Belle Hôtesse hike: challenge yourself in the guadeloupian jungle

Intro

Belle Hôtesse is the name of a mountain as well as a refugee, both which you will pass on this route. The refugee is part of the long distance trail GR1 (trace des alizés) in Guadeloupe, which you will follow for a short time.

This hike is great for more experienced hikers looking for some peace and quite in nature. You will hike mostly on your own, only the occasional hummingbird keeping you company.

While the whole track is through rain forest, as you ascend onto the mountain ridge, the trees are lower and you'll have great view over the surrounding area.

Be prepared before attempting this hike. Bring plenty of water and snacks. It would also be wise to try some easyer hikes in the Basse-Terre rain forest before attempting this one.

About the trail

You can park your car next to the road (Chemin Pérou). Have a look at the map for the exact starting point.

This roundtrip will start out by taking you to the Refuge de Belle Hôtesse. Be warned that this first part is very challenging. As is often the case in the rain forest, the track is steep and slippery. In the first part you'll have plenty of roots for footholds, but this won't be the case as you get higher up the mountain. Expect some slipping and sliding.

The refugee is a great place to take a break and pat yourself on the back for making it this far. If you're lucky the surrounding banana trees might provide you with a snack.

From here, you'll go north onto the Trace des Alizés. After a short time you'll leave this track again to start your descend over the trace de baille argent (west direction). Following this trail all the way down should bring you back to civilization. A short hike over paved roads brings you back to the car.