Self-guided hike between the Soufrière volcano and the Îles des Saintes.
In summary
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Sports
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Duration11 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationGuadeloupe / Pointe-à-Pitre
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AgeFrom 8 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions103.83 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover the jewel of the Caribbean where lush nature and idyllic beaches meet in perfect harmony: Guadeloupe, of course! Hike in Guadeloupe National Park! You'll have the chance to visit the highest point in the Lesser Antilles with a guide: the prestigious Soufrière volcano ! For the rest of your stay, you're completely independent ! Explore at your own pace the coastal trails of Grande Pointe , the fine sandy beaches and lush mangroves of Port Louis , the spectacular Carbet waterfalls, the natural hot springs of North Basse-Terre , or the must-see Galion Falls ! Guadeloupe also offers the chance to discover the neighboring islands. Embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Îles des Saintes archipelago ! You'll be charmed by its idyllic beaches and colorful houses typical of the Caribbean. You'll climb to the summit of Le Chameau, the highest point on Terre-de-Haut , before reaching the island of Terre-de-Bas and its unspoiled beaches!
During your stay, you'll have a rental car at your disposal, and each day your travel guide will offer several hiking suggestions to choose from, depending on your fitness level and preferences. Numerous places will also allow you to enjoy the flavors, traditions, and cultural heritage of Guadeloupe.
The highlights
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A guided hike on an active volcano: the Soufrière volcano, the island's highest peak
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4 days in the Saintes archipelago: ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world
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Authentic and environmentally friendly accommodations
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hiking in tropical environments is technical, sometimes involving river crossings.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 287 m
- Average daily descent: 286 m
- Maximum altitude: 1467 m
Management
Program
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Arrival in Guadeloupe
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon arrival in Guadeloupe, you will pick up your rental car immediately upon exiting the airport. Head towards Basse-Terre, specifically the town of Saint-Claude, located at the gateway to the National Park beneath the Soufrière volcano. After approximately an hour's drive, you will arrive at your accommodation. A warm welcome awaits you, and depending on the time, you will receive a briefing about your stay, followed by a complimentary punch. Dinner will be served at your accommodation.
Day 1 -
Hiking on the Grande Pointe trail
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you'll embark on a hike along the coastline on the Grande Pointe trail. Discover magnificent coastal scenery and lush vegetation. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views as you walk this scenic path. Return to your accommodation at the end of the day for some well-deserved relaxation.
Day 2 -
Guided ascent to the summit of the Soufrière volcano
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 1467 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you'll explore the active volcano of La Soufrière, the highest peak in the Antilles. Accompanied by your guide, you'll discover the unique volcanic landscapes and learn all about La Soufrière's volcanism and its influence on the island. Once you reach the summit, you'll put on your respiratory protection mask (provided) to enter the volcano's most active zone. Return to your accommodation at the end of the day.
Day 3 -
Hiking along the Port Louis coastline between the sea and the mangroves
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 6 km
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departing this morning from the stunning beach of Port-Louis, we set off on a hike to discover the mangrove, a very unique type of vegetation. You'll explore this unique ecosystem and enjoy swimming in small, secluded coves fringed with white sand.
Day 4 -
Hiking to the Carbet Falls
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Maximum altitude 850 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, embark on an adventure to discover the spectacular Carbet Falls. You'll explore the trails leading to the first and second falls, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable moments amidst the lush nature of Guadeloupe.
Day 5 -
The North Basse-Terre coastline
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 30 m
- Negative elevation 30 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you'll embark on an easy hike that will allow you to connect with the locals. You'll discover authentic little fishermen's huts and admire stunning views of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin and the nearby islands of Montserrat and Antigua.
Day 6 -
Hike to the Galion Falls
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 482 m
- Negative elevation 476 m
- Maximum altitude 1208 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we set off from the Bains Jaunes car park for a hike at the foot of La Soufrière volcano. The trail is well-maintained and offers a pleasant walk through nature. At the end of the route, a short climb leads you to a magnificent waterfall – an impressive natural spectacle!
Day 7 -
The Saintes archipelago, Terre-de-Haut
- Transportation Ferry - 00h20 - 5km
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure this morning for Les Saintes, taking the 9:00 AM ferry from Trois-Rivières (a 20-minute drive from your accommodation). Upon arrival in Terre-de-Haut, your luggage will be taken care of. You will then walk up to Fort Napoléon. A tour of the fort (€5 per person) will allow you to discover its history. Afterwards, enjoy a swim at Anse Mire beach and go snorkeling on the Lindy shipwreck.
Your accommodation, La Petite Villa, is generally available in the early afternoon. Our partner will arrange for your luggage to be collected and delivered to your accommodation upon arrival.
Day 8 -
Camel Hike
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 394 m
- Negative elevation 391 m
- Maximum altitude 278 m
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you're setting off on a hike to Le Chameau, the highest point on the island of Terre-de-Haut and in the Îles des Saintes archipelago. A concrete road leads you to the summit of this hill, where a tower stands, a vestige of the archipelago's military past. From the summit of Le Chameau, you'll enjoy various panoramic views of the islands of the archipelago, southern Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante, and Dominica.
Day 9 -
Discovering the island of Terre de Bas
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you arrive at the port of Terre-de-Bas in Grande Anse. The sister island of Terre-de-Bas welcomes you to one of its idyllic beaches, Grande Anse. The locals will introduce you to the charm of the small village of Petite-Anse, with its traditions and Caribbean folklore. If you love peace and quiet and a change of scenery, Terre-de-Bas will certainly meet your expectations.
The walking trails lead you through lush vegetation, allowing you to meet the island's inhabitants and experience their hospitality. You'll discover diverse landscapes, with views of the Pâté and lovely vistas of Terre-de-Haut. Return to the port of Grande Anse and then back to Terre-de-Haut at the end of the day.
Day 10 -
Explore Pointe-à-Pitre and fly back
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Les Saintes early in the morning. For your last day, we suggest strolling through the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre. Explore the local market, admire the typical architecture, and, for those who wish, visit the ACTe Memorial, the museum dedicated to slavery. Take advantage of this day to soak up the city's unique atmosphere before your departure. Plan to arrive at the airport approximately three hours before your flight's departure. You will return your rental car directly at the airport.
Day 11
Note
The order of the days is given as an indication only, the hike to the Soufrière volcano is fixed as it is booked with a guide.
We will advise you based on your arrival day, the weather, and the opening days of certain places to discover, to find the best plan for your stay.
Depending on your arrival time, either in the evening or the following morning, we will give you a briefing to introduce your stay and Guadeloupe. This will provide you with all the necessary information for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
You will always have a member of our team at your place of stay to answer your questions every day.
Accommodation
The Ecolodge Les Bananes Vertes is nestled in a verdant setting in the commune of Saint-Claude, at the foot of the Soufrière volcano and close to some of Guadeloupe's most beautiful hiking trails, the ferry terminal for Les Saintes, the Cousteau Reserve, and La Grivellière. For your comfort, the swimming pool is heated. The establishment has been awarded the European Ecolabel. The parking area is equipped with two charging stations for electric vehicles.
La Petite Villa Des Saintes is nestled on the hillside along Chemin de la Colline in the commune of Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes. The terrace offers a magnificent view of the beach and the bay of Les Saintes. Designed for two people, the villa provides all the necessary comforts for a pleasant stay, including a heated swimming pool. Private parking is available for your scooter, electric bike, or golf cart. The parking area is equipped with a dedicated charging point for your vehicle.
The Ecolodge Les Bananes Vertes is nestled in a verdant setting in the commune of Saint-Claude, at the foot of the Soufrière volcano and close to some of Guadeloupe's most beautiful hiking trails, the ferry terminal for Les Saintes, the Cousteau Reserve, and La Grivellière. For your comfort, the swimming pool is heated. The establishment has been awarded the European Ecolabel. The parking area is equipped with two charging stations for electric vehicles.
La Petite Villa Des Saintes is nestled on the hillside along Chemin de la Colline in the commune of Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes. The terrace offers a magnificent view of the beach and the bay of Les Saintes. Designed for two people, the villa provides all the necessary comforts for a pleasant stay, including a heated swimming pool. Private parking is available for your scooter, electric bike, or golf cart. The parking area is equipped with a dedicated charging point for your vehicle.
Access
Airport car rental pick-up.
Return to the airport and hand over your rental car approximately four hours before your departure.
Go to the starting point
Please provide us with your flight plan.
You have a parking space at Bananes Vertes.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in ecolodges and villas in double rooms
- Dinner on Day 1 and some items for breakfast on Day 1
- A category A rental car for the duration of the stay
- Guided hikes to La Soufrière
- The round-trip boat ticket to Les Saintes / Trois Rivières
- The digital travel guide with the itinerary and all the must-see addresses on the island
- Luggage handling and transfer on the day of arrival in Les Saintes
The price does not include
- Round-trip flights to Guadeloupe
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Meals (except for dinner on Day 1)
- Drinks
- Parking is available at the "Carbet" and "Embarcadère" car parks for Les Saintes.
- Fuel for the vehicle
- Tips
- A visit to Fort Napoleon (€5)
- Return ticket to Terre de Bas (€10/person return)
- Anything not mentioned in 'the price includes'
Options
- Additional activities - Introductory scuba diving lesson (price per person) : CHF73.18 / person
- Additional activities - Exploration boat trip (price per person) : CHF59.46 / person
- Electric bike rental : CHF27.44 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Gas masks are required to access the volcano's fumarole area.
Equipment to bring
- trail hiking shoes
- rain gear
- sun protection
Clothing to bring
- Clothing made from technical fabric
- Loose-fitting rain gear that you can tuck your backpack into
- Spare clothes
- Cap
- Swimsuit
