Gros Piton Hike
The twin pitons in Saint Lucia rise majestically from the Caribbean Sea, and thousands of tourists flock the Caribbean paradise each year for a glimpse of this natural spectacle. The peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton are not only pleasing to the eyes, but many visit to hike their trails, especially that of Gros Piton.
The Gros Piton Hike Consists of 4 Quarters.
1st Quarter
is the least strenuous, with the main attraction being a walk through Aupoye Park, where the indigenous Kalinago people settled many years ago. Where the 1st quarter ends and the second begins, you will witness the most spectacular view of the coastline of La Pointe, Choiseul, and Choiseul Village in the distance.
2nd Quarter
quarter is only slightly strenuous, but the ascend is steeper from then on. The trail is well constructed to provide proper support. The 2nd ends and the 3rd begins at another spectacular view, this time of the towering Petit Piton. If you need to rest, the benches made from tree branches will provide good support.
3rd Quarter
is where the challenge really begins, where man made stairs on the trail change to boulders that you need to traverse. This quarter is very strenuous, so you need to ensure that you pace yourself. This quarter ends at a massive mango tree, rumoured to be over two hundred years old. The huge branches provide perfect shade if you need to catch your breath before the final quarter.
4th Quarter
is the steepest and most strenuous, but if you make it that far, the peak is not very far away. Be sure to hold on to the railings for support on your way up. When you get to the top, the view is worth every challenge you went through on the way up!
Here's what you need to know before you book...
- Gros Piton Climb begins from USD $90 per person which includes 1.5 litre bottle of water, the entrance fee and the cost of the tour guide. It is extremely important that you have water for the climb, so please do not forget to take it with you!
- Please wear loose or athletic clothing. Do not wear jeans or other tight clothing. Comfortable clothes will make it easier to breath as the air gets thinner on the way up.
- Comfortable sneakers are recommended. Slippers or open ended shoes, tight shoes and sandals are not permitted.
- Please inform the tour guide of any medical conditions which may hinder or affect the pace at which you hike. If you have asthma, please ensure that you walk with your inhaler.
- The hike is not recommended for persons who are ill, pregnant, or persons who are not physically fit.
- When you do start the hike, please pace yourself. If you feel like you should rest, please do. The hike is strenuous and will take a physical toll on the body.
- The approximate time of the hike is 4 hours (2 hours up and 2 hours down). Walk with a light snack ! Fruits are recommended as well.