Piton des Palmistes, Mountain peak in La Plaine-des-Palmistes, Réunion, France.
Piton des Palmistes is a mountain summit on Réunion Island rising to 1481 meters between the plateaus of La Plaine-des-Palmistes and La Plaine des Cafres. The peak sits in a region shaped by volcanic activity and connects to a network of trails that crisscross the island's terrain.
The summit served as a geographical reference point for island inhabitants since early settlements in the 17th century. Over time, walking routes were developed across the landscape to connect communities and provide access to the plateaus in the region.
The peak forms part of the natural heritage of Réunion, connecting to a network of trails that showcase the island's volcanic formations.
A marked loop trail of roughly 3 kilometers starts at around 1342 meters elevation with a climb of about 140 meters. The path is easy to walk and typically takes 2 to 3 hours for a round trip depending on your pace.
Near the summit lies the volcanic basin of Piton de l'Eau at 1880 meters, shaped by ancient lava flows. This geological feature reveals the volcanic history of the island and gives visitors a glimpse of the natural forces that have shaped the landscape.
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