Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Guadeloupe.

By Updated

Guadeloupe has 10+ hiking trails covered in this guide, led by La Soufrière Summit Trail, Trace des Crêtes (Ridge Trail) and Chutes du Carbet — 2nd Fall. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France in the Caribbean, shaped like a butterfly formed by two main islands — volcanic Basse-Terre to the west and coral-limestone Grande-Terre to the east — connected by a narrow channel crossed by the Rivière Salée. Together with outer islands Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade, it offers volcanic hikes, world-class snorkeling, rum distillery tours, and sun-drenched beaches, all wrapped in an authentically French Caribbean culture.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    La Soufrière Summit Trail

    4 km round-trip from Savane à Mulets parking2.5–3.5 hours round-trip1,467 m summit (325 m ascent from parking)

  2. 2

    Trace des Crêtes (Ridge Trail)

    16 km one-way5–7 hours one-wayStarting altitude 659 m; highest point ~1,100 m

  3. 3

    Chutes du Carbet — 2nd Fall

    3 km round-trip1.5–2.5 hours return~200 m altitude; 120 m ascent

  4. 4

    Cascade aux Écrevisses Loop

    0.8 km round-trip20–40 minutesMinimal elevation gain

  5. 5

    Trace de la Grande Soufrière via Bains Jaunes

    6 km round-trip3–4 hours returnSummit 1,467 m from Bains Jaunes (867 m ascent) — the longer summit approach

  6. 6

    Trace Matouba–Saint-Claude

    9 km one-way3–4 hoursDescent from ~700 m to coastal Saint-Claude area

  7. 7

    Morne Léger Circuit

    5 km loop2–3 hours260 m maximum altitude; 200 m ascent

  8. 8

    Trace de Merwart

    8 km loop3.5–4.5 hoursPeak ~780 m; ~450 m ascent

  9. 9

    Fort Napoléon Hill Walk (Les Saintes)

    1.5 km one-way to fort45–60 min each wayFort at ~100 m; 100 m ascent on footpath

  10. 10

    Trace de Moscou

    2 km loop1–1.5 hoursGentle forest loop; minimal elevation

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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