Rainforest hikes

Photo: Adrien Ballanger

Basse-Terre:

Dominated by the volcano, the Basse-Terre side, i.e. the left wing of what is called “Butterfly Island”, offers tropical forest landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Between waterfalls, waterfalls and rivers, the National Park is full of hiking trails that can be crossed with or without a guide.

Photo: Adrien Ballanger

The volcano of La Soufrière:

Is there a better time for magic than when body and mind wander? And what a joy to reach this state after climbing kilometers to discover a breathtaking view! Indeed, at the end of a unique ascent, the summit of the Soufrière volcano, at an altitude of 1,467 meters, offers a 360 degree view of all the islands of Guadeloupe. By more or less confidential paths, the discovery of this panorama leaves you speechless, not to mention the astonishing spectacle of the craters and their sulfur vapors. To have the chance to access it, the weather plays a major role because the clouds often remain attached to its summit. Remember to check the conditions the same morning.

Photo: Adrien Ballanger

The Matouba Jump:

In another genre, more tropical forest, the conquest of the Matouba Water Jump is a surprising experience. Indeed, this short hike crosses a banana grove before descending a steep path to the Saint-Louis River. Here, the plant world deploys its strength and biodiversity is exceptional. Our guide explains to us that if the roots of trees are visible, it is because they cannot be planted in the rock. To survive, they balance each other and hold their own while intertwining: there is strength in numbers.

Ferns as far as the eye can see:

Further on, in this tropical forest, we discover tree ferns, a kind of umbrella that was already present at the time of the dinosaurs. More than 260 fern varieties have been recorded. We learn that begonia can be eaten raw and cooked and that resolute is a massive tree whose wood is used to make furniture, especially kitchen cupboards because it does not fear water. The flower with the little white tail can be eaten, it is called “rat tail” and has a peppery taste. We no longer stop our guide in his explanations. Then, once down, climbing up the river bed leads to a pool of water at the foot of a small waterfall. Extremely rigid volcanic rocks dominate, impressive! The rainfall and the morphology of the land are here to be controlled. A good way to check is to stack three small flat boulders on top of an emerged rock. If the water rises, they will no longer be visible. Also, be wary of soil that is too dry.
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Photo: Adrien Ballanger

The Blue Basin:

For those who suffer from altitude differences, hiking to the Bassin Bleu is easy. Indeed, it starts on concrete ground, and the passage is then quite wide. On cloudless days, the Soufrière massif is visible. On the tree called white gum, there is a white paste that is used as a natural incense. On the way, we see equipment to supply the city of Gourbeyre with fresh water. Then, all the way, you can access by ropes to several pools in which it is possible to swim. Here you are: it's time to relax and learn to detect the song of the sugar bowl and the different families of birds that populate this paradisiacal place.