The Best Caribbean Destinations for Hiking

A lot of people, when they think about the Caribbean, think about white sands and blue water — actions on the beach and relaxing. They certainly don't think about climbing mountains or exploring rainforests. But depending on the island, there are endless options for a day on the beach and a day on a nature trail. Some travellers see it as a pleasant mix — the day spent scaling the side of a mountain in exertion overdrive makes lounging by the pool the next day even more pleasurable.
The Caribbean won't overwhelm climbers with peaks on the scale of Mount Everest or Kilimanjaro, but there are a few Islands in the Caribbean that make a gruelling day’s climb — and in some cases, a sleepover on the trail.

Gros Pitons | St Lucia

This iconic pair of Mountains in St. Lucia, the twin Pitons, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Gros Piton elevates over 2,600 feet above sea level. The steeper of the two is Petit Piton which rises about 2,461 feet. The peaks were a crucial piece of St. Lucia’s history in the 18th century, when slaves who run away and hide in the mountains to plan their rebellion. Grow Piton is the only one of the two that is legal for climbing since it is considered as a less dangerous climb. It is also required that a guide accompanies hikers. Fond Gens Libre, a small town near the Pitons is where the hikers will begin their tour and where a guide can be hired. The hike takes between 3 and 6 hours to get to the peak, so it is crucial to get an early start. Most of the path are over volcanic rocks that create a primitive passageway. The journey to the top is incredibly scenic, with glances across the Caribbean Sea to the neighbouring island of Martinique. At the top, there will also be possible views to the other nearby island, St. Vi cent to the south of St. Lucia.

Morne Diablotin | Dominica

Morne Diablotin (Little Devil) is an active volcano on the Caribbean Island of Dominica, but haven't erupted for more than 30,000 years now. Rising to 4,747 feet above sea level, it is Dominica’s highest peak. Morne Diablotin is located 15 miles from the capital city of Roseau in the Morne Diablotin National Park. A roundtrip hike takes about six hours and starts in rainforest landscape along the wooden steps. The trek quickly becomes a very steep climb that can get even more challenging when hikers come in contact with muddy sections on the trail. Most of the time, hikers will be weaving their way through vine-like trees. Be forewarned, the reward os stunning views of the island and the Caribbean Sea may be cloud shrouded.

La Soufriére | St Vincent

La Soufriére is an active volcano on the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent, it is like the lyrics of Reggae icon Peter Tosh, “ I’m Dangerous.” The volcano’s last eruption recording dates back to 1979, and its most violent eruption was in 1902 when over 1,600 people died.La Soufriére rises 4,049 feet out of the Caribbean Sea, and roundtrip to the top and back will take about five hours of exhausting hiking. The hiking trail begins smoothly through a rainforest terrain, with the path made even easier by a series of bamboo stairways. The hike starts to get more challenging as the trail switches into pathways over slippery rocks and streams. When the trail evolves once again, to rocky landscape of lava rocks from La Soufriére’s last eruption, hikers know they are getting to the peak. Once you reach the summit, you are rewarded with views of the Caribbean sea from every direction, but the most spectacular view is down over the circular rim of the crater, into the volcano, which is filled with lush vegetations.

Mt Liamuiga | St Kitts

The VolcanicMount Liamuiga, located on the Caribbean Island os St. Kitts, also known as Mount Misery to some locals. The mountain elevates to about 3,792 feet and at the end of your climb you will be rewarded with a view of the half-mile wide crater cradling a shallow lake. The strenuous 2,800-foot hike to the crater rim takes about 2 to 3 hours, and a guide is obligatory. The hike starts a gentle slope past cane fields that leads into forests and lush vegetations, including bamboo, banyan and palm trees. The trail then evolves to a more challenging rainforest landscape, until you get to the edge of the crater. There is still another 800 feet climb to the actual peak of the mountain, but the views are still as dramatic from the crater; on a perfect day you can enjoy breathtaking views of neighbouring islands: Anguilla, Nevis, Antigua, Saba, St. Barths, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Pico Duarte | Dominican Republic

Pico Duarte in Puerto Rico is the Big Daddy of mountains in the Caribbean, soaring to heights of almost 10,000 feet out of the Caribbean Sea. The hike to the summit may take as much as two days, and hikers are required to take a guided tour. The trip to the peak and back is almost a 30-mile climb, which is a substantial distance over a flat landscape, nevermind over sometimes wet and rocky terrain of Pico Duarte. The ideal time to hike Pico Duarte is during the dry season, December through March. It is usual that the guides require hikers hire a mule to help them with the gears. The mountain is carpeted by cool pine forests and ferns the weather can change abruptly, so be prepared for sudden rain or chills. The overnight camping is about 7 miles from the peak. This allows the hikers the opportunity to rise before dawn and catch the views of the sun rising from Pico Duarte’s peak. On clear days hikers can enjoy views of the Caribbean Sea from both the North and the south of the summit.

As luring as off-season prices may be, if a traveller is determined to do some mountain climbing on their Caribbean vacation, don't book a trip during the Hurricane season usually goes on from June to November, with between September and October being the peaks season.
As far as hiking gears go, sturdy boots are a must; walking sticks can also come in useful on hikes through muddy terrain and rocky streams. Even though it is an added expense it is wise to hire a guide to go along with you on the hike; it is also required in most countries.