Looking for a hike in Guadeloupe that combines adventure, nature and discovery of volcanism? The ascent of La Soufrière, the famous volcano of Basse-Terre, is an essential experience to discover another facet of the island.

Culminating at 1,467 meters above sea level, the Soufrière is the highest point of the Lesser Antilles. Its ascent starts at the parking lot of the Bains Jaunes and allows to cross the rainforest before joining the mineral and volcanic landscapes of the summit.

To live this adventure in good conditions, a guided hike to the Soufrière with Vert Intense allows you to benefit from the knowledge of a qualified guide and to discover more closely the volcanic environment.

And to extend this day of adventure, why not choose a nearby accommodation? Located in Gourbeyre, the apartment Horizon Doré is a pleasant address to stay in the south of Basse-Terre.

La Soufrière, the "Old Lady" volcano emblematic of Guadeloupe

La Soufrière is an active explosive-type volcano

The Guadeloupeans affectionately nicknamed her "the Old Lady". It is located south of Basse-Terre, in the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park, recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

Its last notable eruption was in 1976, when it led to the evacuation of more than 70,000 residents. Since then, the volcano has been continuously monitored by the Observatoire volcanologique et sismologique de Guadeloupe (OVSG), which regularly publishes the current alert level.

Its ascent is special because it allows to gradually move from a lush tropical environment to a much more mineral volcanic landscape.

As the climb progresses, the landscape changes. The tall trees of the rainforest gradually give way to a more open environment, marked by volcanic reliefs, rocks and fumaroles.

At the top, the landscape changes radically: fractures, chasms, fumaroles and smell of sulfur. On a clear day, the view goes as far as Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and even Dominica.

Why climb the Soufriere with a state-certified guide?

The ascent of the Soufriere can be approached as a true discovery of the volcano.

With Vert Intense, the hike is supervised by a qualified guide who accompanies participants throughout the route.

Beyond the walk, the guide shares his knowledge on volcanism, but also on the fauna and flora of Guadeloupe.

This is what makes the experience particularly interesting: we don’t just climb a summit, we also understand the landscape we cross but also: 

• Safety: the guide knows the volcanic alert level, areas closed due to gases and signs of a weather change. He knows when to turn back.

• Discovery: geology of the volcano, history of the 1976 eruption, endemic plants and birds of the humid forest. Each step of the ascent makes sense.

• Routes: with a guide, you can take less frequented trails than the Chemin des Dames, adapted to your level.

• Serenity: no itinerary to prepare or risk getting lost in the fog, you just enjoy the scenery.

The hike proposed by Vert Intense is classified as medium difficulty and takes about 5 hours. Hiking is accessible from 8 years old and requires a physical condition 

From hiking to discovery

The parking lot is free but fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. No public transport directly serves the site: a rental car is almost essential.

With Vert Intense, the hike begins at 7:30 am in the parking lot of Les Bains Jaunes, supervised by qualified guides, passionate about Basse-Terre and its volcano. The outings are done in small groups, for a more personal experience and a rhythm adapted to each one.

Book your guided hike in Soufrière with Vert Intense

Before starting, the guide presents the route and gives the necessary instructions for the hike. The ascent then starts with the Pas du Roy, with about 200 meters of difference in altitude, before reaching the Savane at Mulets.

It is from there that the environment becomes truly mountainous. The trail continues on the flanks of the Soufrière and some passages may require the use of hands.

One of the highlights of this hike to the summit of the Soufriere is obviously the arrival in the volcanic part.

La Soufrière is an active volcano and its summit has well visible volcanic phenomena, including fumaroles and sulfur emissions.

With Intense Green, participants are equipped with a respiratory protective mask provided to access the active area and closed to the public accompanied by their guide.

This part of the hike gives an almost lunar impression. The colors, rocks, smells of sulfur and releases of steam create an atmosphere very different from that encountered a few hours earlier in the rainforest.

What should you plan for the ascent of La Soufrière?

The climate of Soufriere can change quickly. Even when the weather looks good at first, the summit can be cloudy, wet, windy or rainy.

At the summit you are very often in the clouds, and the temperature can often fall between 12°C and 18°C, with wind and high humidity.

It is therefore important to prepare your hike properly:

Les Bains Jaunes: the little pleasure after hiking

After several hours of walking, return to the Bains Jaunes, where the hike ends.

This natural stone pool, fed by a hot spring, is located in a particularly pleasant environment in the heart of the mountain.

After the effort, it’s a great way to end your adventure at La Soufrière and enjoy some more of the natural environment of Saint-Claude.

Where to sleep after a hike in the Soufrière?

To fully enjoy your stay in the south of Basse-Terre, it is interesting to choose an accommodation that combines nature, comfort and discovery of Guadeloupe.

In Gourbeyre, the Horizon Doré Apartment located in the heart of the marina of Rivière-Sens allows you to enjoy accommodation facing the sea while remaining in the southern sector of Basse-Terre.

This apartment enjoys a location facing the sea, with a terrace offering views of the water and sunsets. The residence also has a swimming pool 

The location allows to easily enjoy the marina, restaurants, shops and the seaside on foot.

Book the apartment Horizon Doré.