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Islelander Travel Presents The Twin Peaks of St.Lucia
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
Ranked #5 of 147 Attractions in St. Lucia
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
St. Lucia Traveler Article:
St. Lucia Pitons
The two Pitons are of course the most photographed landmark on the island. The Gross Piton is easier climbed with well established tours that provide transportation to the "Interpretive centre"(a small welcome center of sorts with descriptions and models of the local geography, geology and plant life). The park service mandates that guides be used when climbing this peak. The guides are park service employees that are professional, informative and fun to hike with. The climb averages 2 hours to the summit and rewards those that make it with spectacular views of the island and the Petit Piton. This is a hike, not a climb and although strenuous does not require any special skills or present much exposure or danger. The Petit is quite different in that there is no welcome center or even a marked trailhead for that matter. Although no guide is mandatory on this peak, you would be well served finding a
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
local that knows the route. The climb does have some primitive fixed ropes and does present some exposure. The summit is a much smaller area, but has even better views.
To see a brief video of both summits from February of 2007, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiUf5S...
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Gros Piton Pitons Management Area UNESCO World Heritage Site St Lucia
Islelander Travel
Towering nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, the majestic peak of Gros Piton, along with its twin peak Petit Piton, dominates the western coast of St Lucia. The lush green slopes of these pyramid shaped icons rise abruptly from the sapphire blue waters of the Caribbean, filling the adventurous traveler with wanderlust. In fact, the first time we saw photographs of these spectacular landmarks we made up our minds to climb at least one, if not both of the peaks. Upon researching the climbs, we discovered that only Gros Piton (2,619 feet), the taller of the two volcanic mountains, is sanctioned by the government as a legal climb. Therefore, we headed for St Lucia in hopes of reaching the summit of Gros Piton.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the Pitons offer an opportunity, quite literally, for high adventure. Petit Piton (2,461 feet) is much steeper than Gros Piton is, and although it is discouraged, people do climb to the summit. Gros Piton is more accessible for hikers, though it is a steep ascent nonetheless. You will need to start your hike in the coolness of early morning to ensure that you are back down by nightfall, as the climb can take anywhere from three to six hours one-way. The interpretive center in the town of Fond Gens Libre, where you pay your fees and obtain a required guide, is your first stop. Situated at the foot of Gros Piton is the community of Fond Gens Libre, whose name means “valley of the free people.” This small, old settlement dates back to the 1700’s, and during the slave rebellion of 1748, Brigands, or black freedom fighters, used the Gros Piton area as a secure haven, and many of their descendents still live in the town and serve as hiking guides. As you drive the dirt road that leads to the town, you will appreciate how inaccessible the area must have been, and still is to this day. Along the way, you will pass through magnificent stands of cocoa, banana, and coconut, maneuver your car around a myriad of bumps and potholes, and ford two streams, before reaching the sign that marks your arrival.
At the interpretive center, we were greeted by Eva and Jimmy who graciously welcomed us to Fond Gens Libre. Jimmy, a representative of Gros Piton Tours, then used a model of the mountain to describe how we would approach the summit, pointing out the different highlights along the way. He also provides a fascinating history lesson, detailing the life of the people who used Gros Piton as a refuge. Afterwards,
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
he introduced us to our guide, Lucianus Denis. Lucianus, Lucian for short, is a Rastafarian with an easygoing and witty personality, and his companionship as a guide was a highlight of the hike. Just before heading out to the trail, Eva collected our fee of $25.00 USD per person, these fees go towards protecting the trails and help to pay the salary of the guides.
The trail starts out relatively easy, gradually climbing higher up the piton. After a brief jaunt through a forested area, where Lucian pointed out a plant he called the tree of life, the canopy opens up to views of Gros Piton. Here we passed a man carrying a machete, a common garden implement on St Lucia, and balancing a large bag on his head. Everyone on the island of St Lucia, including the stranger we met on the trail, was very friendly and open. They are always willing to offer a smile.
We hiked further down the path until we came to a spur trail, where hidden in the dry coastal forest there sits a small cave that was once used by the brigands as a hideout. The cave, a mere alcove in a large rock, once provided a hiding place for the runaways—the ceiling is still blackened from the smoke of their cooking fires.
Leaving the cave behind, we rejoined the main trail and continued towards the summit. Soon thereafter, a break in the trees provided us with our first views of the Caribbean—magnificent!
From this point on the trail really starts to climb. Lucian led the way, setting a slow and deliberate pace. We were now hiking over loose rock, which required concentration to prevent spraining an ankle. The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
Flat areas were quickly becoming few and far between, but onward we climbed. Honestly, even though the trail was steep and rocky, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had expected it to be, at least so far.
I looked down at my watch, noting that we were now one hour into the hike, and according to Lucian, the halfway point was just ahead. After a few moments of catching our breath, we stood in awe at the sight before us. Petite Piton was directly ahead, rising abruptly out of the sea. Just barely visible in the distance was Martinique. The spire of Petite Piton seemed almost close enough to touch, and even if the trail would have ended there, the hike would have been spectacular, but other great views were still to come.
The second half of the climb was much more difficult, but still quite doable, thanks to steps that were built into the trail—there was even a railing at one particularly exposed section. Every so often, Pick and I would stop and take a drink of water, but Lucian never touched a drop. On a comical side note, I have to mention that Lucian carried his water up the mountain in an old rum bottle—classic! The climbing was intense, and sometimes it was more like scrambling then hiking, but step by step, we moved closer to our goal.
As you near the top, if you can take your mind off your heavy breathing, you will notice that the vegetation around you is changing significantly. All four vegetation types, from dry coastal forest to cloud forest or elfin woodland, exist on Gros Piton, and the higher you go, the lusher the flora becomes. The rich volcanic soil provides for stunning tropical vegetation, which in turn provides shelter for birds and even mongoose. When you reach the top of Gros Piton it comes as a bit of a surprise, just when you have resigned yourself to the never-ending climb, it ends. The summit is actually very large with dense foliage all around, including a tall canopy that obscures your view. Once on the top, Lucian guided us east to an open area in the trail to the first of two viewpoints. This vantage point affords views south to Vieux Fort
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
and out across the Atlantic Ocean to the island of St Vincent. In addition, you can see many settlements far below, tucked away in the thick stands of coconut palms.
The second viewpoint is reached by heading north on a spur trail, complete with wooden ladders, that leads to excellent views of Petit Piton. The ladders are, seriously, one of the coolest parts of the entire hike; they make you feel like you are on a major trek through the jungle. Not to be outdone, the view of Petit Piton and the Caribbean Sea is fantastic!
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
It had taken us two hours to reach the summit, a respectable time, and the return journey took just about as long—timing in at one and a half hours, for a total hiking time of three and half hours. The descent is drastically steep, so steep that I wondered how in the heck we managed to climb up as fast as we did. The loose rocks along the trail are notorious for causing your feet to slide out from under you on the way down, but don’t worry, there is an endless supply of trees to grab onto for support.
Back at the halfway point, we stopped to take in the views once again. The light had changed since our first time past, giving Petit Piton a whole new appearance. As the three of us rested on the rocks and the comfy bench, we talked about our climbing experiences and exchanged addresses. Pick asked Lucian, who had his dreadlocks tucked in a hat, how long his hair actually was, to which he cheerfully replied, “Would you like to see?” He then proceeded to take off his hat, allowing his dreads to cascade down around his shoulders. It was really cool to see how proud he was of his dreadlocked mane, which had taken him ten years to grow. We had brought an extra Natural Born Hikers’ Buff on the hike to give to our guide, and now we knew it would definitely be a useful gift.
As you near the top, if you can take your mind off your heavy breathing, you will notice that the vegetation around you is changing significantly. All four vegetation types, from dry coastal forest to cloud forest or elfin woodland, exist on Gros Piton, and the higher you go, the lusher the flora becomes. The rich volcanic soil provides for stunning tropical vegetation, which in turn provides shelter for birds and even mongoose. When you reach the top of Gros Piton it comes as a bit of a surprise, just when you have resigned yourself to the never-ending climb, it ends. The summit is actually very large with dense foliage all around, including a tall canopy that obscures your view. Once on the top, Lucian guided us east to an open area in the trail to the first of two viewpoints. This vantage point affords views south to Vieux Fort and out across the Atlantic Ocean to the island of St Vincent. In addition, you can see many settlements far below, tucked away in the thick stands of coconut palms.
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
St. Lucia's Piton Mountains named World Heritage Site
Saturday, July 31, 2004
CASTRIES, St. Lucia: Last month, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named St. Lucia's Pitons Management Area (PMA) a World Heritage Site.
UNESCO names properties World Heritage Sites when they are considered to have "outstanding universal value," from an aesthetic, cultural and/or scientific point of view. Such an honor reflects St. Lucia's beauty and commitment to eco-friendly development and preservation.
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
"We are all very proud that UNESCO awarded World Heritage Site status to the PMA. It is recognition and a reward for all the efforts made by local people and organizations to protect this national treasure," says Director of Tourism Peter Hilary Modeste. "It will greatly enhance the symbolic and economic value of the area and provide further incentive to develop tourism in harmony with the local culture and environment."
The Pitons, located in the picturesque south of the island, are a respected symbol of St. Lucia and are the most recognizable landmarks in the Caribbean. The Pitons were considered sacred to the island's first inhabitants, the Amerindians, and are immortalized today in the writings of St. Lucian Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott.
www.pitons.weebly.com
The Pitons Management Area extends over 11 square miles and includes the magnificent twin peaks of Gros and Petit Piton, the town of Soufriere, the nearby coral reefs, Sulphur Springs -one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes -- and the rare animal and plant species that thrive in the area. This uniquely stunning location of St. Lucia is a result of a natural volcanic process that helped shape these varying ecosystems. The 11-square-mile Pitons Management Area near the town of Soufriere on the island's west coast includes the Gros and Petit Pitons, two volcanic spires rising side by side from the sea (2526-ft and 2437-ft high respectively), linked by the Piton Mountain ridge. The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumeroles and hotsprings. Coral reefs cover almost 60 percent of the site's marine area.
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
A survey has revealed 168 species of finfish, 60 species of cindaria, including corals, 8 molluscs, 14 sponges, 11 echnioderms, 15 arthropods and 8 annelid worms. Hawksbill turtles are seen inshore, whale sharks and pilot whales offshore. The dominant terrestrial vegetation is tropical moist forest grading to subtropical wet forest with small areas of dry forest and wet elfin woodland on the summits. At least 148 plant species have been recorded on Gros Piton, 97 on Petit Piton and the intervening ridge, among them eight rare tree species. The Gros Piton is home to some 27 species (five of them endemic), three indigenous rodents, one opossum, three bats, eight reptiles and three amphibians. Source: http://whc.unesco.org The PMA is now one of only five natural World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean region.
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
“Just saw the magical Pitons....” California Jan 31, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, neither that of Islelander Travel.
Fresh off of a cruise ship, we had no idea what we would do on St. Lucia. Much to our good fortune, a taxi driver (in a very clean, new, attractive car with seat belts & A/C) named Bertrand drove up. We asked him to take us to the beach, but asked what else was there to do on St. Lucia. After agreeing on a fair price (for 3 hours) Bertrand, who speaks perfect English, by the way, took us to every beautiful and interesting site on his island, of which he is incredibly proud. His tour was full of facts, information, humor and anecdotes & funny stories about this island & island life. He is a good man who loves his family. The Pitons were the last attraction & were in my opinion, like looking at the face of God, so magical, beautiful, and because of the mist that drifted past as we got up close (Ladera Resort bar kisses the Pitons, insist on a stop there) they were even a bit eerie. Much to our surprise, Bertrand spent not 3 but 5 hours with us that flew by. I promised him that I would put his number on Trip Advisor so that he would never have to wait for work again, it would come to him. One negative, no web site or email. But here's his number: (758) 584-0814 or (758) 720-7819. This island will make you want to forget your life & live there! Kathy Culley Santa Rosa, Ca. kcsdowtowngrill.com
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www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
London
“Gros Piton Climb”
Nov 22, 2008
To hike to the top of Gros Piton you are required to have a guide. The guides are organized by the interpretive centre in the town Fond Gens Libre at the start of the trail. You can either make your own way there or book a day trip through the community based Gros Piton Tours. The trip cost US$120 per person and included transport from our hotel in Rodney Bay, guide for the hike (on their own the guides are US$30) and lunch at the Fond Doux Estate after (http://www.fonddouxestate.com/).
The hike was a great rewarding work out taking around 4 hours round trip. There are some steep sections and the hike back down can be slippery especially if there is a tropical down pour. The views along the trail where beautiful, however a little hazy at the top. You need to be of average fitness to complete the hike, but the guides are happy to take it slowly if you are struggling. Make sure you take lots of water to replace all the fluids you will lose our guide didn't break a sweat, but we were all dripping. You legs will of course feel it the next day, but nothing a swim in the sea won’t fix. All in all well worth the effort, I'm glad we ignored the hotel rep who tried to discourage us from taking the trip saying that it was too difficult.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, neither that of Islelander Travel.
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
“Piton Climb” Jan 23, 2008
Petit Piton Challenge
On Tuesday 8th January 2008, Monica Kesson and Jane Wake undertook the Petit Piton Challenge as part of a fund raising campaign. This Piton is less often climbed and more difficult than the more commonly climbed Gros Piton and we were pleased when we completed the round trip in 3hrs 50 mins. Together with guides, we set off at about 08.00 and the 2,400 foot (approx) climb involves relatively vertical scrambling almost from the word go. The uneven, loose terrain through the tropical rain forest in the soaring heat was quite a challenge. The boulders got bigger as we ascended, but roots and branches provide good hand and foot holds. Once past the half way mark, ropes are in place to help the
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intrepid challenger! Initially these ropes were quite difficult but not insurmountable; however they do become more challenging as you climb higher. The feeling of elation at having achieved the summit and the stunning view of Soufriere and the Gros Piton made it a worthwhile experience. One which will remain very memorable for some time to come. (Doing this trip without a guide is not recommended, a good degree of physical fitness is required and safety gear would be useful).
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, neither that of Islelander Travel.
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
“A Spiritual Experience” Nov 5, 2007
We lived in St Lucia for 27 months as Peace Corps volunteers. The Pitons were visible from many places around the island. Any scene with the Pitons in view is especially appealing and when you are near them they are inspiring to look at. Snorkeling at the base of the pitons is especially good and the nearby resorts are all exceptional. The view of the pitons from the sea is awesome and you have not been in the Caribbean unless you have been to see the pitons. The picture shows us with some of our St Lucian community partners. Petit Piton is in the background.
Petit Piton with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, neither that of Islelander Travel.
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Climbing Gros Pitons in St. Lucia
Submitted by Amy and Chris
Islelander Travel
Nearly 3,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, two volcanic spires in St. Lucia known as Gros Piton and Petit Piton make up the Piton Management Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its lush, green landscapes and diverse animal and plant life. The almost identical twin peaks are 2.5 miles apart and can be seen from most parts of the island – they’re completely awe-inspiring! Gros Piton is the only mountain legally open for hikes, as the other is too steep and dangerous. For $25, anyone can hire a local guide and hike to the summit of Gros Piton to enjoy its breathtaking views. You can book tours through the interpretive center in the town of Fond Gens Libre, at the base of the mountain. The fee is reinvested in the community, and helps to pay the guides.
While vacationing in St. Lucia in May, my boyfriend Chris and I decided to hike the Pitons. When a taxi driver, concierge and local vendor all told us to drink lots of water and go to bed early the night before our hike, we knew that we were in for a challenging day.
The town of Fond Gens Libre, which means “valley of the free people”, is a small, old settlement that dates back to the 1700’s. Small houses, tiny farms, roaming pigs, goats, and dogs greeted us. It is a tight knit community, and many of the guides have lived in the village their entire lives. Lucianus Denis was our laid back and informative Rastafarian guide. We also learned he was about to be a father for the first time! During our hike, Denis showed us the old paths he used to carry water to the animals and the charcoal pits he used. All along the challenging path, we saw smoking fires where the trees were burned to make charcoal. The trail is rocky and strenuous, yet Denis never struggled and offered us fresh mangoes from his garden to keep us going. The views from the top were truly breathtaking, though, and worth the sweat and tears it took us to get to the top. I would definitely recommend this adventure, and would recommend starting it early morning before the sun gets too hot. And, if you choose to do the hike with a local expert, ask for Lucianus Denis! For more info, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Centre website. Safe travels!
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www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
St. Lucia Pitons - A World Heritage Site
The Art of the Climb
The Art of the Image
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
On Top of Petit Piton
Shane the Wonder Guide
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
Gros Piton Climb
John, Jane and Ret on the summit of Gros Piton with Petit Piton in the background
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
View from Anse Chastanet’s Jade Mountain
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
Worthy to be Called The 8th Wonder of the World – St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
Ranked #5 of 147 Attractions in St. Lucia
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
St. Lucia Traveler Article:
St. Lucia Pitons
The two Pitons are of course the most photographed landmark on the island. The Gross Piton is easier climbed with well established tours that provide transportation to the "Interpretive centre"(a small welcome center of sorts with descriptions and models of the local geography, geology and plant life). The park service mandates that guides be used when climbing this peak. The guides are park service employees that are professional, informative and fun to hike with. The climb averages 2 hours to the summit and rewards those that make it with spectacular views of the island and the Petit Piton. This is a hike, not a climb and although strenuous does not require any special skills or present much exposure or danger. The Petit is quite different in that there is no welcome center or even a marked trailhead for that matter. Although no guide is mandatory on this peak, you would be well served finding a
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
local that knows the route. The climb does have some primitive fixed ropes and does present some exposure. The summit is a much smaller area, but has even better views.
To see a brief video of both summits from February of 2007, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiUf5S...
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Gros Piton Pitons Management Area UNESCO World Heritage Site St Lucia
Islelander Travel
Towering nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, the majestic peak of Gros Piton, along with its twin peak Petit Piton, dominates the western coast of St Lucia. The lush green slopes of these pyramid shaped icons rise abruptly from the sapphire blue waters of the Caribbean, filling the adventurous traveler with wanderlust. In fact, the first time we saw photographs of these spectacular landmarks we made up our minds to climb at least one, if not both of the peaks. Upon researching the climbs, we discovered that only Gros Piton (2,619 feet), the taller of the two volcanic mountains, is sanctioned by the government as a legal climb. Therefore, we headed for St Lucia in hopes of reaching the summit of Gros Piton.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the Pitons offer an opportunity, quite literally, for high adventure. Petit Piton (2,461 feet) is much steeper than Gros Piton is, and although it is discouraged, people do climb to the summit. Gros Piton is more accessible for hikers, though it is a steep ascent nonetheless. You will need to start your hike in the coolness of early morning to ensure that you are back down by nightfall, as the climb can take anywhere from three to six hours one-way. The interpretive center in the town of Fond Gens Libre, where you pay your fees and obtain a required guide, is your first stop. Situated at the foot of Gros Piton is the community of Fond Gens Libre, whose name means “valley of the free people.” This small, old settlement dates back to the 1700’s, and during the slave rebellion of 1748, Brigands, or black freedom fighters, used the Gros Piton area as a secure haven, and many of their descendents still live in the town and serve as hiking guides. As you drive the dirt road that leads to the town, you will appreciate how inaccessible the area must have been, and still is to this day. Along the way, you will pass through magnificent stands of cocoa, banana, and coconut, maneuver your car around a myriad of bumps and potholes, and ford two streams, before reaching the sign that marks your arrival.
At the interpretive center, we were greeted by Eva and Jimmy who graciously welcomed us to Fond Gens Libre. Jimmy, a representative of Gros Piton Tours, then used a model of the mountain to describe how we would approach the summit, pointing out the different highlights along the way. He also provides a fascinating history lesson, detailing the life of the people who used Gros Piton as a refuge. Afterwards,
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
he introduced us to our guide, Lucianus Denis. Lucianus, Lucian for short, is a Rastafarian with an easygoing and witty personality, and his companionship as a guide was a highlight of the hike. Just before heading out to the trail, Eva collected our fee of $25.00 USD per person, these fees go towards protecting the trails and help to pay the salary of the guides.
The trail starts out relatively easy, gradually climbing higher up the piton. After a brief jaunt through a forested area, where Lucian pointed out a plant he called the tree of life, the canopy opens up to views of Gros Piton. Here we passed a man carrying a machete, a common garden implement on St Lucia, and balancing a large bag on his head. Everyone on the island of St Lucia, including the stranger we met on the trail, was very friendly and open. They are always willing to offer a smile.
We hiked further down the path until we came to a spur trail, where hidden in the dry coastal forest there sits a small cave that was once used by the brigands as a hideout. The cave, a mere alcove in a large rock, once provided a hiding place for the runaways—the ceiling is still blackened from the smoke of their cooking fires.
Leaving the cave behind, we rejoined the main trail and continued towards the summit. Soon thereafter, a break in the trees provided us with our first views of the Caribbean—magnificent!
From this point on the trail really starts to climb. Lucian led the way, setting a slow and deliberate pace. We were now hiking over loose rock, which required concentration to prevent spraining an ankle. The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
Flat areas were quickly becoming few and far between, but onward we climbed. Honestly, even though the trail was steep and rocky, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had expected it to be, at least so far.
I looked down at my watch, noting that we were now one hour into the hike, and according to Lucian, the halfway point was just ahead. After a few moments of catching our breath, we stood in awe at the sight before us. Petite Piton was directly ahead, rising abruptly out of the sea. Just barely visible in the distance was Martinique. The spire of Petite Piton seemed almost close enough to touch, and even if the trail would have ended there, the hike would have been spectacular, but other great views were still to come.
The second half of the climb was much more difficult, but still quite doable, thanks to steps that were built into the trail—there was even a railing at one particularly exposed section. Every so often, Pick and I would stop and take a drink of water, but Lucian never touched a drop. On a comical side note, I have to mention that Lucian carried his water up the mountain in an old rum bottle—classic! The climbing was intense, and sometimes it was more like scrambling then hiking, but step by step, we moved closer to our goal.
As you near the top, if you can take your mind off your heavy breathing, you will notice that the vegetation around you is changing significantly. All four vegetation types, from dry coastal forest to cloud forest or elfin woodland, exist on Gros Piton, and the higher you go, the lusher the flora becomes. The rich volcanic soil provides for stunning tropical vegetation, which in turn provides shelter for birds and even mongoose. When you reach the top of Gros Piton it comes as a bit of a surprise, just when you have resigned yourself to the never-ending climb, it ends. The summit is actually very large with dense foliage all around, including a tall canopy that obscures your view. Once on the top, Lucian guided us east to an open area in the trail to the first of two viewpoints. This vantage point affords views south to Vieux Fort
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
and out across the Atlantic Ocean to the island of St Vincent. In addition, you can see many settlements far below, tucked away in the thick stands of coconut palms.
The second viewpoint is reached by heading north on a spur trail, complete with wooden ladders, that leads to excellent views of Petit Piton. The ladders are, seriously, one of the coolest parts of the entire hike; they make you feel like you are on a major trek through the jungle. Not to be outdone, the view of Petit Piton and the Caribbean Sea is fantastic!
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
It had taken us two hours to reach the summit, a respectable time, and the return journey took just about as long—timing in at one and a half hours, for a total hiking time of three and half hours. The descent is drastically steep, so steep that I wondered how in the heck we managed to climb up as fast as we did. The loose rocks along the trail are notorious for causing your feet to slide out from under you on the way down, but don’t worry, there is an endless supply of trees to grab onto for support.
Back at the halfway point, we stopped to take in the views once again. The light had changed since our first time past, giving Petit Piton a whole new appearance. As the three of us rested on the rocks and the comfy bench, we talked about our climbing experiences and exchanged addresses. Pick asked Lucian, who had his dreadlocks tucked in a hat, how long his hair actually was, to which he cheerfully replied, “Would you like to see?” He then proceeded to take off his hat, allowing his dreads to cascade down around his shoulders. It was really cool to see how proud he was of his dreadlocked mane, which had taken him ten years to grow. We had brought an extra Natural Born Hikers’ Buff on the hike to give to our guide, and now we knew it would definitely be a useful gift.
As you near the top, if you can take your mind off your heavy breathing, you will notice that the vegetation around you is changing significantly. All four vegetation types, from dry coastal forest to cloud forest or elfin woodland, exist on Gros Piton, and the higher you go, the lusher the flora becomes. The rich volcanic soil provides for stunning tropical vegetation, which in turn provides shelter for birds and even mongoose. When you reach the top of Gros Piton it comes as a bit of a surprise, just when you have resigned yourself to the never-ending climb, it ends. The summit is actually very large with dense foliage all around, including a tall canopy that obscures your view. Once on the top, Lucian guided us east to an open area in the trail to the first of two viewpoints. This vantage point affords views south to Vieux Fort and out across the Atlantic Ocean to the island of St Vincent. In addition, you can see many settlements far below, tucked away in the thick stands of coconut palms.
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
www.pitons.weebly.com
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
St. Lucia's Piton Mountains named World Heritage Site
Saturday, July 31, 2004
CASTRIES, St. Lucia: Last month, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named St. Lucia's Pitons Management Area (PMA) a World Heritage Site.
UNESCO names properties World Heritage Sites when they are considered to have "outstanding universal value," from an aesthetic, cultural and/or scientific point of view. Such an honor reflects St. Lucia's beauty and commitment to eco-friendly development and preservation.
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"We are all very proud that UNESCO awarded World Heritage Site status to the PMA. It is recognition and a reward for all the efforts made by local people and organizations to protect this national treasure," says Director of Tourism Peter Hilary Modeste. "It will greatly enhance the symbolic and economic value of the area and provide further incentive to develop tourism in harmony with the local culture and environment."
The Pitons, located in the picturesque south of the island, are a respected symbol of St. Lucia and are the most recognizable landmarks in the Caribbean. The Pitons were considered sacred to the island's first inhabitants, the Amerindians, and are immortalized today in the writings of St. Lucian Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott.
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The Pitons Management Area extends over 11 square miles and includes the magnificent twin peaks of Gros and Petit Piton, the town of Soufriere, the nearby coral reefs, Sulphur Springs -one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes -- and the rare animal and plant species that thrive in the area. This uniquely stunning location of St. Lucia is a result of a natural volcanic process that helped shape these varying ecosystems. The 11-square-mile Pitons Management Area near the town of Soufriere on the island's west coast includes the Gros and Petit Pitons, two volcanic spires rising side by side from the sea (2526-ft and 2437-ft high respectively), linked by the Piton Mountain ridge. The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumeroles and hotsprings. Coral reefs cover almost 60 percent of the site's marine area.
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
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A survey has revealed 168 species of finfish, 60 species of cindaria, including corals, 8 molluscs, 14 sponges, 11 echnioderms, 15 arthropods and 8 annelid worms. Hawksbill turtles are seen inshore, whale sharks and pilot whales offshore. The dominant terrestrial vegetation is tropical moist forest grading to subtropical wet forest with small areas of dry forest and wet elfin woodland on the summits. At least 148 plant species have been recorded on Gros Piton, 97 on Petit Piton and the intervening ridge, among them eight rare tree species. The Gros Piton is home to some 27 species (five of them endemic), three indigenous rodents, one opossum, three bats, eight reptiles and three amphibians. Source: http://whc.unesco.org The PMA is now one of only five natural World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean region.
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
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“Just saw the magical Pitons....” California Jan 31, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, neither that of Islelander Travel.
Fresh off of a cruise ship, we had no idea what we would do on St. Lucia. Much to our good fortune, a taxi driver (in a very clean, new, attractive car with seat belts & A/C) named Bertrand drove up. We asked him to take us to the beach, but asked what else was there to do on St. Lucia. After agreeing on a fair price (for 3 hours) Bertrand, who speaks perfect English, by the way, took us to every beautiful and interesting site on his island, of which he is incredibly proud. His tour was full of facts, information, humor and anecdotes & funny stories about this island & island life. He is a good man who loves his family. The Pitons were the last attraction & were in my opinion, like looking at the face of God, so magical, beautiful, and because of the mist that drifted past as we got up close (Ladera Resort bar kisses the Pitons, insist on a stop there) they were even a bit eerie. Much to our surprise, Bertrand spent not 3 but 5 hours with us that flew by. I promised him that I would put his number on Trip Advisor so that he would never have to wait for work again, it would come to him. One negative, no web site or email. But here's his number: (758) 584-0814 or (758) 720-7819. This island will make you want to forget your life & live there! Kathy Culley Santa Rosa, Ca. kcsdowtowngrill.com
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
London
“Gros Piton Climb”
Nov 22, 2008
To hike to the top of Gros Piton you are required to have a guide. The guides are organized by the interpretive centre in the town Fond Gens Libre at the start of the trail. You can either make your own way there or book a day trip through the community based Gros Piton Tours. The trip cost US$120 per person and included transport from our hotel in Rodney Bay, guide for the hike (on their own the guides are US$30) and lunch at the Fond Doux Estate after (http://www.fonddouxestate.com/).
The hike was a great rewarding work out taking around 4 hours round trip. There are some steep sections and the hike back down can be slippery especially if there is a tropical down pour. The views along the trail where beautiful, however a little hazy at the top. You need to be of average fitness to complete the hike, but the guides are happy to take it slowly if you are struggling. Make sure you take lots of water to replace all the fluids you will lose our guide didn't break a sweat, but we were all dripping. You legs will of course feel it the next day, but nothing a swim in the sea won’t fix. All in all well worth the effort, I'm glad we ignored the hotel rep who tried to discourage us from taking the trip saying that it was too difficult.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, neither that of Islelander Travel.
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
“Piton Climb” Jan 23, 2008
Petit Piton Challenge
On Tuesday 8th January 2008, Monica Kesson and Jane Wake undertook the Petit Piton Challenge as part of a fund raising campaign. This Piton is less often climbed and more difficult than the more commonly climbed Gros Piton and we were pleased when we completed the round trip in 3hrs 50 mins. Together with guides, we set off at about 08.00 and the 2,400 foot (approx) climb involves relatively vertical scrambling almost from the word go. The uneven, loose terrain through the tropical rain forest in the soaring heat was quite a challenge. The boulders got bigger as we ascended, but roots and branches provide good hand and foot holds. Once past the half way mark, ropes are in place to help the
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intrepid challenger! Initially these ropes were quite difficult but not insurmountable; however they do become more challenging as you climb higher. The feeling of elation at having achieved the summit and the stunning view of Soufriere and the Gros Piton made it a worthwhile experience. One which will remain very memorable for some time to come. (Doing this trip without a guide is not recommended, a good degree of physical fitness is required and safety gear would be useful).
St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, neither that of Islelander Travel.
The Information On This Document is STRICTLY Based On Experiences and Opinions from travelers worldwide.
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
“A Spiritual Experience” Nov 5, 2007
We lived in St Lucia for 27 months as Peace Corps volunteers. The Pitons were visible from many places around the island. Any scene with the Pitons in view is especially appealing and when you are near them they are inspiring to look at. Snorkeling at the base of the pitons is especially good and the nearby resorts are all exceptional. The view of the pitons from the sea is awesome and you have not been in the Caribbean unless you have been to see the pitons. The picture shows us with some of our St Lucian community partners. Petit Piton is in the background.
Petit Piton with friends
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Climbing Gros Pitons in St. Lucia
Submitted by Amy and Chris
Islelander Travel
Nearly 3,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, two volcanic spires in St. Lucia known as Gros Piton and Petit Piton make up the Piton Management Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its lush, green landscapes and diverse animal and plant life. The almost identical twin peaks are 2.5 miles apart and can be seen from most parts of the island – they’re completely awe-inspiring! Gros Piton is the only mountain legally open for hikes, as the other is too steep and dangerous. For $25, anyone can hire a local guide and hike to the summit of Gros Piton to enjoy its breathtaking views. You can book tours through the interpretive center in the town of Fond Gens Libre, at the base of the mountain. The fee is reinvested in the community, and helps to pay the guides.
While vacationing in St. Lucia in May, my boyfriend Chris and I decided to hike the Pitons. When a taxi driver, concierge and local vendor all told us to drink lots of water and go to bed early the night before our hike, we knew that we were in for a challenging day.
The town of Fond Gens Libre, which means “valley of the free people”, is a small, old settlement that dates back to the 1700’s. Small houses, tiny farms, roaming pigs, goats, and dogs greeted us. It is a tight knit community, and many of the guides have lived in the village their entire lives. Lucianus Denis was our laid back and informative Rastafarian guide. We also learned he was about to be a father for the first time! During our hike, Denis showed us the old paths he used to carry water to the animals and the charcoal pits he used. All along the challenging path, we saw smoking fires where the trees were burned to make charcoal. The trail is rocky and strenuous, yet Denis never struggled and offered us fresh mangoes from his garden to keep us going. The views from the top were truly breathtaking, though, and worth the sweat and tears it took us to get to the top. I would definitely recommend this adventure, and would recommend starting it early morning before the sun gets too hot. And, if you choose to do the hike with a local expert, ask for Lucianus Denis! For more info, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Centre website. Safe travels!
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
St. Lucia Pitons - A World Heritage Site
The Art of the Climb
The Art of the Image
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
On Top of Petit Piton
Shane the Wonder Guide
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Islelander Travel
Gros Piton Climb
John, Jane and Ret on the summit of Gros Piton with Petit Piton in the background
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
View from Anse Chastanet’s Jade Mountain
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
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Worthy to be Called The 8th Wonder of the World – St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
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St. Lucia Pitons – A World Heritage Site
Islelander Travel
St.Lucia Islelander - ADVENTURE
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www.islelander.com Islelander St.Lucia is an exciting new business offering travel arrangements to both public and private clients throughout on the wonderful Caribbean island St.Lucia. Helping clients to get the best deals on their travel arrangements in St.Lucia, with the least amount of hassle, within the timescale requested by the client. The business provides both businesses and private individuals with a professional travel service. Using all resources available and experienced organizers, the service is designed to take all of the stress out of making travel plans. The company delivers a range of travel services that can save the client both time and money and are perfect for both individual and business use. Using local and knowledgeable organizers. With a small team, trained in obtaining the best discounts, operating with the strictest of confidence and of providing the client with the information required in a professional and timely manner. Islelander has a satisfied customer travel base, located throughout the UK,U.S, including pubs, clubs and restaurants as well as a number of private clients. The company is run by a local and international team dedicated in the Travel Planner and Real Estate.
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