Basse-Terre is a mountainous massif, covered by a magnificent tropical forest of almost 66 square miles (17000 ha), which has been a designated National Park since 1989. It has lots of well marked hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Its lush vegetation (over 3000 species of trees) provides shelter for an exotic wildlife, free from poisonous animals. With its waterfalls, cascades, basins, parks and different plantations…it reveals all its natural charm ! Beaches of pebble and sand in shades of ochre, brown, black and pink line its coast, and it has a fantastic underwater reserve of world renown – the Jacques COUSTEAU Reserve (with a submerged bust of him). Basse-Terre provides ample evidence of the cultural diversity of the island – Catholic church and Hindu temple, archaeological remains of the first inhabitants and the 17^th century military fort. The town of the same name, the administrative center of the Department, is a real history book…