The Cirque de Salazie, the greenest caldera

You'll discover a multitude of waterfalls, rivers and a profusion of lush vegetation: bamboo, chayote, water-cress, taro ("songes") and banana trees.   

The discovery of the thermal springs in 1832 quickly rendered Salazie a famous spot.  This caldera had known a long period of prosperity: in 1840, the chayote was imported from Mexico and this enabled this location to be worldly known for "chayote straw" used in the making of hats.      
Hôtel des Thermes (ex military hospital) is a former health spa.  This once famous thermal spring has closed down due to financial problems and destruction caused by a series of cyclones.  

Access

As from Saint-André, the signs indicate you the way to cirque de Salazie.  Take the road D48.       

Must-visited spots inSalazie :

Le Voile de la Mariée waterfall: enjoy a view of this breathtaking site at the exit of Salazie village, on Belvédère road.    
Hell Bourg, ranked among the most beautiful French villages in 1998.  This enchanting village boasts renovated Creole houses, which witnessed the prosperity of the village at the beginning of the 20th century.          

Trout farm:

You can fish on the spot and buy.
La Maison Folio and its exotic garden.
Terre Plate forest and Manouilh Spring.
Le Piton d'Anchaing, an observation tower, steeped in history.
The vestiges of Hôtel des Thermes it is accessible via the trail which starts near the ex Hotel des Salazes (near the police station at the end of Hell Bourg village).