Guadeloupe, otherwise called the butterfly island because of the shape of its main island, is a French archipelago located in the Caribbean. It is thus made up of different islands in addition to the main one, such as Marie-Galante or Les Saintes, for the most famous. Perhaps you only know this island for its beautiful beaches and ask yourself “why hike in Guadeloupe”? This is precisely the purpose of this article.
Hiking in the Soufriere National Park
La Soufrière is the active volcano in Guadeloupe. With its 1467 meters, it dominates the island and its surroundings. We could therefore imagine having a beautiful view, once at the top. Unfortunately, the latter is very often in the mist which does not allow you to fully enjoy the point of view. Nevertheless, the national park around the volcano offers great possibilities for hiking in the jungle. The Carbet Falls, for example, can be a great day hike.
Explore the coasts of the islands of Guadeloupe
The coasts of the main island are very varied. Indeed, they have very rocky areas, see cliffs, such as at the tip of the pointe des châteaux or at the pointe de la grande vigie. However, the whole is filled with a good number of sandy beaches where you can walk quietly, or simply rest.
Warm up in winter
The climate being tropical, it is hot all year round in Guadeloupe! On the other hand, it is more or less humid depending on the season. From December to June is generally recommended to take advantage of the sun, the rain may be often present otherwise. In addition, in October, the risk of a cyclone increases.
Appreciate Creole gastronomy
Local tropical products that allow the realization of a beautiful Creole cuisine, and it is the delight of the taste buds guaranteed. Rum, bananas, sweet potatoes, seafood … You will inevitably find dishes to your liking. To name a few:
- Dombré: flour dumpling with ouassous (shrimps)
- Dog sauce: a spicy sauce that accompanies many dishes
- Colombo: the dish of Indian origin made with chicken, rice and curry
- Smoked chicken and West Indian blood sausage
Discover the fauna and flora of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is not particularly famous for its fauna. And it is true that the island having a relatively large and long-standing human habitation, many animals have disappeared. However, there are a few endemic animals and if you go diving you will see a number of underwater inhabitants. The tropical flora is richer and allows beautiful green walks as mentioned above.
Go back in time with its historical heritage
From Amerindian remains to modern constructions, man has left traces of the sometimes turbulent history of the island. For amateurs, you will be able to discover engraved stones, monuments more typical of the colonial period, a fort from the Napoleonic period … In short, nearly a hundred listed monuments (in french though) await you.
Convinced of why hike in Guadeloupe? In that case:
And don’t forget to check your visas, vaccines and more … You can consult our list to not forget anything!
