Tropical Islands Rainforest

Deep in St Lucia's mountainous, tropical islands interior almost 1,800 feet above sea level, lies 19,000 acres of rainforest and the 29 miles of trails that run through it.

The rainforest is respected as a habitat for rare birds and plants, a world where lushness is overpowering, where elusive parrots squawk overhead, orchids scent the air, hummingbird buzz near brilliant heliconia and climbing palms encircle tall trees like lovers in a parting embrace.

It has taken centuries for St Lucia's tropical island rainforest to become its current well-developed refuge. Nonetheless, two thousand years ago, Arawak tribes associated the dark woods with evil spirits and for centuries the forest remained untouched and the spirits the Amerindians feared evolved into island folklore.

Amongst the most enduring symbols of the rainforest is St Lucia's National bird, the Amazona Versicolor or the Jacquot as it is affectionately known, once an endangered species, with protection its numbers have risen.

The local craft markets sell baskets that have been woven from climbing foot palms and aralie (a hanging root) and beautiful necklaces made from colourful dédéfouden seeds from the mammoth trees which form the forest’s canopy.

The St Lucia National Trust and the Forestry Department has played a key role in the development and maintenance of the rainforest and its trails, whilst the government licenses the trained guides to lead visitors through its trails.

Tropical Island Rainforest Walks

Barre De L’isle Trail (Non-Strenuous)
The Barre de L’isle Forest Reserve gets its name from the fact that it is a ridge that divides the eastern and western halves of St Lucia. It takes approximately one hour to walk this one-mile trail and another hour to climb Mr. La Combe ridge. The Barre de L’isle trail provided panoramic views from four lookout points along the trail. Observe the ragged Mount Gimie and the blue-green mountain rainforest, Cul-de-Sac valley, the Caribbean Sea and community of Aux Leon. View the expansive Mabouya Valley and Fond d’Or beach on the Atlantic coast.

Des Cartiers Rainforest (Strenuous)
Experience a botanical paradise at Mahaut, St Lucia’s most hidden lush rainforest. Drive six miles inland from the east coast main highway through a secondary road. Hope to the rare St Lucia Parrot (Jacquot). Trek through the rainforest and view the wonderful verdant forest, discover some of St Lucia’s endemic wildlife on this two-kilometer trail.

Edmund Forest Reserve (Strenuous)
This 3½-hour will take you through the heart of the tropical island into Edmund Forest Reserve on the western side of the island, to experience some of nature’s pristine opportunities. Numerous plants, such bromeliads, orchids, mushrooms, lianas and others can be seen attached to their hosts, sitting on large buttress roots or branches on the spongy forest or even cascading the sides of the trail. Continue westward for a magnificent view of Mt Gimie, St Lucia’s highest peak.

Enbas Saut (Moderate to Strenuous)
Two hours of driving will take you past the fishing villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries into Soufriere and into Fond Cet Jacques (The Valley Of The Green Parrots). This hiking trail takes you into the interior of the island into the Edmund Rainforest where we challenge the En Bas Saut (Under The Waterfall) trail. This trail is within the 19,000 acres at the foot of the highest mountain peak, (Mount Gimie). Remote, yet unbelievably scenic, with a combination of Rainforest, Cloud Forest, Elfin Woodlands and wildlife. The hilly terrain of Piton Canarie, Piton Troumassee and Mount Gimie stands predominant not too far from the trail. Enbas Saut when translated to English means “below the falls”. Hence the trail is famous for its two cascading waterfalls and pools at the head of the Troumassee River.

It is an offence under the Forest Soil and Water Conservation Ordinance Act to attempt to access trails without the express permission from the Forest and Lands Department.

For more information on Rainforest Walks on the Tropical Island call the Forest & Lands Department on 758 450 2231/2078. Alternatively, your tour representative may be able to book the tour on your behalf.