Discover Guadeloupe: La Soufrière, waterfalls and culture

La Soufrière is a prominent landmark in Guadeloupe. At 1,467 m, it is the highest point in the Lesser Antilles. Its dome has no actual crater, but rather eruption vents, chasms and deep fissures. Its elevation and shape answer different questions: the elevation places the mountain in its regional context, while the description of the dome identifies the structure of its summit area.

Mountain, forest and coast

Guadeloupe National Park maintains a network of around 300 km of trails through the forest and along the coast of the Grand Cul-de-Sac marin. This is an approximate length and may change as trails are added or maintained. For trip planning, different landscape features come to the fore: the shape of the mountain, the forest and the coast. The distance describes the network as a whole, not a single hike.

The Maison de la Forêt is located on the Route de la Traversée, in the heart of the national park. The visitor reception is staffed by national park employees. The facility is therefore identified both by its location along the route and by its connection to the park.

Waterfalls and visitor conditions

The visitor area at Chutes du Carbet has a viewing platform, a picnic area, restrooms and improved paths. This makes it possible to enjoy the view and take a break with practical facilities close at hand. Check the latest operating information before setting out.

The access path to the second waterfall has been completely renovated and is accessible to people with reduced mobility; however, wheelchairs can be used only in the reception area and as far as the first viewpoint. Plan your route with this specific limitation in mind. As trail conditions can change, check the latest information before your visit.

Culture in Pointe-à-Pitre and Sainte-Rose

In Pointe-à-Pitre, the Mémorial ACTe explores the history of slavery, its consequences and its legacy. These subjects are presented through an immersive exhibition, contemporary artworks and historical archives. The scope therefore encompasses history as well as its consequences and legacy.

The Musée du Rhum in Sainte-Rose is located at the Distillerie Reimonenq. It traces the history of sugarcane cultivation and rum production, from harvest to distillation. Harvesting is the agricultural starting point, while distillation is a later stage of production. The two museums thus address different cultural topics: the history of slavery and its legacy at the Mémorial ACTe, and sugarcane cultivation and rum production at the Musée du Rhum.

Highlights for your trip

When planning a hotel stay, it helps to first decide which destinations and topics interest you most. The mountains and landscape, visitor conditions at the waterfalls and the different museum themes all offer practical starting points for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Collectivité De Saint-Martin, Pointe-A-Pitre, Sainte-Anne, Marigot, Saint-Claude, Dominica.

For the broader travel overview: North America.