Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
The Best of Guadeloupe Tropical Forests, Volcanoes and Beaches
Guadeloupe - Basse-Terre - Deshaies - Trois-Rivieres - Grande-Terre - Sainte-Anne
Begin in Basse-Terre, where you’ll stay in the charming town of Deshaies, the perfect base for traversing lush hiking trails, strolling through the local botanical garden or simply relaxing on the soft sands of Guadeloupe’s majestic Grand Anse beach.
Next up is Trois-Rivieres, also in Basse-Terre, a maze of coffee plantations, mangroves and tropical forests. While you’re here, stretch your legs on a hike up La Soufriere volcano before enjoying a well-earned rest by the pool.
Your final stop is Sainte-Anne, located on Grande-Terre, the Guadeloupean butterfly’s right wing. Here, there’s no shortage of heavenly beaches, colourful coral reefs and top-notch surf spots. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the islets of Petite Terre by boat, and for sampling some local rum – a fitting end to your island adventures.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your trip to Guadeloupe begins with a 12-hour flight to Point-a-Pitre with a short stopover. When you land, we’ll welcome you at the airport before you pick up your hire car for the hour-long journey to Deshaies, a commune on the northwest coast of Basse-Terre.
You’ll spend two nights here in a hillside eco-lodge, located close to the town of Deshaies, which has the atmosphere of a small Creole village. Settle into your new surroundings, take a dip in the pool or unwind in the spa for a relaxing start to your trip, then enjoy a delicious dinner this evening at the hotel restaurant.
Spend today exploring the area at your own pace. Fancy some fresh air? Lace up your walking boots and head out along the lush hiking trails of Basse-Terre's countryside or stroll among water lilies, orchids and hibiscus in the Deshaies Botanical Garden.
Beach lovers can relax on the golden sands of Grande Anse beach, while culture enthusiasts may want to learn more about Guadeloupe’s heritage and traditions at the Creole Ecomuseum or the rum museum in Sainte-Rose.
You could even spend your time spotting wildlife on the protected islets of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, less than an hour’s drive away. And, for those keen to explore the island in style, we can arrange a guided 4x4 tour of northern Basse-Terre, where you can venture into tropical forests, enjoy panoramic views of Sainte-Rose and reconnect with nature beneath tumbling waterfalls.
Rise and shine: today, you’ll be driving around 40 minutes south to Trois-Rivieres. When you arrive, check in for three nights in a charming accommodation in the heart of a banana plantation – think lush greenery and tropical charm.
Tranquillity is the name of the game here, so spend your afternoon taking a dip in the swimming pool, going for a stroll around the scenic garden and soaking up the breathtaking view of Les Saintes archipelago.
Settle in for another day in Trois-Rivieres. Tucked away on the southern tip of Basse-Terre, this small town stretches from the slopes of the Citerne Volcano to the beaches bathed by the Atlantic. Talk about scenic.
If you head up the lush valley of the Grande Riviere des Vieux-Habitants, you’ll come across an old plantation, where the air is rich with the smell of coffee. Have your camera on hand to snap the photogenic views and capture the surrounding forests and mangroves. Then, turn your attention to La Soufriere, where a mysterious mist often cloaks the slopes of Guadeloupe’s active volcano. You’ll have the chance to take a closer look tomorrow...
Fancy a taste of the catch of the day? The rivers here are home to ouassou (freshwater prawns), which the locals cook in coconut milk – don’t miss the chance to try this delicious dish during your stay.
Gear up for an adventure, because today, you’re heading off on a hiking trip to La Soufriere volcano. This will likely give your step count a boost...
Begin at Les Bains Jaunes, a pool of warm, sulphurous water set at the foot of the volcano in the heart of a tropical forest. Fear not: the climb ahead isn’t too tricky, as long as you’re used to a bit of walking.
Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll feel the bubbling and rumbling of the south crater, a reminder that – although the volcano is safe to visit – it’s only sleeping. As you climb, eruptive vents, scattered rocks and snaking mist make for a dramatic landscape, dotted with the vibrant red mountain pineapple flowers that thrive here.
It’s time to wave goodbye to Trois-Rivieres this morning. Hop back in your hire car and head to Sainte-Anne, about a one-and-a-half-hour drive away, on Guadeloupe’s other wing, Grand Terre.
When you arrive, check into your hotel – your home for the next three nights . Nearby is Helleux Beach, an excellent spot for beginner surfers to find their rhythm in the waves. Nearby Bois Jolan beach is just a stroll away along a shaded coastal path, offering plenty of sandy spots to soak up the sun.
In the 18th century, Sainte-Anne was an important sugar producer. Today, the town is better known for its blissful beaches, protected by a thriving coral reef. During your stay, make the most of Sainte-Anne’s shimmering shores – with water this inviting, you’d be forgiven for wanting to while away an entire day here.
Those seeking a more active afternoon can head to the Saint-Francois golf course to perfect their swing, or journey further east to the Pointe des Chateaux, where dramatic landscapes make for some of the island’s most striking geological attractions.
Keen to venture further afield? We can also arrange a boat trip around the islets of Petite Terre, where gin-clear lagoons and myriad marine life await.
It’s your final full day in paradise – and your last chance to enjoy Grand Terre’s palm-fringed beaches. Among the most famous are the legendary Plage du Bourg, Anse des Salines, Plage de Bois Jolan (the island’s best family beach), Anse a la Gourde and La Caravelle. Discover your top sunbathing spot, then lose yourself in a good holiday read or paddle in the shimmering water.
If you’re after something a little more off the beaten track, we know just the places. Anse du Souffleur is a local favourite, Datcha Beach promises a lively communal atmosphere and the charming cove of Anse Colas boasts clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Unfortunately, your Guadeloupe getaway has come to an end. Settle back behind the wheel, drive to Pointe-a-Pitre and return your hire car. Then, board your 12-hour return flight back to the UK, with a short stopover. You’ll arrive home the following morning with plenty of memories from your dreamy, tropical escape.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
4X4 TRIP AROUND THE NORTH OF BASSE-TERRE
Put on your adventurer’s hat and settle into a 4x4 trip to explore the north of Basse-Terre. With your driver and guide, delve into the lush rainforest, admire the breathtaking panoramas of the bay of Grand Cul-de-Sac-Marin and cross the charming communes of Pointe-Noire, Deshaies and Sainte-Rose. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating ecosystem of Guadeloupe as you discover its botanical and cultural heritage from a new perspective.DISCOVER THE ISLETS OF PETITE-TERRE
Hop aboard a boat and zip to the islets of Petite-Terre, off the coast of Saint-Francois. After sinking your feet into the pristine sand of Terre-de-Bas, set off to explore this deserted island and its lagoon, where an underwater world teems with tropical fish and multicoloured coral. Worked up an appetite? Tuck into lunch on board before a last refreshing dip in the crystalline water. If you’re lucky, playful dolphins might top off your trip by swimming behind your boat as you return to Sainte Anne.
Why visit Guadeloupe with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Guadeloupe
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
