Known for its great hiking and legendary landscapes, Dominica reserves its ultimate excursion for true adventurers: the conquest of Boiling Lake. Follow the guide!
Only accessible by foot, Boiling Lake, in the heart of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is considered the second largest boiling lake in the world, right behind Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand. However, the path leading to this natural wonder, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is paved with difficulties: steps by the thousands, steep rugged passages, and geysers are found along this round-trip excursion, which averages seven hours. A thrilling challenge, not to be forgotten by those who conquer it, as if they have returned from another world. Onair takes you on a journey to this unique spot in the Caribbean.
Departure ~ Eight o’clock in the morning. Rendezvous at Titou Gorge, close to Laudat. Total immersion in the landscape starts almost immediately as the jungle envelops everything. For close to two hours, the path ascends and one climbs numerous steps of stone and logs along the way. But be careful: parrots and goats often appear in this vegetation of infinite shades of green irrigated by rivers. Upon arrival at the summit of Mont Nicholls, the blue of the sea reappears on the horizon. On a clear day, you can see the steam rising from the boiling lake caught between the peaks. The air starts to smell like sulfur!
ON THE ROAD ~ From the summit, a vertical drop of 300 meters awaits you, often slippery with mud (you will be likely to put your hands in it), as far as the contrasting landscape of the Valley of Desolation… A striking panorama: the hot crust and steaming ground have stopped the advancement of the forest. Soon the land slopes down through a palette of ochres and yellows, as well as blues, strongly diverging from the green of the surrounding mountains. A pigmentation inherent to this geothermic zone, where volcanic activity is quickly sensed with boiling fumaroles of gray mud.
ARRIVAL ~ The escapade continues along the river that pierces this valley, and becomes a gorge further on. Step over a few streams, climb a series of rocky slopes, and pass through a final veil of sulfur before your eyes land upon the grail: Boiling Lake lays before you. As wide as it is deep, the fumarole is flooded with water hotter than 180°F that boils behind the steamy mist. An overhanging ledge allows you to observe this natural phenomenon while protected from the toxic vapors emitted by volcanic gasses. It is now time to think about the return journey… and retracing your footsteps.
Our recommendations
~ From January to April, the dry season is an ideal time to go to Boiling Lake: the ground is generally less slippery.
~ Above all else, make sure you are in good physical condition.
~ Make sure that access to Boiling Lake is not off-limits the day you want to go.
~ It is strongly recommended to go with a guide. In fact, signage is practically non-existent and the path is often very steep.
~ In addition to proper clothing, remember to take a canteen with water, snacks, walking sticks, and solid hiking shoes, as well as protection from the rain for you and your belongings (and a natural mosquito repellent).
PS : Plan to start early in the morning!
MORE INFORMATION
https://discoverdominica.com/fr/posts/29/the-ultimate-hiking-to-dominicas-boiling-lake /
