The Basse-Terre region of Guadeloupe is a true invitation to adventure for nature and hiking lovers. It is full of trails offering spectacular landscapes: volcanoes, waterfalls and lush tropical forests await you. Jardin Malanga takes you to discover the best hiking routes near the hotel. Get your walking shoes ready, take a deep breath and let yourself be guided through landscapes that are both wild and enchanting.
Route 1: La Soufrière hike
For an unforgettable hiking experience, the Soufrière volcano, nicknamed locally “the old lady”, is a must. Rising to 1,467 metres, this active volcano is the highest point in the Lesser Antilles and offers spectacular panoramas over the island of Guadeloupe.
About the hike:
La Soufrière can be climbed by different routes, the most popular of which starts at the Bains Jaunes. This 6.4 km round trip winds through dense, lush vegetation where giant ferns and tropical plants flourish. The well-marked trail offers exceptional viewpoints throughout the climb.
As you near the summit, the scenery changes radically. The vegetation gives way to a lunar landscape dotted with sulphurous fumaroles and volcanic rocks in varied hues. The summit reveals a breathtaking panorama over the Basse-Terre region, with an unrivalled view of the Caribbean Sea.
Duration: About 3.5 hours round trip
Location: Starting from the Bains Jaunes car park, in the commune of Saint-Claude
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Minimum age: 8 years, because of the difficulty and the elevation gain
Guides: Local guides can be hired to enrich your experience and ensure your safety.
Practical tip: Set off early in the morning to enjoy the view before the clouds cover the summit later in the day.
Route 2: Hike to the Carbet Falls
The Carbet Falls are among the most spectacular natural sites in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. Made up of three majestic waterfalls nestled in the heart of the tropical forest, they put on an impressive show for every visitor. While the 1st Carbet fall, 115 metres high, is the most imposing but also the hardest to reach, the 2nd fall, at 110 metres high, is the most accessible and one of the favourites of hikers.
About the hike:
The trail to the 2nd Carbet fall is well maintained and accessible to most hikers. The route crosses lush vegetation typical of the humid tropical forest, allowing you to observe rich biodiversity. The path ends at a viewing platform with an unrivalled view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Guadeloupe. For safety reasons, access to the foot of the fall is forbidden because of the risk of rockfalls.
Duration: About 1 hour round trip
Location: Commune of Capesterre-Belle-Eau, starting from the Carbet Falls car park
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum age: Suitable for everyone
Guides: Although the hike is easy and the trail well marked, you can hire local guides to enrich your experience and learn more about the region's wildlife, flora and history.
Practical tip: Bring a camera to capture the play of light through the lush vegetation. The colours and contrasts are simply magnificent. It is also advisable to wear non-slip shoes, as the trail can be slippery, especially after a shower.
Route 3: Hike to the Bassin Bleu in Gourbeyre
For a refreshing experience in the heart of Guadeloupe's nature, the hike to the Bassin Bleu in Gourbeyre is an ideal outing. This enchanting site immerses you in the humid tropical forest, leading to a natural pool of crystal-clear water, perfect for an invigorating swim.
About the hike:
The route starts at an information board showing a detailed map of the itinerary. The trail first goes down a small road, crosses fields, then gradually enters the tropical forest. Along the way, hikers can admire two remarkable trees: a Bois Rouge Carapate (Amanoa caribaea) with imposing buttresses, and a Palétuvier Jaune (Symphonia globulifera), recognisable by its stilt roots. About halfway, you cross a small ravine, the Ravine Bois Blanc, before continuing along the wide path leading to the Bassin Bleu. The pool is fed by a waterfall forming a natural slide, an ideal place to relax and swim.
Duration: About 1.5 hours round trip
Location: Commune of Gourbeyre, Palmiste section. The starting point is the car park at the beginning of the Bassin Bleu de Gourbeyre trail.
Difficulty: Very easy
Minimum age: Suitable for everyone
Guides: Although the trail is well marked and can be walked independently, it is recommended to contact local guides and companions to enrich your experience. Some are specially recommended by Guadeloupe National Park through the “Esprit Parc national” label.
Practical tip: Even though the trail is easy, it can become muddy and slippery in wet weather, so non-slip hiking shoes are recommended. The pool is not supervised, so take care when swimming. You are also advised to follow the bathing-water quality information displayed on site by the Agence régionale de Santé.
Route 4: Hike to the Bains Chauds du Matouba
Set in the heart of Basse-Terre's tropical forest, the hike to the Bains Chauds du Matouba offers deep immersion in lush nature, rich in botanical and birdwatching discoveries. This outing leads to hot springs set up as open-air showers, a unique experience for hikers.
About the hike:
The trail begins at the Maison Forestière de Matouba and quickly heads into the humid forest. All along the route, hikers can observe a variety of plant species, including eucalyptus, cypress, big-leaf mahogany and Caribbean pine. Wildlife is not forgotten either, with the chance of spotting the Organiste Louis d'Or, an uncommon resident breeding bird in Guadeloupe.
The trail crosses the Rivière Rouge, known for its cool water and the beautiful waterfall upstream. After a few minutes' walk, the path climbs gradually to the Bains Chauds du Matouba, recently redeveloped as open-air showers.
Duration: About 3 hours round trip
Location: Commune of Saint-Claude, starting from the Maison Forestière de Matouba
Difficulty: Moderate
Minimum age: From 10 years, under adult supervision
Guides: Although the trail is marked, hiring a local guide can enrich the experience with information on local flora, wildlife and history.
Practical tip: The trail can be muddy and slippery in wet weather, so non-slip hiking shoes are recommended. And although Guadeloupe's hot baths offer a relaxing experience, bathe with care because of the water temperature and the lack of supervision.
Practical tips for your hikes in Basse-Terre
- Wear suitable clothing: the tropical climate can be unpredictable, so always take a light waterproof and non-slip shoes.
- Drink regularly: heat and humidity can be intense, especially in the mountains. Don't forget to take enough water.
- Respect the environment: the beauty of Basse-Terre lies in its unspoilt nature. Take all your rubbish with you and keep to the marked trails to protect local wildlife and flora.
Conclusion
Whether you are after thrills climbing La Soufrière, wonder at the Carbet Falls, coolness at the Bassin Bleu or a moment of relaxation at the Bains Chauds du Matouba, the Basse-Terre region is full of trails that offer unique experiences in the heart of nature. Each hike plunges you into an exceptional tropical world, of lush forests, crystal-clear rivers and breathtaking panoramas.
Jardin Malanga, our hotel nestled in the heart of Guadeloupe, is the ideal starting point for exploring these natural treasures while enjoying a peaceful setting and complete comfort. So, ready to lace up your hiking boots? Adventure awaits!
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