Mauritius First-Timer's Essentials
Based on the west coast, with one day in Port Louis, one in the southwest highlands and one on a boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs.
Designed for first-time visitors on a short break. After landing, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Aapravasi Ghat and the market in Port Louis. On day two, hire a car or join a tour to loop the southwest highlands, through Black River Gorges, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths and waterfalls, and view Le Morne Mountain in the evening. On day three, head to the east coast to take a boat to Ile aux Cerfs, then go straight to the airport in the evening. Stay in Flic en Flac on the west coast for beautiful sunsets, but the round trip to the east coast on day three takes a long time.
January–March is cyclone season, and boat trips may be cancelled. June–August is cooler and windy.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Port Louis Old Town
Mauritius Island（Aapravasi Ghat、Port Louis Central Market、Le Caudan Waterfront）
About 1 hour by car from the airport to Port Louis. After exploring, about 40 minutes to Flic en Flac.
The Central Market is quieter on Sunday afternoons, when shops are closed. Aapravasi Ghat is closed on Sundays.
Stay: Flic en Flac
Day 2 · Black River Gorges and Chamarel
Mauritius Island（Black River Gorges National Park、Chamarel Waterfall、Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth、Le Morne Brabant）
Drive or hire a car to loop the southwest highlands, about 100 km in total, with roughly 3 hours of driving.
The Seven Coloured Earths look best in the morning light. Le Morne Mountain can be viewed from the public beach.
Stay: Flic en Flac
Day 3 · Ile aux Cerfs and Departure
Mauritius Island（Île aux Cerfs）
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car to the Trou d'Eau Douce pier on the east coast to take a boat to the island, then about 40 minutes by car to the airport in the afternoon.
Book an evening flight, and confirm boat schedules and return times in advance.