the natural habitat for a wide diversity of
plants, presenting a high level of endemism.
There are subtropical rainforests, cloud
forests and heaths creating a remarkable
and visually appealing mosaic of
ecosystems and landscape features."
Piton des Neiges, can choose from three
tracks of medium difficulty. One starts in
La Plaine des Cafres, at the Cirque de
Salazie and the other from the Cirque de
Cilaos, and all come together at the Refuge
de la Caverne Dufour a dormitory-style
establishment that is located an hour and
15 minutes walk from the summit and which
sleeps 48 people in four dormitories. Also
known as Gîte du Piton des Neiges, this
establishment also offers meals for those
overnighters who make their reservations 48
hours in advance.
10 to 12 hours, it is infinitely more enjoyable
to stop over at the Refuge and make a two-