Hike to the Cilaos thermal baths
Updated: Jul 1, 2021
During my last stay in Cilaos, I wanted to discover its old thermal baths. If the route is easy and pleasant, finding it was not without some difficulties. To access the wonders of nature, you have to deserve everything, right?
History:
The natural hot springs of Cilaos were discovered around 1830, when the circus was mainly occupied by slaves who took refuge there. Very quickly, the therapeutic effects of the thermal baths spread and the first curists went to the circus by any means of the time (on foot, on horseback, in sedan chairs). A new building was built at the end of the 19th century, in order to extend the reception capacities: the reputation of the thermal baths of Cilaos extended beyond the ocean: the Mauritians, Comorians, and Malagasy became eager to benefit from its benefits. In 1948, the passage of a cyclone almost completely destroyed the thermal baths - which were rebuilt two years later, from the initial foundations. In 1988, the construction site of the new building began, in order to meet a growing need. Indeed, the history of Cilaos is built in part around the healing and beneficial virtues of natural hot water springs. Cilaos remains today the only spa in the Indian Ocean.
How to get there?
Few indications to get there, but don't be discouraged, it's finally easy to access, and it's worth a thousand times the detours I was able to take to find it! Take the Porteurs path which is behind the media library car park, then go down until you find the road. After about 40 meters on the road, you take the path directly to the left and you will see the house with the red roof (old thermal baths). Walk along the building and follow the path, after a few tens of minutes you will hear the waterfalls. You can cross the undergrowth and you will find yourself face to face with .... these magnificent waterfalls! Descend following the path or via the river if the weather is calm enough to discover the different spots. The hike does not present any particular danger, it is known to be easy and rather fast. I therefore wish you a very nice hike to the ancient thermal baths of Cilaos!
