WANT MORE OUT OF YOUR GROS PITON HIKE? PUT MORE INTO IT!
Visiting St Lucia is certainly a must- do experience all its own, but what you do while you are there will make a big difference in how you remember the island. Hiking gros piton without a guide is not recommended!!
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What's included in Gros Piton Price
DETAILED GROS PITON TRAIL TOUR DESCRIPTION
The Pitons, St Lucia’s two volcanic mountains, are certainly some of the island’s best features, and a Gros Piton hike is an experience unlike any other.
Gros Piton stands a remarkable 2,619 feet above sea level, and coupled with Petit Piton, it is the hallmark of St Lucia’s western coast.
From the peak, you can see not only the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean, but a vast portion of the island itself.
A Gros Piton hike tour is the only way to see the island from this vantage point, and the experience you will have standing at the top makes it absolutely worthwhile. When you decide to climb Gros Piton, you will experience the literal definition of high adventure. While it is possible to climb both Gros Piton and Petit Piton, only the former is legally sanctioned by the government of St Lucia. Petit Piton is much steeper and more dangerous, while Gros Piton offers safe hiking and a much more astonishing view. The ascent can be a bit steep in some parts, but the hike is not too difficult for most travelers.
The town of Fond Gens Libre is where you will find the interpretive center and where you will obtain a guide to help you make the trip.
From the peak of your Gros Piton hike, you can see Soufriere, Vieux Fort, and the island of Saint Vincent, while below you is a view of Choiseul and the Maria Islands. You can see the different colors of the rooftops in the local fishing villages and the islands many coconut groves, all blending together seamlessly.
The island is no longer an assortment of towns, villages, and natural landscapes, but instead is a singular space with a beauty that has neither a starting nor a stopping point. Click here to view the Map of The Gros Piton Trail.
More Interesting Gros Piton Facts
- Private Pickup & Return Service. Entrance fee, guide & all associated Hike cost. Prices ranges from $50.00 USD per person.
- Free! Water Provided
- add-on Activities such as Waterfall or Volcano tour After Hike..(small fee )
DETAILED GROS PITON TRAIL TOUR DESCRIPTION
The Pitons, St Lucia’s two volcanic mountains, are certainly some of the island’s best features, and a Gros Piton hike is an experience unlike any other.
Gros Piton stands a remarkable 2,619 feet above sea level, and coupled with Petit Piton, it is the hallmark of St Lucia’s western coast.
From the peak, you can see not only the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean, but a vast portion of the island itself.
A Gros Piton hike tour is the only way to see the island from this vantage point, and the experience you will have standing at the top makes it absolutely worthwhile. When you decide to climb Gros Piton, you will experience the literal definition of high adventure. While it is possible to climb both Gros Piton and Petit Piton, only the former is legally sanctioned by the government of St Lucia. Petit Piton is much steeper and more dangerous, while Gros Piton offers safe hiking and a much more astonishing view. The ascent can be a bit steep in some parts, but the hike is not too difficult for most travelers.
The town of Fond Gens Libre is where you will find the interpretive center and where you will obtain a guide to help you make the trip.
From the peak of your Gros Piton hike, you can see Soufriere, Vieux Fort, and the island of Saint Vincent, while below you is a view of Choiseul and the Maria Islands. You can see the different colors of the rooftops in the local fishing villages and the islands many coconut groves, all blending together seamlessly.
The island is no longer an assortment of towns, villages, and natural landscapes, but instead is a singular space with a beauty that has neither a starting nor a stopping point. Click here to view the Map of The Gros Piton Trail.
More Interesting Gros Piton Facts
- Cost - USD$50.00 per person.
- Distance - 3.2 mile hike
- Elevation - 2,619 feet or 771 m
- Tour Guides - inlcuded In Price
- Office - Visitor Center - Base
Bringing along a guide during a Gros Piton Hike is required, and you will find that St Lucia Real St Lucia Tour guides are locals who know the area very well and who can provide the ultimate tour experience.
The hike itself can take between three to six hours in one direction, so starting in the cool morning hours is a must in order to ensure that you make it back to the bottom by nightfall.
It is also very important that you wear comfortable footwear that offers tread for stability as well as sunscreen to help protect your skin.
A camera is also highly recommended, as the view from atop Gros Piton is something that very few locations in the world can even attempt to rival.
The hike itself can take between three to six hours in one direction, so starting in the cool morning hours is a must in order to ensure that you make it back to the bottom by nightfall.
It is also very important that you wear comfortable footwear that offers tread for stability as well as sunscreen to help protect your skin.
A camera is also highly recommended, as the view from atop Gros Piton is something that very few locations in the world can even attempt to rival.
Gros Piton Trail Guide
Loving our guides is easy!
There is much to see and experience while hiking Gros Piton, and the attractions begin when you arrive in Fond Gens Libre. This small settlement has been here since the 1700’s, and it played a large part in the island’s slave rebellion in 1748. During the rebellion, slaves commonly sought refuge in the mountains, where it was easier to hide, and you will find that many of the residents of the community and even many of the tour guides are direct descendants of the island’s slaves and freedom fighters. Your journey around Fond Gens Libre will offer many stands selling local produce such as bananas and coconuts, while the journey over the rough roads and streams will highlight how hard the area must have been to access during earlier periods in history.
There is much to see and experience while hiking Gros Piton, and the attractions begin when you arrive in Fond Gens Libre. This small settlement has been here since the 1700’s, and it played a large part in the island’s slave rebellion in 1748. During the rebellion, slaves commonly sought refuge in the mountains, where it was easier to hide, and you will find that many of the residents of the community and even many of the tour guides are direct descendants of the island’s slaves and freedom fighters. Your journey around Fond Gens Libre will offer many stands selling local produce such as bananas and coconuts, while the journey over the rough roads and streams will highlight how hard the area must have been to access during earlier periods in history.
The Many Sides of Gros and Petit Piton's History
As you stand at the top of Gros Piton and start to look at the 360 degree view surrounding you, it is as though the entire world takes on a new light.
Unfurling all around you is a landscape so lush and so beautiful that it feels surreal. The clouds feel almost as though you could reach up and touch them, yet the sky blends almost seamlessly with the sapphire waters of the Caribbean.
As you stand at the top of Gros Piton and start to look at the 360 degree view surrounding you, it is as though the entire world takes on a new light.
Unfurling all around you is a landscape so lush and so beautiful that it feels surreal. The clouds feel almost as though you could reach up and touch them, yet the sky blends almost seamlessly with the sapphire waters of the Caribbean.
Gros Piton Nature Trail Hike
Work up a sweat as you venture off the beaten path
From the base camp of your Gros Piton trail hike, you will get a glimpse of the route you will take as you ascend the mountain. You will be able to get a view of the rest stops and attractions along the way and will have a chance to ask questions and learn more about the challenging journey that lies ahead. When it is time to depart, you and your guide will make your way to the staircase of volcanic stones that mark the beginning of your ascent.
Even from only a quarter of the way into your journey, the views surrounding you start to become breathtaking. The sapphire waters of the Caribbean start to become visible, and your view already includes the majestic island of St. Vincent even though it is actually more than 20 miles away. You will find that the journey provides excellent exercise, while the majesty surrounding you and the knowledge of the views you will have from the mountain’s peak provide you more than enough motivation to maintain the ascent. Hiking in St Lucia is unlike any other experience in the world, and this is apparent from the beginning of your journey. Before you know it, you will arrive at the halfway point of your journey, where you will be able to stop and take in the amazing view of Petit Piton amid a backdrop of breathtaking Caribbean waters.
While climbing Gros Piton, you will find that there are many areas that will challenge your body without making the hike impossible or overly difficult. Many of the “stairs” you will climb are little more than volcanic rocks, with some stones measuring up to 24 inches in height. There are also areas where you will need to take your time to carefully climb over the volcanic boulders, using a walking stick or your hands for support. The feat is achievable, and your Gros Piton tour guide will make sure that you arrive at the top safely, but there is enough of a challenge to offer a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top.
From the base camp of your Gros Piton trail hike, you will get a glimpse of the route you will take as you ascend the mountain. You will be able to get a view of the rest stops and attractions along the way and will have a chance to ask questions and learn more about the challenging journey that lies ahead. When it is time to depart, you and your guide will make your way to the staircase of volcanic stones that mark the beginning of your ascent.
Even from only a quarter of the way into your journey, the views surrounding you start to become breathtaking. The sapphire waters of the Caribbean start to become visible, and your view already includes the majestic island of St. Vincent even though it is actually more than 20 miles away. You will find that the journey provides excellent exercise, while the majesty surrounding you and the knowledge of the views you will have from the mountain’s peak provide you more than enough motivation to maintain the ascent. Hiking in St Lucia is unlike any other experience in the world, and this is apparent from the beginning of your journey. Before you know it, you will arrive at the halfway point of your journey, where you will be able to stop and take in the amazing view of Petit Piton amid a backdrop of breathtaking Caribbean waters.
While climbing Gros Piton, you will find that there are many areas that will challenge your body without making the hike impossible or overly difficult. Many of the “stairs” you will climb are little more than volcanic rocks, with some stones measuring up to 24 inches in height. There are also areas where you will need to take your time to carefully climb over the volcanic boulders, using a walking stick or your hands for support. The feat is achievable, and your Gros Piton tour guide will make sure that you arrive at the top safely, but there is enough of a challenge to offer a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top.
In the Footsteps of Great Explorers
Another remarkable aspect of your ascent along the St Lucia Gros Piton Trail is the beautiful flora that lines your path. Our island is home to many incredible plants, and you will find that the St Lucia Gros Piton climb offers you the chance to see some of our rarest and most breathtaking vegetation. Of course, while the ascent offers a look at beautiful plants and surroundings, you will find that they pale in comparison to the view that you will behold when you reach the summit. Once you make it to the top of Gros Piton, you will experience a level of beauty and majesty that few things in this world will ever be able to rival. Follow our many traveler reviews.
Other amazing companies providing amazing St Lucia island Tours are Serenity St Lucia Tours, Joe Knows Tours, and Cosol Tours St Lucia - As one of the world's leading All Inclusive Resort Destination locations; St Lucia is also home to Sandals Resorts, Jade Mountain and so much more.
Another remarkable aspect of your ascent along the St Lucia Gros Piton Trail is the beautiful flora that lines your path. Our island is home to many incredible plants, and you will find that the St Lucia Gros Piton climb offers you the chance to see some of our rarest and most breathtaking vegetation. Of course, while the ascent offers a look at beautiful plants and surroundings, you will find that they pale in comparison to the view that you will behold when you reach the summit. Once you make it to the top of Gros Piton, you will experience a level of beauty and majesty that few things in this world will ever be able to rival. Follow our many traveler reviews.
Other amazing companies providing amazing St Lucia island Tours are Serenity St Lucia Tours, Joe Knows Tours, and Cosol Tours St Lucia - As one of the world's leading All Inclusive Resort Destination locations; St Lucia is also home to Sandals Resorts, Jade Mountain and so much more.
Featured Piton Trail Mountain Review
On the 24 November 2017 I climbed to the top of Gros Piton at 2619 feet. "Mountains of the World" by William M. Bueller states: "Perhaps the most spectacular mountains in the Caribbean are 2619-foot Gros Piton and 2461-foot Petit Piton, which rise sheerly from the water's edge on the island of St. Lucia." I am 76 and have a pacemaker and an artificial aortic valve. I was on the Prinsedam cruise ship. Although, my arrival and departure times were changed, I went down to find my driver an hour early. Luckily Michael (?) saw the boat in the harbor and came early. THAT WAS A BLEESSING. Michael was an excellent driver and had lived in the United States and was a US Army medic. The drive to the trail head was much longer that I thought but allowed me to see the Soufrieer (spelling?) banks on the way. Arriving at the trail head I was met by a great guide who had done the trail many times. Due to the fact that my heart always has the same number of beats I am a little slol on exercise. But the top was reached with almost no rest stops. I took five deep breaths and moved on. The views were beautiful and trail with guard rails in excellent condition. Other hikers on the trail were all courteous to the "old man". Michael was waiting for me at the end and quickly drove me back to the port. I was 5 minutes early!!! Thanks again to Saint Lucia Travel (?) for your help in arranging this fantastic day all the way from Hawaii.
Sincere yours with ALOHA,
DAVID HENDERSON BROWN, M.D. maybe on my next visit I will do the Petit Piton w3ith you; on the way out of the port the Prinsedam turned around in front of the Titons as the sun was setting. It was the high point of my 30 day trip
Sincere yours with ALOHA,
DAVID HENDERSON BROWN, M.D. maybe on my next visit I will do the Petit Piton w3ith you; on the way out of the port the Prinsedam turned around in front of the Titons as the sun was setting. It was the high point of my 30 day trip
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We were very much satisfied with the service provided. Henry was on time in the morning and went out of his way to ensure we seen everything we wanted to. He even took us to the supermarket on the way home so we wouldn't have to carry our shopping all the back to the treehouse. The hike was good fun - more difficult than we expected but we were pleased that we made it to the top! We also enjoyed the hot springs and volcano. All in all it was a great experience which was made possible by your company and Henry. We will definitely recommend your company to friends and family.
Thanks again! Rich and Liz This is my second trip to St. Lucia and I must say climbing this mountain is the best part of a 2-week holiday.
I have had the opportunity to do both the Pitons, but the Gros is by far the most doable, albeit easier than the Petit Mountain it is a challenging physical adventure nonetheless, this is one adventure I’ll try to do every time I come here. It is simply awesome and the scenic views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking. While at the top you are able to see almost all parts of the island, and even the tallest point Mount Gimie. On a nice clear sunny day you can even see most parts of Vieux Fort where the International Airport is located. If you’ve never hiked this mountain or something similar, I advise that you are in pretty decent shape before attempting to summit with your guide. The essentials to have on the trek is obvious, plenty of water (Usually I take 2 liters, a small backpack with some snacks, sneakers or hiking boots, camera, comfortable clothing and respect for the mountain. I have noticed at times during the climb that it gets ridiculously hot if you start the climb too late. I’d recommend a pickup of 8am or earlier. On a final note, booking this tour here has never disappointed, driver will pick you up at any point on the island, pay the trail's entrance fee, will provide cold bottled water and they’ll even give you the option to do something else after the climb. Be ready to hike or be ready to go home. Jason N. I just wanted to say SPECIAL THANKS to you for providing a great tour while on your island last week!!! On behalf of my family and the 6 friends, we had a wonderful time tour, learning, enjoying your island and despite the rain, we had a ball.
I want to personally thank you for all the EXTRAS that you added in to make our tour extra special. Sorry for any misunderstandings and the slight confusion BUT trust me, I appreciated everything you did to make us enjoy our day and most definately I am going to go on to your website and express my thanks so others, when doing research and trying to pick a tour company, can consider YOUR company as their 1st choice!!! Special thanks to "Danny Boy" our teacher and tour guide in St. Lucia - what a great job you did teaching us about St. Lucia and how good we were to have listening ears and good memory to learn and remember when it came to test time!!! We all passed and looking forward to graduation on our next visit. The cooler full of nice cold beverages was much appreciated and enjoyed by all. My kids already enjoying the Banana Ketchup!!! Blessings to each and every one of you, may God bless you, your family and your business showering you with abundance continually always and forever!!!! One Love Always, Yvonne |
Our Piton tour was fantastic!! We had a great tour guide. My friend and I have been saying that this tour is the best we have ever been on and we have been on a lot!! It was a wonderful experience and will highly recommend your gros piton nature trail tour to anyone going to St Lucia. I can't say enough about this tour!! The cost was also extremely reasonable for what you got and I loved the concept of being able to pick and choose what we wanted to do after our hike!
Your island is beautiful and your tour is awesome, thanks for a life long memory of St. Lucia! Thanks again, Rhonda Hiked this mountain yesterday with my wife and 12 year old son. We all had an amazing time. Fortunately for us, the weather was perfect as it had been raining for the prior 2 days. The one thing my family enjoyed was the spectacular scenery from the top of the mountain, which made challenging hike well worth it.
I have never attempted the Petit Piton but the guide informed us that the views here were comparable to that of it for sure. Simply put we enjoyed this tour and Found ourselves wanting to attempt it again on our next trip. Overall thoroughly recommended! The Stevenson's My husband and I did this hike on a Sunday while we were staying at Royal By Rex Resort in Rodney Bay Village. About an hour ten minute drive from the trail. All in all it was a great hike!
Everything was exactly as the itinerary describes - We were picked up at 7am, our driver was happy to stop along the way in order for us to take photos, water was provided and the entrance fees paid once we'd booked online. It was a nice climb, took us two hours to reach the summit and the same for the descent. The middle of the mountain is the most challenging part, but the interesting things we got to see and learn along the way as we past beautiful spots made it worth it. It was fun to stop at the various points where you learn about the slave rebellion of 1748. The black freedom fighters, used the mountain as a secure haven when they fled the plantations. But when we arrived at the summit it took my breath away. An absolutely beautiful spot where you can truly see how mountainous the island is! I will want to vacation in St. Lucia again for my encore. Gill & Lisa Your service is...AWESOME! Sam was the ultimate professional. He was very personable, a good conversationalist, and even stopped to allow us to take pictures on the way of an awesome view of scorpion island and the small town next to it. He was knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. He even gave some history about certain parts of the island as we drove through as well as telling us about nice activities we could do such as today's festival. Based on our experience so far we are really looking forward to our waterfall visit after the hike tour.
David |
