As you approach St. Lucia from the south two large cone shaped volcanic plugs rise from the azure and emerald sea. These spectacular features, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, are often used as an icon for St. Lucia; even the national beer is named Piton. The Pitons are part of a World Heritage site that also includes a coral reef and several other volcanic features. We have hiked up both Pitons and enjoy the challenge of the climb up the Petit Piton, which rises 2,461 feet above the sea.
Getting up the Petit Piton is a climb and I spent much of the two hours up and two hours down in four wheel drive (hands and feet engaged). There are ropes hung to aid you in the most difficult places and contrary to everything I have ever learned about rock climbing I made liberal us of roots and vegetation. The view from the top is spectacular.