Downhill mountain biking at Maïdo: 4 packages, 2026 prices

This is the most reviewed mountain bike descent at Piton Maïdo, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 60 verified Manawa reviews. The half-day format (around 4 hours) descends from the Maïdo summit (2,200m altitude) down to the highlands of Saint-Paul, a drop of more than 1,500m on forest trails and single-track paths.

The gear provided is complete: a full-suspension bike suited to downhill riding (powerful brakes, long-travel suspension), a full-face helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads. The shuttle back up to the summit is included, which lets you fit in several descents over the half-day depending on the group's pace and the preferences of the state-certified MTB instructor leading the outing.

Who it's for: regular mountain bikers comfortable on descents, able to handle technical trails with roots, drops and tight switchbacks. Who it's not for: complete beginners (the Maïdo descent isn't an introductory format, look at the €65 e-MTB package instead), children under 12, and anyone with a recent wrist or back issue.

Manawa price: €75 per person for the half-day. Flexible weather cancellation. Long clothing is strongly recommended (to limit grazes in a fall), along with closed shoes with good grip and protective glasses. Falls happen and are part of the experience: make sure you feel mentally ready before attempting it, and listen to the instructor's advice on technical sections.

This is the committed version of the Maïdo descent, on trails close to the Megavalanche route (the international downhill mountain bike race held on the island every year). A 4-hour half-day format with a continuous descent from Maïdo, but on more technical trails than the classic package: loose rock, drops, banked turns and fast sections that demand precise riding.

The gear is reinforced: an enduro/DH bike suited to the demands of the extreme format (long dual suspension, XL brakes, wide tyres), a mandatory full-face helmet, a back protector, chest protector, reinforced knee and elbow pads. The instructor specialises in committed downhill riding and adapts the pace to the group's level (a group of 4-6 people is recommended as a maximum).

Who it's for: experienced mountain bikers who have already ridden resort downhill tracks (the Alps or Pyrenees) or entered enduro races regularly. The expected level is clearly higher than for the classic descent: if you're unsure, start with the €75 classic package first to gauge your level on the Maïdo trails.

Manawa price: €95 per person, €20 more than the classic descent for a noticeably more committed experience. No reviews published on this listing to date (a rarer package in the catalogue). Flexible weather cancellation. The Megavalanche is held every year in Reunion Island, and this package lets you get a taste of part of the race route under proper guidance.

This package is the accessible alternative to both the classic and extreme descents: a recent electric-assist mountain bike, a 3-4 hour half-day format, a mixed route on the Maïdo trails alternating moderate climbs and controlled descents. The electric assist radically changes the nature of the outing: you can climb without exhausting yourself, which opens the activity up to a far wider audience than a pure downhill ride.

The gear provided is lighter than on the descent packages: an electric-assist bike, helmet and gloves. No heavy protective gear (no back or chest protector) since the average speed stays moderate thanks to the assist, which manages the effort rather than pushing you along at full speed. It's also suited to kids from age 12, who can keep up the pace without difficulty thanks to the motor's help on the climbs.

Who it's for: travellers who want to discover the Maïdo scenery without a major physical commitment, couples with different mountain biking levels, kids from age 12, and travellers recovering from another physical activity. Who it's not for: anyone looking for a genuinely committed downhill ride (go for the €75 or €95 package instead).

Manawa price: €65 per person, the cheapest in the line-up. Only 1 review published to date (a recent listing), but the e-MTB format at Maïdo is a well-established activity in Reunion Island with several providers. Flexible cancellation, with a free reschedule or refund in case of bad weather.

This package runs through Funbooker rather than Manawa and offers a mountain bike ride departing from Piton Maïdo. The format leans more towards a scenic ride than a pure descent: moderate climbs, controlled descents and panoramic stops on the forest trails and sugar cane tracks of the Saint-Paul highlands.

The advantage of this listing over the 3 Manawa listings: a mid-range price of €80, sitting between the €75 classic descent and the €95 extreme descent, for a less physically demanding format than a pure downhill ride. Well suited to mountain bikers who want the Maïdo experience without the highly technical side of the descent.

No reviews published on this Funbooker listing to date (a more modest volume than Manawa for the Maïdo mountain biking niche). If you'd rather book on the platform with the most reviews, stick with the Manawa /2536/ listing at €75 with 60 reviews at 4.8/5. If you're travelling in a group and Manawa is fully booked, Funbooker remains a valid alternative.

Funbooker price: €80 per person. Cancellation per the conditions specified by Funbooker at the time of booking. Same conditions as the Manawa listings on the gear side: helmet, gloves and bike provided, guided by an instructor. Long clothing is recommended, along with closed shoes with good grip.