Visit the Soufrière Volcano

Are you going to Guadeloupe to discover its natural treasures? So do not miss the highest point of the island: the majestic volcano of La Soufrière!

The volcano of La Soufrière is the highest peak of the Petite Antilles, this archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea, including several islands including Martinique , Grenada , Saint-Martin or... Guadeloupe!

Also known as the "old Lady" (" vié madanm la "in Creole), it finds its place in the national park of Guadeloupe, in the commune of Saint-Claude, and is one of the most prestigious places of this beautiful island of the French Antilles.

From the top of her 1,467 metres , La Soufrière dominates Guadeloupe for several thousand years... Thus, visiting the volcano of La Soufrière is discovering a unique and historic place of Guadeloupe!

This article presents you in details how to visit this exceptional place, to make the most of this discovery.

History of the volcano of La Soufrière

The history of the volcano of La Soufrière is intimately linked to its eruptive activity... which has made a lot of ink flow! Indeed, the last eruption of this emblematic volcano occurred 1976 . It was then a phreactic eruption, characterized by the violent expulsion of a large mass of ground water in the form of explosions. The latter forced the evacuation of no less than 75,000 people at the time, for less than four months (no death was very fortunately deplored).

This is the last threatening episode of volcano . Before that, there were several episodes of earthquakes and other phenomena. The last magmatic eruption – the most impressive form of eruption with lava flows – occurred in the 15th century. It was she who gave birth to the current dome of La Soufrière.

Since these last episodes, the volcano seems to be in sleep, but it is still considered active. To date, La Soufrière's park and volcano are surveyed by thousands of tourists. The point of vigilance on seismic activity is always yellow, which means it is low and measured .

The volcano, a unique place in Guadeloupe

Located in the heart of Guadeloupe National Park, the volcano of La Soufrière dominates the beautiful Caribbean island from the top of its 1,467 meters of altitude! Thus, it offers to its summit a panoramic view on the region... and even on some neighbouring islands when the sky is clear!

This is unique place of striking beauty is therefore an essential step during a stay in Guadeloupe. But, visiting the volcano of La Soufrière is also plunging into the tropical flora ! Indeed, on the beginning of the ascension, you will discover a flourishing vegetation... between gigantic trees, tree ferns, sparkling lianas and other entangled roots. Botanical lovers will enjoy seeing the Guadalupian forest deploying its most beautiful assets in front of their eyes.

What makes this magical place is also the change of atmosphere that comes after a short walking hour. The wind then begins to blow strong and the vegetation becomes weaker. In the last part of the climb, lichens and foams capitulate the rocky walls composing a beautiful orange red tapestry with wild orchids and yellow flowers from the mountains ... the effort is really worth the detour!

In summary: unforgettable moments for all who will taste the happiness of the volcano of La Soufrière! What if it was your turn?

What to see and what to do at La Soufrière volcano?

As you will see, there are several beautiful hikes possible to visit the volcano of La Soufrière. Access to the top is possible via hiking trails. Ascension is considered relatively easy. However, it is better to take certain precautions like having enough water and good walking shoes!

Visiting the volcano is also an opportunity to do original activities such as the canyoning To discover another facet of La Soufrière!

How to visit the Soufrière volcano?

Hiking and swimming at the foot of the Soufrière volcano

You wish discover the reliefs of the most beautiful volcano of Les Petites Antilles ? So this hike in the south of Lower Earth is made for you! Early in the morning – between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. – at the departure of your hotel or a meeting point, you will go to the mountainous region of the South of Lower Earth accompanied by an anti-llean guide that will give you a smile.

You will then arrive at the foot of the volcano after a few minutes’ drive, where you will receive dried fruit, a puncho and a bottle of mineral water. It will then be 9 hours, the perfect time to start the hike from the yellow basins, direction the volcano summit ! A walk of about 2 hours awaits you to get to the top and discover a exceptional landscape . Meanwhile, you will then benefit from the presence of the guide to better understand the different volcanic phases and discover the vegetation proper to the massif.

After this climb, it will be time to recharge the batteries with a well-deserved break. You will enjoy a sandwich and then you can relax and relax. bathing in the beautiful yellow bath basin, while enjoying a glass of planter ...the total foot!

All the good things have an end, then you will have to take the way back and return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon. The opportunity for you to admire this again splendid wild nature and remember them magical moments That you just lived!

Exploration of Ravine Chaude canyon at the foot of La Soufrière

What if you take advantage of your visit to Guadeloupe to discover La Soufrière otherwise? Indeed, at the foot of La Soufrière is the Ravine Chaude canyon and its wild nature . A perfect place to initiate you to the art of canyoning !

To do this, go to the local on the road to La Soufrière to start the day quietly around a café and meet your guide. You will then be equipped with combinations, helmets and harnesses. You will then reach the canyon departure in just 30 minutes and enjoy a superb course in the middle of tropical forest with no less than five recall descents including the highest of 15 meters... sensations strong guarantees !

5 hours of descent await you, including a final, more aquatic part, with two jumps and a beautiful natural slide that will allow you to enjoy sporting moments while entertaining you! Throughout the course, you will have to open large eyes to enjoy fantastic natural environment in which you will find yourself, in the heart of the massif of La Soufrière!

Other hiking routes

As we had announced, there are various hikes to reach the La Soufrière volcano. We count four hiking routes in total. Each has its specificities and different walking times. Here is a detail:

• ♪ Yellow baths. This route will lead you to 950 meters above sea level. It is nicknamed so for its warm thermal water baths from the volcano. It is an easy and pleasant route, appreciated by all.
• ♪ No Roy. This route is made from the Yellow Baths. This trail is in the heart of the tropical forest. It will lead you to the final point of ascension, the summit of the volcano, in just 30 minutes after departure.
• Mulets sausage. This represents a plateau below the Sufre located at 1,140 metres above sea level. In clear weather, you can enjoy the clear view of the valley and the surrounding islands of Saintes, Marie Galante and Dominica.
• The Chemin des Dames. It is one of the trails leading to the top of the volcano. Count here about 1:15 a.m. of ascent for 300 meters of denivelé. The other path leading to the highest point of the volcano is the pass of the Scale.

Attention , access via Savane in Mulets is currently no longer possible from the earthquake of the Holy November 2004!

Our tips to visit the volcano of La Soufrière

The best hiking period

The park of La Soufrière and the island of Guadeloupe in general, has an equatorial climate. That is, the climate is rather wet and warm all year round. As a result, the best times to visit La Soufrière and make its hikes are January to March . Note that we are talking here about the most favorable months. It is quite possible to consider a trip in the spring and summer.

Given the climate of the island, we strongly recommend you to leave early, towards 7 a.m. . The sooner you leave, the more likely you will be to be quiet on the hiking trails. Most tourists make the volcano hike in the morning, put all the chances on your side by leaving at the earliest!

Vigilance

Since 2018, the security perimeter around La Soufrière has been strengthened. Since 2019, only the top of the Discovery is allowed to hikers. The precautions to be followed are to be found more than fifty metres from craters and gouffs because of Smokingolles.

How to get to the Soufrière volcano?

On site and especially when you go to the volcano of La Soufrière, it is best to travel by car. It is therefore useful to rent a car because the local bus system is not yet very optimised to make tourism.

You will then have greater freedom and you will lose less time. There are so many things to see and do in Guadeloupe that time is really valuable!

By plane

Do you want to visit Guadeloupe and the volcano of La Soufrière? To get there, nothing easier... We find flights from France to Pointe-à-Pitre every day! Think about using a flight comparison such as Skyscanner , to find the best offer, at the best price!

By car

A single route allows you to access and visit the volcano of La Soufrière. You'll have to go to the commune. Saint-Claude in Guadeloupe near Basse-Terre. Several road options are available to you:

• From Saint-Claude, from the national 3 continue on the D11
• From Pointe-À-Pitre you can take the national 1 or 2
• From Bouillante, take the road to the crossingD23 crossing the park of Guadeloupe

Once you arrive at the free car park, the classic starting point for the summit of La Soufrière is made of the Yellow Baths, or via the Chemin des Dames. Hiking is then on foot.

The right addresses

To visit the volcano of La Soufrière, what better than a good accommodation, a succulent restaurant or a few spots to remember?

Concerning housing in general, the ideal is to stay in the commune of Saint-Claude in the South of the island of Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe. Hotels and hotels Airbnb are available in a perimeter near La Soufrière.

Some of these facilities are very well noted and have undeniable comfort assets. To choose your accommodation, do not hesitate to use Compare hotels , to find the offer that corresponds to your budget, but also to your criteria. We also selected two good Airbnb addresses in Saint-Claude, to help you spend a great stay near La Soufrière volcano!

Small cozy nest with pool in Saint-Claude

Ideally located to visit the volcano of La Soufrière (15-20 minutes by car), this Airbnb in Saint-Claude will delight a couple or 2 friends coming to enjoy the natural wonders of Guadeloupe.

This cosy and quiet nesting nest has in addition to a swimming pool which you can enjoy after your long hike to the top of the volcano!

Charming bungalow with spa in Saint-Claude

Located on the slopes of La Soufrière, halfway from the hiking trails and beaches, this Airbnb will offer you both sea views and tropical nature! An incredible environment, nestled in the middle of vegetation, perfect for 2 travelers.

The little plus of this accommodation: the jacuzzi that will make you enjoy great moments of relaxation!

The right place to eat

On the volcano of La Soufrière, there is obviously no restaurant! However, we still found you a particularly delicious restaurant! It is located in Gourbeyre, a small town near the volcano.

This little restaurant called La Table Créole offers local homemade cuisine. The dishes are excellent, between the meat brochettes, the fish brochettes or the ravioli of Saint Jacques... there will be for all tastes! The reception is just as excellent, a small stop in this restaurant will surely delight your taste buds!

The good spot around the volcano of La Soufrière

It is in the National Park of Guadeloupe, in Basse-Terre, that you will find the one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island and the best spot around the volcano according to our writing! With its 40 meters high, the big Galion fall , which deflates in its reddish bed of hardened lava, is simply impressive ! To discover it, you have to make a hike from the La Soufrière massif, where you can explore the beautiful Yellow baths .