Hiking To The Top Of A Volcano… In the Caribbean!

I’m always intimidated by challenging hikes. To be clear, maybe “intimidated” isn’t the best choice of words. My anxiety comes from a fear of not performing well, so it’s perhaps more accurate to say I’m apprehensive when it comes to difficult hikes.

Despite knowing I can conquer them, I fully understand I must take my time. I may not be the quickest hiker, but my slower pace is compensated by a blend of patience and determination (which I cleverly disguise as planned photo ops to catch my breath! 😆).

1. Hiking Overview

The morning of our hike to Mount Liamuiga, an extinct volcano in St Kitts, I experienced that unmistakable mix of nerves and excitement.

2. Preparation for Mount Liamuiga Hike

Note that this hike is achievable if you’re comfortable scaling some rocks, but honestly, I would not be truthful if I claimed it was not the most physically demanding hike I had ever attempted. Looking back, it surely would have been easier if I hadn’t been burdened with all my camera equipment. Those gadgets can feel like lead, especially when combined with carrying sufficient water during a steep ascent.

3. Guided Hike Experience

Fortunately, shade is plentiful throughout the hike, which means that heat is less of an issue (although it’s still hot – if you’re not sweating, you’re probably not hiking hard enough).

Our guide, O’Neill, is practically a marvel at over 60 years old; he is one of the fittest individuals I have ever encountered! The difficulty of this hike doesn’t faze him; he tackles it as effortlessly as a child enjoying a candy treat.

While you might be panting and out of breath, O’Neill appears to barely break a sweat. He’s also one of the kindest and most gracious people I had the pleasure of meeting on the island. Even though you are expected to bring your own supplies, O’Neill generously offers some of his food and drinks if you find yourself short.

4. Wildlife and Scenic Views

Eventually, you reach the peak, and the view is nothing short of breathtaking! Picture standing where the mountains kiss the clouds, gazing down at the lake nestled at the bottom of the once fiery volcano. It’s nothing short of spectacular!

5. Post-Hike Activities

After our descent, knees trembling and muscles worked, we headed back to Ocean Terrace, where a shower was in order, followed by a relaxing dip in the pool… and another shower before heading out for a calm evening in St Kitts.

That evening would be all about a memorable sunset cruise around the island, and I couldn’t have been more eager for it.

Many rum punches later, we returned to shore and dined at Fisherman’s Wharf. It was a decadent lobster dinner for me, while Lloyd opted for chicken. That meal capped off one of the most restful nights of sleep I experienced on the island!