Piton Sec Patates, Summit in Saint-Denis, Réunion.
Piton Sec Patates is a summit in Saint-Denis rising to 725 meters above sea level, with hiking routes that wind through local vegetation to the peak. The path covers approximately 3.3 kilometers and passes through varied terrain on the way up.
This summit served as a navigation landmark for the island's first inhabitants in the Saint-Denis region. Its prominent location made it a recognizable reference point during the early settlement of Reunion.
The summit's name comes from the sweet potato farming that was essential to feeding the island's population. This agricultural link remains embedded in how locals refer to the place.
The hike takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes with roughly 240 meters of elevation gain to reach the summit. Wear sturdy footwear and come prepared for changing weather conditions, as conditions at the top can differ from the base.
Rest stops halfway along the trail offer excellent vantage points for observing the night sky and constellations under clear conditions. The location provides outstanding opportunities for sky watching away from light pollution.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
