Saint Lucia Pitons
Petit Piton
On the south west corner of Saint Lucia, is one of Saint Lucia’s most arresting sights. Shooting straight out of the sea, the twin volcanic cones of the Petit and Gros Piton mountains have attracted visitors from all over the world and are undeniably the island’s most recognised, natural feature. These green and precipitous peaks rise out of the blue ocean like stony-faced monoliths, and it is not surprising that these twin peaks were once treated as Gods by Saint Lucia’s first tourists, the Arawaks, 2,000-years ago. The two Pitons are the island’s most famous landmarks and are situated between the two towns, Choiseulon and Soufriere, on the western side of Saint Lucia. They are the remnants of two volcanic domes that formed millions of years ago during Saint Lucia’s birth. At 743m, Petit Piton is 28m smaller than Gros Piton, and the two are linked by the Piton Mitan ridge.
Climbing & Sightseeing
Climbing Petit Piton is only recommended for experienced climbers. Although not technically difficult, the ascent is extremely rugged, and there is a constant danger of landslides. However, there are a couple of agencies in Soufriere that will provide climbing equipment and a guide for experienced climbers who feel they are up to the challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of worthy locations that provide breath-taking views of Petit Piton for more reserved – less crazy – visitors. The road into the town of Soufriere on the west coast offers beautiful views of the twin peaks and is especially beautiful at sunset. However, the most dramatic – and personally rewarding – views are from the summit of Gros Piton. This tough and demanding two-hour climb snakes its way up the mountain’s boulder-strewn, jungle-covered side and provides unforgettable, picture-postcard views of Petit Piton, the island’s verdant interior and the cerulean Caribbean stretching out into the distance. On especially clear days, you can even see the faraway island of Martinique shimmering on the horizon.
Accommodation near to Petit Piton
This towering peak can be seen from a number of Saint Lucia’s main luxury hotels, and it provides the perfect backdrop on several popular beaches. For the best, uninterrupted views of the thrusting Pitons, visitors should try and stay at hotels near Soufriere or Choiseulon, where there is a wide range of secluded, romantic or family-orientated places to stay. Situated on its own peninsula, Jade Mountain Saint Lucia has unmatched views of the Petit Piton towering out of the azure Caribbean. This friendly hotel has international restaurants, fresh water swimming pools and a selection of accommodation options to suit all types of visitors. There are few resorts in the world that can compare to the astonishing views that the Ladera Saint Lucia commands. Perched 1,000 feet above the blue waters of the Caribbean and with the Petit Piton dominating the skyline, the Ladera Saint Lucia is an exclusive getaway hidden in the island’s jungle interior. With 32 rooms and suites, all with spectacular views of the Pitons, this is one resort where you certainly shouldn’t forget your camera. Saint Lucia is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world. Considerably more mountainous than its Caribbean cousins, Saint Lucia is covered in a thick coat of rainforest, which gives the island its charm and unique character. It is a testament to the beauty and mystery that the Petit Piton exudes that it sometimes overshadows the fact that Saint Lucia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
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