's volcanic formation, La Chapelle's magma chamber, and the particularities of Piton de Sucre. Part of the hike follows the riverbed, on an unmarked route, to get as close as possible to the cliff face.

Who it's for: travellers who want a more upmarket guided hike in a smaller group, geology and volcano enthusiasts, and anyone with fixed dates (Thursdays are guaranteed, with no risk of cancellation for lack of numbers). Who it's not for: tight budgets (the €50 Otenthike option is cheaper) or anyone who can't do a Thursday (Otenthike runs daily, subject to availability).

Viator price: €67 per person. Rated 5/5 from 4 Viator reviews. Included: a mountain guide and snacks at breaks. Free cancellation up to 24h before departure (standard Viator policy). 8km with 550m of climbing, intermediate level (a steady climb over steps and large rocks, but nothing dangerous). Bring water, a picnic and your own gear.