The rugged hinterland of St. Lucia offers stretches of tropical rainforest, teeming with lush vegetation and local species such as the rare Jacquot parrot. Trails through Edmund Forest Reserve take you through the thick jungle of the southwestern interior, with wonderful views of mountains, valley, and the sea—all under the shadow of Mount Gimie, the island’s tallest peak.
Most tours through the rainforest are guided excursions, opening up the chance to learn about the island’s unique topography, flora, and fauna. As parrot and cuckoos call out, hike on rugged trails and take a dip under a refreshing waterfall. Some tours continue on with a scenic drive along the east coast stopping at a banana plantation, a rum distillery, and local shops. For a bird’s eye view, glide among the treetops in an 8-person open-air gondola tram, or zipline along 500-feet (150 meters) of cable through trees and above rivers, admiring the jungle scenery.
A permit is required to hike through most areas of the jungle reserve. Have your hotel arrange permission from the St. Lucia Forestry Department to access trails. If not going as a part of a tour, a naturalist or an official guide will be assigned to you, as the trails go through dense jungle.
- Suitable for all nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Remember sun protection, swimwear, and a towel.
- If driving, make sure your car has 4-wheel drive.xa0
- The hike through Edmund Forest Reserve can be challenging.
- Wear proper hiking shoes and bring water for hydration.
- Some zipline or tram tours may require a minimum number of 6 people.
Edmund Forest Reserve is on the western side of the island and may be accessed just east of Soufrière, via the road that leads to Laborie. The ranger station at the entrance is about a 30-minute drive from Soufrière.
Early morning hours are best to maximize your time. Dry season is generally around mid-December to March. For festivities, come in February when the island celebrates Independence Day with a calypso parade; in April for the prestigious St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival; or June when Carnival takes over the streets with an all-island party.
The ideal jumping off point for zipline and aerial tram adventures is Vieux Fort, the island’s southernmost town. French settlers built the town in the 17th century to keep watch over it’s coast and any incoming from St. Vincent island in the south. While in town, visit the hilltop lighthouse for unmatched views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pitons, and relax on the beaches and watch the kite surfers and windsurfers battle the forceful breezes.
