LC
Soufrière & the Pitons
Saint Lucia’s old capital beneath the twin volcanic Pitons, with sulphur springs, waterfalls and reefs
Saint Lucia’s old capital beneath the twin volcanic Pitons, with sulphur springs, waterfalls and reefs
The two peaks rise straight from the sea. The best views are from the bay, the Tet Paul Nature Trail or a boat.
Photo: DavidMPyle, CC BY 4.0
Gros Piton is the higher but easier climb, a steep trail with a required guide from the village of Fond Gens Libres. Petit Piton needs climbing skills and is not for most visitors.
Start early with plenty of water.
Photo: Jayen466, Public domain
Promoted as the “drive-in volcano”, this area of steaming vents and bubbling grey mud is part of a collapsed volcanic crater. You can bathe in warm mud pools below.
Remove silver jewellery; sulphur tarnishes it.
Photo: Jeandnicolet, CC BY-SA 4.0
The town has painted wooden houses, a market square and a large church. Diamond Botanical Gardens and its waterfall are a short drive inland.
Photo: Shawn, CC BY-SA 2.0
North of town, this dark-sand bay has a reef close to the shore, popular for snorkelling and diving in the marine reserve.
A marine reserve fee may apply.
Photo: Martin Tuchscherer, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try green fig (green banana) and saltfish, the national dish, plus grilled fish, callaloo soup and cocoa tea.
Some cocoa estates near Soufrière run chocolate tours.
Soufrière is around 1 hour by road from Hewanorra International Airport in the south and about 1.5 hours from Castries. The roads are steep and winding.
Local minibuses run from Castries and Vieux Fort, but the last ones leave early in the afternoon. Water taxis also run along the coast.
Saint Lucia uses the East Caribbean dollar (XCD). US dollars are widely accepted.
Check current site prices.
Volcanoes, hikes and the sea.
Visit the Sulphur Springs and Diamond Falls, then explore town.
Hike Gros Piton in the morning; relax in the afternoon.
Snorkel at Anse Chastanet or take a boat along the coast.
Hike Gros Piton early to avoid the heat.
The last buses leave early; plan your return.
June to November is hurricane season.
XCD and US dollars are both used.
Quick answers for planning time in Soufrière & the Pitons.
Gros Piton is 771m and Petit Piton 743m.
Yes, Gros Piton with a guide; Petit Piton is a technical climb.
The Sulphur Springs, an area of steam vents and mud pools near Soufrière.
About 1 hour from Hewanorra and 1.5 hours from Castries.
December to May, the dry season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Saint Lucia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.