Guadeloupe National Park
Steaming volcanoes, purple orchids, and curious raccoonsLocated in Basse-Terre island, this 74,100-acre park includes a 4,813-foot active volcano, three-tiered waterfalls, and rainforests with rare purple orchids and native Guadeloupe raccoons.
Guadeloupe National Park covers 74,100 acres of Basse-Terre island. You can hike to the summit of La Soufrière volcano, swim beneath the 360-foot cascade of Carbet Falls, or kayak through mangrove channels in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin. Within the park's rainforest, you'll find rare purple orchids growing alongside massive mahogany trees, and might spot a Guadeloupe raccoon searching for food in the underbrush.
Exploring La Soufrière Volcano
At 4,813 feet, La Soufrière volcano dominates the park's landscape. Known to locals as La Grande Dame, its slopes release steam from active fumaroles and warm thermal springs. The summit trail climbs through mountain rainforest and tropical shrubland, taking 2-3 hours each way. On clear days, you'll see the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands from the top.
Trail Network and Waterfalls
You can access multiple hiking trails ranging from short walks to full-day treks. Walk 15 minutes on a paved path to reach the 20-foot Cascade aux Ecrevisses, or challenge yourself with a hike to the three-tiered Carbet Falls - the second tier plunges 360 feet. The 16-mile Route de la Traversée cuts across the park, connecting to many trailheads and scenic points.
Wildlife and Plant Life
The park's varying elevations create distinct environments for 17 mammal species and hundreds of plants. Early morning and dusk are the best times to spot the Guadeloupe raccoon or the island's two native bat species. The forest contains more than 100 orchid varieties, 270 fern species, and 300 types of trees, with different plants thriving at each elevation level.
Marine Areas and Mangroves
In the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve, coral reefs and seagrass beds stretch beneath the water's surface. Seven small islands within the reserve act as breeding grounds for seabirds. You can join guided snorkeling tours to see tropical fish among the corals, or paddle a kayak through the quiet mangrove waterways.
Practical Information
Visit the park Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with no entrance fee. Stop at the Saint-Claude park office for maps and current trail conditions. Trails become particularly slippery during the rainy season (July to November). Pack water, food, and insect repellent for hikes. Drive the Route de la Traversée to reach most major trails and viewpoints.
