Pitons Management Area
Location: South West Saint Lucia
Year of Inscription: 2004
Criteria: (vii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
Overview: The Pitons Management Area is located in the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia and comprises the iconic twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, as well as the surrounding marine area. The area is recognized for its stunning natural beauty and geological significance, as well as its unique cultural and historical heritage.
Prominent Features: The Pitons Management Area is characterized by its distinctive twin peaks, which rise dramatically from the sea to heights of over 700 meters. Some of the most notable features of the area include:
Gros Piton: The larger of the two peaks, Gros Piton is a volcanic plug formed by the solidification of magma within a vent on the volcano's surface.
Petit Piton: The smaller of the two peaks, Petit Piton is a volcanic plug composed of lava that flowed from the volcano's central vent.
Marine Area: The surrounding marine area includes coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps, which provide important habitat for a wide variety of marine species.
History: The Pitons Management Area has a long and rich history, dating back to the pre-Columbian era. The indigenous Arawak people were the first to settle in the area, followed by the Caribs in the 14th century. The area was later colonized by the French, who established a number of plantations on the island in the 18th century.
Fun Fact: The Pitons Management Area is home to a number of rare and endemic plant and animal species, including the Saint Lucia racer, a non-venomous snake that is found nowhere else in the world.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can hike the trails around the base of the Pitons, take a boat tour of the marine area, and visit nearby attractions such as the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens.
Entry Fees: There is a fee to enter the Pitons Management Area, which varies depending on the activity. For example, the fee for hiking the Gros Piton Trail is $35 USD per person, while the fee for a boat tour of the marine area is $80 USD per person.
How to Reach It: The Pitons Management Area is located on the southwestern coast of Saint Lucia, about 50 km from the capital city of Castries. There are a number of public buses and taxis that travel to the area, as well as private shuttle services and rental cars.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodations available in the Pitons Management Area and the surrounding area, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Some of the most popular options include the Jade Mountain Resort, Ladera Resort, and Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.
Next Stop: Mor(n)e Pitons at Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Year of Inscription: 2004
Criteria: (vii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
Overview: The Pitons Management Area is located in the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia and comprises the iconic twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, as well as the surrounding marine area. The area is recognized for its stunning natural beauty and geological significance, as well as its unique cultural and historical heritage.
Prominent Features: The Pitons Management Area is characterized by its distinctive twin peaks, which rise dramatically from the sea to heights of over 700 meters. Some of the most notable features of the area include:
Gros Piton: The larger of the two peaks, Gros Piton is a volcanic plug formed by the solidification of magma within a vent on the volcano's surface.
Petit Piton: The smaller of the two peaks, Petit Piton is a volcanic plug composed of lava that flowed from the volcano's central vent.
Marine Area: The surrounding marine area includes coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps, which provide important habitat for a wide variety of marine species.
History: The Pitons Management Area has a long and rich history, dating back to the pre-Columbian era. The indigenous Arawak people were the first to settle in the area, followed by the Caribs in the 14th century. The area was later colonized by the French, who established a number of plantations on the island in the 18th century.
Fun Fact: The Pitons Management Area is home to a number of rare and endemic plant and animal species, including the Saint Lucia racer, a non-venomous snake that is found nowhere else in the world.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can hike the trails around the base of the Pitons, take a boat tour of the marine area, and visit nearby attractions such as the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens.
Entry Fees: There is a fee to enter the Pitons Management Area, which varies depending on the activity. For example, the fee for hiking the Gros Piton Trail is $35 USD per person, while the fee for a boat tour of the marine area is $80 USD per person.
How to Reach It: The Pitons Management Area is located on the southwestern coast of Saint Lucia, about 50 km from the capital city of Castries. There are a number of public buses and taxis that travel to the area, as well as private shuttle services and rental cars.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodations available in the Pitons Management Area and the surrounding area, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Some of the most popular options include the Jade Mountain Resort, Ladera Resort, and Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.
Next Stop: Mor(n)e Pitons at Morne Trois Pitons National Park