Hiking Up Mount Liamuiga: A St. Kitts Volcano Story

First-Time Volcano Hikers Take on Mount Liamuiga in St. Kitts

Let’s just start by saying this: we are not hikers. We’re usually the “give me a snorkel and a rum punch” kind of travelers. But somehow, on our first-ever visit to St. Kitts, we found ourselves lacing up hiking boots and adjusting trekking poles, mentally prepping to climb an actual volcano. Mount Liamuiga. Ever heard of it? Neither had we.

But we were feeling bold, and when in paradise, why not sweat it out in the jungle?

Booking Like Pros (or Rebels)

So, here’s how it started. We booked our hike directly with a local tour operator—$85 per person, $170 total for the two of us. Other options were running around $100 or even $150 per person through third-party sites or cruise excursions. Yep, we were feeling pretty savvy. Island travel tip: always look into local providers before locking in through the big names. You might just save enough to treat yourself to a round of cold beers after the hike.

Iconic Contrasts and Baby Boats

Before the hike even started, the morning was comedy gold. Picture the massive Icon of the Seas docked beside a tiny, janky "Krusty Boat." The contrast was hilarious. Like, baby boat vs. cruise behemoth. And yes, there was some toddler drama, a heavy earpiece situation, and a man trying to hand us a passionfruit juice for $10. It was chaos—in the best way.

Meet the Green Velvet Monkeys 🐒

Our tour started with a breezy open-air bus ride across the island. The vibes were high. We spotted green velvet monkeys darting through the jungle and climbing trees like the chill kings they are. That little moment inspired our impromptu hike team name: Team Green Velvet Monkeys. Because why not?

Trail Time: Sweaty Beginnings

As we hit the trail, it was clear: this wasn’t a gentle walk in the park. Within minutes, we were drenched. Like, sweat-rolling-down-your-backpack-straps drenched. The guide called the first stretch a “warm-up.” If that was a warm-up, we were low-key terrified of what came next.

Ferns, Fumbles, and Team Spirit

Despite the sweat (and the occasional existential crisis), the jungle trail was lush and beautiful. Ferns surrounded us like green lace. The switchbacks gave us just enough breathers to crack jokes and name every cool rock we saw. At one point, someone in our group dubbed a mossy stone “Snoop Dogg.” Another: “Peter Parker.” This hike was basically Marvel meets reggae meets survival reality show.

But we pushed on. Encouraged each other. Drank all the water. Gasped at views. Became full believers in the power of raisins and trail snacks.

Passionfruit Juice and the Climb to the Rim

About halfway up, the guides gave us local juice and fresh raisin bread. It hit like an island miracle. Our bodies were begging for it. And it gave us the kick we needed to tackle the steeper sections.

As we climbed, we could finally start to see it: the rim of Mount Liamuiga's volcano crater. Wild, right? We were walking to the edge of an actual volcano. The sweat, the sore calves, the baby boat jokes—totally worth it.

Sexy Man Competitions & Volcano Views

There was a brief detour into “Sexy Man at Sea” gossip (don’t ask), a few epic stumbles, and even a mysterious scrape that led to someone yelling, “I’m bleeding!” in a dramatic but mostly fine kind of way. Island hikes really do bring out the theater kid in all of us.

Finally, we made it to the top. The crater opened up beneath us—majestic, massive, and absolutely covered in jungle. The air felt cooler. The view? Pure Caribbean magic. We took a group countdown selfie and yelled “Green Velvet Monkeys!” in unison. Echoes, high fives, and victory vibes followed.

The Descent and the Sweat Rag Finale

The hike down? A leg-quivering hour and 45 minutes. We were tired, muddy, and running on fumes. Someone wrung out their headband and got five full squeezes of sweat out of it. Yes, five. Honestly impressive.

When we finally hit the bottom, we celebrated with local lagers, fries, and tacos. That first sip of cold beer? Divine.

Final Thoughts from Team Green Velvet Monkeys

Would we do it again? Absolutely. Would we prepare better? Maybe pack one less camera and two more electrolyte packets? For sure. But for two water-activity people trying something totally out of their element, it was unforgettable.

So if you find yourself in St. Kitts and want to see the island from a whole new height—go hike Mount Liamuiga. You’ll sweat, you’ll laugh, and you’ll probably come out of it with a new nickname (and maybe a monkey-inspired team chant).