pitons st lucia

The Majestic Pitons St Lucia: A Natural Wonder and Cultural Icon

The Pitons St Lucia are volcanic plugs (dormant) and both are located on the southwest coast of Saint Lucia. Pitons in and from St. Lucia are so famous that St. Lucia-based breweries Windward and Leeward named a beer after them.

The Pitons Saint Lucia are among the world’s largest volcanic plugs. In 2004, the Pitons were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Living coral reefs cover nearly 60 percent of the surrounding marine area, which is home to 168 different species of fish.

Piton de la Fournaise (“peak of the furnace”) is a shield volcano; i.e. a volcano that emits liquid lava like the Hawaiian volcanoes. Although the volcano can erupt several times a year, when it is not erupting, you can take a trip to the top. Pitons St Lucia

Location of Pitons St Lucia

The Pitons are located in southern Saint Lucia near the towns of Soufriere and Choiseul on the southwest coast. Pitons St Lucia

The Pitons Saint Lucia is an attraction for tourists coming to Saint Lucia from all over the world. So booking a trip to Gros Piton at your resort is quite simple. Although you don’t need any specialized climbing experience, it can take about 2 hours to reach the top.

Pitons Saint Lucia Hike

The route, which is generally considered difficult, takes an average of 2 hours 46 minutes. This is a popular trail for bird watching, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during the quieter times of the day.

pitons St lucia

Although a guide is not required by law, it is strongly recommended. Our guides can help make sure you stay on track and stay safe as we have done these hikes countless times.

Saint Lucian Creole French (Kwéyòl [kwejɔl]), known locally as Patwa, is a French-based creole widely used in Saint Lucia. It is the vernacular of the country and is spoken alongside the official language of English. Pitons St Lucia

Saint Lucia is one of the best vacation destinations in the Caribbean. With plenty of sun, sea, sand, greenery, peace, quiet… and as much excitement as you can fit into your itinerary, you’ll find these shores to be pure magic. Pitons St Lucia

Why is Pitons St Lucia famous?

The Pitons in St. Lucia are famous for their unique geological formation and stunning natural beauty. These two volcanic spires, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, rise dramatically from the Caribbean Sea and are a well-known symbol of St. Lucia. 

They are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their geological significance and ecological importance, hosting a diverse range of plant and animal species. The Pitons are also a popular tourist destination, offering hiking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and sea. Pitons St Lucia

The Pitons have become an iconic feature of St. Lucian culture and a symbol of the island’s natural beauty, with their image often appearing in art, literature, and music.

Tourist Attractions at Pitions St Lucia

Of all the amazing things to do in Pitons Saint Lucia, climbing the Pitons is one of the most popular. These incredible twin peaks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a trek to the top of Gros Piton in particular is a sure way to get your adrenaline pumping. Book an excursion at your resort or online, it’s sure to be the highlight of your trip. Pitons St Lucia

The Pitons Saint Lucia are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed in 2004), but over the years they have become a symbol commonly associated with the island. What stands out most about the Pitons is that together they form a majestic and carefully composed natural monument, but they are actually located in two different communities on the small volcanic island of St. Lucia. The Pitons are volcanic plugs (dormant) and both are located on the southwest coast of Saint Lucia.

Gros Piton is located in Soufrière and Petit Piton a little further in Choiseul. Although these mountains lie side by side along the coast of the island, they are not identical. Gros Piton measures 2,619 feet, while Petit Piton rises to 2,461 feet.  Pitons St Lucia

Gros Piton is the wider and more navigable Piton as far as trips are concerned. Petit Piton is rarely climbed, especially not in rainy weather. Some people try to climb Petit Piton, but they require a special permit and a guide. The strenuous and steep climb to Petit Piton with an unmarked trail is usually not offered by travel agencies. 

Gros Piton, on the other hand, is often climbed and includes marked trails. You can easily book a trip to Gros Piton through your resort or through a local travel agent.

There are many ways to experience the best of the Pitons in Saint Lucia. You can climb Gros Piton or visit the surrounding areas on a day tour where you can see and feel the magic of this natural monument. Pitons St Lucia

Or you can go on a catamaran cruise that lets you get up close and personal with the Pitons right at sea. There are many boat trips available in St. Lucia, whether in the early morning hours of the day or around sunset. The best part of a sea tour will be the amazing photos you will take home with you afterward.

Last but not least, you can book a helicopter tour to see the majestic twin peaks from above.

As you head south from Soufriere, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Pitons rising triumphantly from the ocean. You can enjoy these views from southern beaches like Sugar Beach in the same breathtaking way. Hiking trails near the peaks are also a great way to enjoy the views. Finally, a more peaceful way to appreciate the beauty of these peaks up close is on a catamaran cruise.

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