Gros Piton Nature Trail, St Lucia

Castries, Saint Lucia

Life has its rewards and you will find many of them on the Gros Piton Nature Trail.

Travel by coach along the scenic west coast of the island through lush tropical vegetation onto the Fond Gens Libre, "village of the free people" community, to the welcome center. From this point, you are joined by a knowledgeable guide, who will lead you along the trail which winds around the mountain at a gradual gradient.

Enjoy panoramic vistas in every direction and see Petit Piton in the distance. The first half of the trail is moderate and can be enjoyed by everyone, while the second half involves a steep accent to the summit suitable to the more adventurous hiker.

After a strenuous but exhilarating climb and a delightful lunch at a local Restaurant, return to the bus for the ride back to your hotel.

USD $129.99

Review by: Joe K	December 2010
This is a very, very challenging hike, but the reward upon finishing is fantastic and well worth the effort. The views are postcard perfect. The trail is very well marked, however, you are required to have a "guide". I think this is just so locals can make money, but I don't really have a problem with that. However, our guide basically led us up the trail, but did not share much information. I learned more about the trail and the mountain by reading about it before we even arrived in St. Lucia. There are some really good photo spots along the trail, including an incredible view of Petit Piton at the 1/2 mark. While the hike itself is pretty fantastic, it can be a very long drive (1.5-2 hrs) from areas of Castries or further north. It is a very winding and twisty road. Our tour driver never stopped for lunch, as listed, which was a huge negative since we were starving after hiking. At $130, this tour is way overpriced(especially without lunch), but if you are a hiker and you want great views, it might be worth the money.

Review by: Kat M, United States of America	September 2008
This trail was definitely worth climbing, even for the most fit they would find a challenge. At the end you can not help feel exhilarated with your accomplishment. My daughter and I were very pleased we chose to do this. Our tour guide was disappointing as she tried to rush us up and down the mountain and came across as being annoyed with us as I couldn't go up the mountain at that pace and my daughter struggled on the way down. A few months prior she had hurt her ankle. Even though our guide has been doing this for six years she didn't seem to know or demonstrate any interest in pointing out any landmarks, plant life or birds in our surroundings which would have added to the overall experience. This package also included transportation from north end hotels and our driver was very good in sharing his island with us, but was a little to friendly and we felt a tad uncomfortable. If you are looking for something to add some excitement to your vacation in St. Lucia we would highly recommend the Gro Piton climb.

Review by: Christie G, United States of America	December 2007
This is not a nature trail but a grueling and brutal rock climb. There is no margin of error to fall - you will be seriously injured. Do not get me wrong, it was a triumph to make it to the top but if you go expecting and strenuous and steep nature trail you will quickly find out it is no trail at all. Great views and an accomplishment but you pay the price.

Review by: Christopher T, United States of America	May 2007
This was a great trip and definitely worth doing. What a different way to see St. Lucia! Along the trail there are many fabulous views, and the view from the top is incredible. The hike, however, is definitely advanced. You hike straight up for about two and a half hours over rocks and steep pathways. Make sure to take plenty of water and energy snacks!