While a trip to St. Lucia is an adventure in its own right, some people thirst for things to do in St. Lucia that include more than merely sightseeing or sunbathing on the beach. If hiking sounds like your kind of adventure, St. Lucia’s Tet Paul Nature Trail has plenty in store for you.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail occupies 6 acres of lush, verdant land in the agricultural community of Chateau Belair.
The trail is in the Piton Management area on Saint Lucia’s famous World Heritage Site.
This trail sets itself apart from the rest as a site that offers a myriad of attractions.
Most people who have been on the Tet Paul Nature trail compare hiking here to climbing heavenward on a beautiful, all-natural staircase.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail guarantees visitors a 100% return-to-nature experience. It allows visitors to enjoy the beauty, tranquility, history, culture, and purity of Soufriere and the surrounding communities.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail represents that true essence of community tourism.
The construction of this trail was a unique and consultative process that involved the locals at every stage of the development and implementation.
The Soufriere Foundation manages the trail with the support of the Tet Paul and Chateau Belair Tourism Association.
This foundation comprises of 7 individuals out of which 6 are residents of Chateau Belair, and one is a representative from the Soufriere Foundation.
The Soufriere Foundation was registered on December 23, 2008, to oversee the successful management of the site.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail is among the most popular attractions in southern St. Lucia, just a few minutes from Soufriere.
While many hikers may classify a 45-minute trail as an easy hike, the Tet Paul Nature trail is far from just that.
The beauty of Saint Lucia alone provides the perfect picturesque backdrop for this casual hike – or hike of a lifetime.
Anyone who has hiked trailed this rout can testify that the rewards are many.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, including weekends and holidays.
This trail offers amazing views of the majestically peaked Le Pitons Mountains and the sweeping vistas of the bay.
You will be assigned a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide to take you through the trail while explaining about their rich cultural heritage, the amazing wildlife, and nature enjoyed here.
This hike is highly recommended for groups and families seeing as it is easy to moderate.
It also offers many great opportunities to take stunning photos, so make sure to bring your camera along.
The Scenery at Tet Paul Nature Trail
From the onset of the trail, right after you leave the parking lot, visitors are met with the beauty of St Lucia in its most natural form.
You will begin your walk on an organic farm. The gentle ascent features nature at its best with a variety of exotic fruit trees and medicinal plants.
After that, you will be taken to a lookout that is along the trail, where you will catch the stunning views of the Pitons jabbing the skyline while the guides give you interesting facts and insights into the traditional local life.
The scenery provided throughout the Tet Paul Nature Trail can only be described in one word – Heavenly! From the distant islands of St. Vincent and Martinique to the majestic Pitons, you can relish in all these natural beauties from different locations along the trail.
You will also get panoramic views of the gorgeous southern sides of St. Lucia such as the famous Jalousie Bay.
You will also catch a glimpse of the Fond Gens Libre, Maria Island, Vieux Fort and Choiseul while on this magical trail.
The Cultural Intrigue at Tet Paul Nature Trail
Exotic Horticulture
While on the glorious Tet Paul Tour, you will come across traditional medicinal plants among other native species growing along the trail.
In residence, you will see many different kinds of exotic fruit trees including guava, soursop and avocado trees.
Kaye Kassav
At the Cassava House, also known as Kaye Kassav, you will get to learn more about the Ameridia art of the production of cassava.
Traditional House
This house, located along the Tet Paul picturesque trail gives visitors an opportunity to learn about how their ancestors lived.
The locals that are dedicated to maintaining their heritage take tourists on a trip through time as they give details of the cultural history of the first inhabitants of St Lucia.
Organic Farm
Right off the entrance, visitors hike through an organic farm that is situated along the magnificent Tet Paul Nature Trail.
Along the way, you will come across the pond used to represent what was once a water catchment area that was used by the agricultural communities surrounding the Soufriere area.
Picnic Area
People hiking this trail can stop at a small picnic area that is set up for groups and families to stop, take a breather while having a meal.
Tet Paul Nature Trail Fee
The entrance fee for each Tet Paul Nature trail visitor is $10. This fee includes both the guide and use of an optional walking stick.
This trail will grant you one of the best deals you will ever find anywhere on St. Lucia. Take the time to stroll, relax, breathe and take in the moment for as long as you are in this serene location.
For the best experience, bring some sunscreen and water to keep you cool throughout the trail as it can get really hot.
Also, wear sturdy shoes to manage the steep and slippery sections of the trail.
Don’t forget to bring some food with you to make the most of the charming picnic area.
Tet Paul Nature Trail Tours
Many tour operators in St. Lucia can offer you affordable packages while touring the beautiful St. Lucia.
Many offer private and group tours that take you on an exclusive tour of the Tet Paul nature trail.
Or, you can opt for a full day St. Lucia tour that visits multiple attractions in St. Lucia which includes the Tet Paul Nature Trail.
St. Lucia is a strikingly beautiful paradise island.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail gives you a great opportunity to take in these breathtaking beauty from different points creating a wonderful experience as you tour this magnificent nation.
Damian is a co-founder, editor, and author at Islanderkeys. He is also a dedicated father and husband. Damian is an IT Manager / Web developer by profession, but he loves to Blog and share his knowledge about St. Lucia in travel forums.