Located near the equator on the island of Saint Lucia, The Pitons are the most famous landmark on the island having been declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. They are also listed in the famous traveler's bucket list
1,000 Places To See Before You Die. Several excursions are available from the resort communities nearby to afford closer views by boat, land, and helicopter.
Rising almost a half mile out of the Caribbean Sea, Gros Piton is located in Soufrière, and Petit Piton is in the adjacent town of Choiseul. These mountains are side by side along the island’s southwestern coast, but they are not identical. Gros Piton measures 2,461ft, while Petit Piton rises to 2,619ft. Gros Piton is the wider and more visited Piton as it relates to tourism. Petit Piton is rarely climbed due to it being more steep and it is not included in the standard tours. Gros Piton on the other hand is frequently climbed and includes marked trails allowing for a hiker of average ability to reach the summit and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding islands. One can see The Pitons from almost every point on Saint Lucia providing it is a clear day.
The twin peaks are classified as volcano plugs. They are both forest covered. During the expedition up the Gros Piton a hiker can expect to see some of 148 plant species and 27 bird species native to the mountain.
More geological information availabe:
Pitons The mountains are so popular that the local beer is named for them.
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