Petit Piton Climb St Lucia
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Many visitors choose to climb Petit Piton. These iconic volcanic landmarks are such an integral part of the island’s history that they are featured on the flag, and they offer excellent hiking.
Petit Piton is the smaller of the two volcanic mountains, measuring 2,425 feet, but scaling it is not for everyone. In fact, most travelers to St Lucia instead hike Gros Piton, the only Piton hike sanctioned by the St Lucia government. The reason that hiking Petit Piton is not sanctioned by the St Lucia government is that the ascent is nearly vertical and an experienced guide is mandatory. In fact, hiking Petit Piton it is quite difficult, even for seasoned climbers and hikers. In short- this is no Tet Paul Nature Trail! |
Climbers approach the summit of Petit Piton St Lucia.
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Reaching Petit Piton Saint Lucia
Petit Piton is located on the western side of Saint Lucia, overlooking the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.
Located only a few kilometers from the historic former capital of Soufriere, Petit Piton can be reached in just under an hour from Hewanorra International Airport or in around two hours from Castries and George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport.
The trail head, which is located in charming Fond Gens Libre, can be reached via taxi or car rental, though if you book your hike with Real St Lucia Tours (a guide is required to hike Petit Piton), then your tour price includes pickup and dropoff at your St Lucia Airbnb, hotel, apartment or resort as well as a seasoned and highly experienced guide and complimentary refreshments.
Located only a few kilometers from the historic former capital of Soufriere, Petit Piton can be reached in just under an hour from Hewanorra International Airport or in around two hours from Castries and George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport.
The trail head, which is located in charming Fond Gens Libre, can be reached via taxi or car rental, though if you book your hike with Real St Lucia Tours (a guide is required to hike Petit Piton), then your tour price includes pickup and dropoff at your St Lucia Airbnb, hotel, apartment or resort as well as a seasoned and highly experienced guide and complimentary refreshments.
In a typical year , hundreds of people reach the summit of Petit Piton
When to Hike St. Lucia’s Petit Piton
While guides offer hikes up Petit Piton on virtually all weather-suitable days, it is advisable to hike the mountain during the island’s dry season.
The uneven and steep terrain already makes maintaining your footing tricky in some places, and wet days can make reaching the top even more difficult, if not impossible.
It is also advised to start your hike before 3 in the afternoon, with the ideal hike starting early in the morning while the sun is still low in the sky. Round trip the hike takes approximately four hours.
The uneven and steep terrain already makes maintaining your footing tricky in some places, and wet days can make reaching the top even more difficult, if not impossible.
It is also advised to start your hike before 3 in the afternoon, with the ideal hike starting early in the morning while the sun is still low in the sky. Round trip the hike takes approximately four hours.
Petit Piton- The Path to the Top
Hiking Petit Piton is certainly a challenge, and it cannot be done without hiking shoes or boots with good tread. Hikers should also bring ample water (bring more than you think you will need), as well as sunscreen. A camera is also recommended, as the view when you do reach the top is certainly something you’ll want to remember forever.
The trail itself is very intimidating, especially the drop-offs, which can reach 100 feet or more with the only thing standing between you and plummeting is a small ledge and the ropes you use to pull yourself upward.
It is worth noting, however, that even when you’re pressed against the rocks and clinging to the ropes, the beauty of the lush rain forest surrounding you is impossible to miss. When you finally reach the top, prepare to be blown away.
In addition to the beautiful Caribbean waters below, you’ll also have a stunning view of Soufriere and of the whole of the island.
The trail itself is very intimidating, especially the drop-offs, which can reach 100 feet or more with the only thing standing between you and plummeting is a small ledge and the ropes you use to pull yourself upward.
It is worth noting, however, that even when you’re pressed against the rocks and clinging to the ropes, the beauty of the lush rain forest surrounding you is impossible to miss. When you finally reach the top, prepare to be blown away.
In addition to the beautiful Caribbean waters below, you’ll also have a stunning view of Soufriere and of the whole of the island.
Petit Piton, St. Lucia- Nearby Camping and Lodging
Visitors looking to hike the Pitons in St. Lucia will find many nearby accommodations. While camping on Petit Piton is possible, there are top-rated Airbnbs within minutes of Petit Piton, including Saba and Sargas Villas, Enclave Villas, and Sapphire Apartments.
Other nearby accommodations include Fond Doux and La Haut Plantations, Downtown Hotel, and Crystals, ensuring something for every traveler and budget.
Other nearby accommodations include Fond Doux and La Haut Plantations, Downtown Hotel, and Crystals, ensuring something for every traveler and budget.
Petit Piton Geology
Because the Pitons are both volcanic in nature, formed around a large caldera centered at Sulphur Springs (another major St. Lucia attraction as the only known drive-in volcano in the world).
The Pitons themselves are comprised almost entirely of dacite, which is similar in makeup to basalt, another volcanic rock. The area is considered to be volcanically active, but beyond small steam explosions, it has been centuries since there was an eruption in St. Lucia.
It is also worth noting that the Pitons are estimated to be around 260,000 years old, which although they are certainly old by our terms, makes them relatively young in geological terms.
The Pitons themselves are comprised almost entirely of dacite, which is similar in makeup to basalt, another volcanic rock. The area is considered to be volcanically active, but beyond small steam explosions, it has been centuries since there was an eruption in St. Lucia.
It is also worth noting that the Pitons are estimated to be around 260,000 years old, which although they are certainly old by our terms, makes them relatively young in geological terms.
Petit Piton or Gros Piton- Which is Right for You?
Lucy stands atop Petit Piton
When considering a Pitons St. Lucia hike, it is important to consider your abilities before making a choice. Hiking Petit Piton is not for the inexperienced or out of shape. While Gros Piton is a larger mountain, it is also a much easier and safer hike. If you have a thirst for adventure, however, Petit Piton might just be the hike for you.
Hiking Petit Piton Is An Adventure You’ll Never Forget
At the end of the day, the right Piton hike for you is a matter of experience and personal preference. If you decide that Petit Piton is the adventure you need and you make it to the top, you will certainly find it very rewarding.
Hiking the St. Lucia Pitons is a great way to make the most of your time in the Caribbean, and whichever you choose, the view from the top is certain to become one of your favorite lifelong memories.
Hiking Petit Piton Is An Adventure You’ll Never Forget
At the end of the day, the right Piton hike for you is a matter of experience and personal preference. If you decide that Petit Piton is the adventure you need and you make it to the top, you will certainly find it very rewarding.
Hiking the St. Lucia Pitons is a great way to make the most of your time in the Caribbean, and whichever you choose, the view from the top is certain to become one of your favorite lifelong memories.
Other Hiking Trails in St Lucia
St. Lucia has many excellent hiking options. Whether you are looking for trails to hike instead of or in addition to Petit Piton, there are plenty of choices that offer beauty and adventure like only the Caribbean can provide.
Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island is one of St. Lucia’s most historic landmarks, and it offers a wonderful hiking trail through beautiful flora and historic sites you won’t want to miss.
Mount Gimie
Mount Gimie is St. Lucia’s highest mountain, and hiking it is rated a 7 out of 10 for difficulty. This 5-7 hour trip may be difficult, but it is also one of the island’s most beautiful.
Enbas Saut Rainforest Trail
Enbas Saut is an ideal hike for nature lovers, as it takes you to one of the island’s best known waterfalls.
Tet Paul Nature Trail
Tet Paul Nature Trail is one of St. Lucia’s best known hikes. Located in Soufriere not far from the Pitons, this is one of the Caribbean’s most recommended hikes.
