The Parc National de la Guadeloupe covers about a quarter of the island of Basse-Terre — nearly 17,000 hectares of volcanic rainforest, mangroves, and marine areas. It is one of the most biologically diverse territories in the Caribbean, with around 300 species of trees, 100 species of orchids, and 270 species of birds. UNESCO has designated it as part of the Biosphere Reserve network.
The park has over 300 kilometres of marked trails ranging from easy waterfall walks to serious mountain hikes. The Route de la Traversée is the main road cutting through the park from coast to coast, accessible by car, with several trailheads and viewpoints along the way including the Cascade aux Écrevisses — a pretty waterfall a short walk from the road that is popular with day-trippers. The Maison de la Forêt visitor centre on the Traversée route provides maps, trail information, and natural history exhibits.