How to See The Pitons in St. Lucia
Rising up from the sea on St. Lucia’s southwestern coast are the magnificent Gros and Petit Pitons.
These iconic peaks are part of the Pitons Management Area – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognizable landscapes on the island.
Gros Piton (798 meters high) and Petit Piton (750 meters high) were formed by volcanic activity around 200,000 years ago.
While they are a beautiful sight from afar, getting up close and personal to these massive mountain peaks is one of the best things to do in St. Lucia.
There are five ways to see The Pitons in St. Lucia—Here’s everything to know:
Table of Contents
Option #1. Hiking The Pitons
While it’s no easy feat, hiking up both Pitons is possible. You have three options for hiking here, depending on how grueling of a trek you’re up for!
Hiking Up Petit Piton
The trail to the summit of Petit Piton is only a mile, but don’t let the length fool you. This trek is both physically and technically hard. In fact, it’s actually more difficult to ascend than its taller counterpart.
There are a few sections where you’ll need to hoist yourself up with ropes or grab onto protruding roots, but the challenge is worth every effort for the unmatched views from the top of Petit Piton.
Due to the difficult aspects of this trek, hiking with a guide is highly recommended but not required. There is also a small entrance fee at the base of the trial – 10 ED or about $4 USD.
Gros Piton
You can also ascend the taller Gros Piton while in St. Lucia. The trail is about three miles long and extremely challenging.
You are required to hike with a guide. Guides can be booked ahead of time or right at the base of the trail before you begin climbing.
The panoramic views at the top are incredible, so take your time soaking them in before starting the tricky trek back down.
Tet Paul Nature Trail
If climbing the Pitons seems like too much of a challenge (no shame – they ARE very difficult), check out the Tet Paul Nature Trail and grab a guided tour.
This short and easy trek has incredible views, and you’ll be able to see both Pitons without having to step foot on them!
The funny thing is a guide is required for this hike too, but it’s very easy! They are just there to add some value to your visit.
The photos above are all from the Tet Paul Trail. If you’re not looking for a brutal workout or bragging rights, this is the trail to do!
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Option #2. Helicopter
If you have absolutely no intention of undertaking a grueling hike to get the best views of the Pitons, you could always book a helicopter tour.
This will arguably give you the best views of these massive peaks, but it will be the most expensive way to see them.
Option #3. By Sea
You could also opt for a land and sea tour. The highlight of this tour is viewing the Pitons from the water, which gives you a feel for just how giant they really are.
You’ll also be guided around some of the island’s other top attractions, including the Sulphur Springs mud baths, small fishing villages, Marigot Bay, and more so you can really see most of the south part of the island in one epic day!
Book the best day tour to see the Pitons from the water!
Option #4. Stay at These Resorts
Wake up to the gorgeous view of the Pitons EVERDAY if you stay at one of these resorts…
Option #5. Viewpoints
There are numerous viewpoints around the island where you’ll find a perfectly placed platform to view the Pitons.
The only catch is you’ll have to drive your own car around the island to see them! Some tours may stop at a viewpoint or two.
This viewpoint is one of the best, in my opinion.
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