Private Tour of Cilaos with a Driver Guide
Active
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the beautiful village of Cilaos by private vehicle with driver.
We first take the famous 400 bends road that will take us to the magnificent ramparts and pit up to an altitude of 1200 meters
Then, join the Roche Merveilleeuse to admire the magnificent 360-degree panorama with the Piton des Neiges behind us.
We then go to Cilaos village: the calm and charm of this traditional place are exceptional. You walk through its streets to discover its church, its shops and traditional Creole huts.
Then it’s time to have lunch and enjoy the local specialties: lentils and wine! A short walk around the Mare à Joncs natural lake will make you digest well!
Then it’s time to head back down to the bottom of the island: a stop at the island’s largest black sand beach will allow you to end the day pleasantly!
Available options
English speaking guide
English language: Supplement for the English language spoken by the driver / guide.<br/>Pickup included
Chinese speaking guide
Chinese language: Supplement for the Chinese language spoken by the driver / guide.<br/>Pickup included
English speaking guide
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Comments and explanations from the driver/guide
Detailed itinerary
1
At 8:00 am, the driver will pick you up from your hotel or residence: on the way to Cilaos! The famous 400 bends only make us enjoy the magnificent ramparts and pitons in the cirque of Cilaos.
2
La Roche Merveilleuse is a must for its extraordinary panorama of Cilaos. It is a 360-degree viewpoint at the foot of Piton des Neiges, the highest peak on the island.
3
The Church of Our Lady of Snow in Cilaos is the largest and most impressive building in the village!
4
Take a walk in the village of Cilaos: calm and good living in the middle of the mountains. The place is also known for its lentils, embroidery, wine and thermal baths. :)
5
Take a walk around the "Marre à Jonc", a pleasant little haven of peace in the heart of the village.
6
At the end of the day, enjoy the beautiful black sandy beach of the Salt Pond
What's not included
Lunch
The House of Embroidery
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ZH-CN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Two types of vehicles are available: standard car with 1 to 4 passengers and minibus with 5 to 8 passengers.
We'll spend about 3 to 4 hours moving from one point to the other.
About Réunion Island
Réunion Island, a French overseas department, is a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean known for its stunning natural landscapes, including lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and active volcanoes. It's a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering a unique blend of French culture and Creole traditions.
Top Attractions
Piton de la Fournaise
One of the world's most active volcanoes, offering stunning hikes and breathtaking views.
Nature
Half-day to full day
Free (parking fees may apply)
Cirque de Mafate
A remote and isolated volcanic caldera accessible only by foot or helicopter, offering a unique cultural and natural experience.
Nature
Full day to overnight
Free (helicopter tours can be expensive)
Plage de l'Étang-Salé
A unique black sand beach on the western coast, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Beach
Half-day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Carri Gato
A traditional Creole stew made with shredded pork, onions, garlic, and spices, often served with rice.
Main Dish
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Rougaille
A tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and peppers, typically served with fish, meat, or rice.
Main Dish
Can be made vegetarian by omitting meat.
Gateau Piment
Spicy chili fritters made with flour, water, and chopped chilies, deep-fried until crispy.
Snack
Vegetarian, but very spicy.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Volcano tours
Waterfall visits
Mountain biking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Visiting museums
Best Time to Visit
June to September
This is the dry season with pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. The island is vibrant with festivals and cultural events.
18-25°C
64-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: Reunionese Creole
- English: Limited
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+4
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Réunion Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Roland Garros Airport • 5 km from Saint-Denis
- Pierrefonds Airport • 10 km from Saint-Pierre
By bus
Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient for traveling between towns, but schedules can be infrequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Heetch, AlloTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Saint-Denis
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Cilaos
Day trips
Hell-Bourg
60 km from Saint-Denis • Full day
A charming mountain village with well-preserved colonial architecture and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Salazie
50 km from Saint-Denis • Full day
A lush and verdant valley with waterfalls, hiking trails, and traditional Creole villages.
L'Étang-Salé
30 km from Saint-Paul • Half day
A unique black sand beach on the western coast, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Festivals
Festival des Arts de la Réunion • June to August
Fête du Verre • September
Carnival of Réunion • February or March (before Lent)
Pro tips
- Rent a car to explore the island's diverse landscapes and remote areas.
- Visit the island's markets for fresh produce, spices, and unique souvenirs.
- Try local dishes like Carri Gato, Rougaille, and Gateau Piment for an authentic taste of Réunionese cuisine.
- Pack for both warm and cool weather, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on elevation and location.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
