The Guadeloupe National Park covers some 17,300 ha (42,750 acres) of Basse-Terre's interior. The forest reserve consists of orchid-filled rainforests and fern-covered hillsides and it is a good place for hiking, although you can also drive through it to enjoy the surroundings. It is bisected by the Route de la Traversée, which runs through a mountainous region and passes thick bamboo stands, huge mahogany and gum trees, heliconia and ginger.
In the middle of the park, at the center of Basse-Terre is Maison de la ForĂȘt. It includes an exhibit center with displays on the forest. Unfortunately all displays are in French only. There is a short, but interesting trail that starts at the center and then crosses the Bas-David River with a swing bridge. It continues through an area of thick jungle of gommier trees and tall ferns. The area is home to a wide variety of tropical birds. Also in the vicinity is the jungle waterfall of Cascade aux Ecrevisses. At the park's western fringe is a small zoo.
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