In Dominica, there’s no shortage of adventure. And, with the reopening of the island’s most sought-after attractions, there’s no better time to explore the Nature Island’s best kept secrets. One site that continues to attract people worldwide is Boiling Lake, magically hidden within the depths of Morne Trois Piton National Park. Considered one of the toughest and most famous hikes in all of Dominica, the trek to Boiling Lake always proves to be rewarding—both physically and mentally. But, because the hike can take around 7 hours, we’ve provided a guide below to get you started on the right foot.

Start Early & Be Prepared

Get an early start and begin at the entrance of Titou Gorge, then take the first trail to the right. After a short easy hike, this trail will enter Morne Trois Piton National Park and will get a bit more challenging.

Take a Break

After about an hour into the uphill hike, you’ll descend to Breakfast River. This is the perfect place to take a break—hence the name. Snack on some energy-boosting foods to prepare for the rest of the trip.

Enter the Valley of Desolation

After refueling, cross the river and continue uphill again until you reach the Valley of Desolation. This will take another hour or so. Here, you’ll be astounded by the open landscape, complete with streams and bubbling hot springs, which is a stark contrast to the rainforest you just journeyed through.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

The next section of your hike can get a little tricky. You’ll head uphill once more, bringing you to your final destination. However, the terrain is rocky and the paths are a bit less defined so you’ll want to be careful when walking.

Boiling Lake

At last, you’ve reached Boiling Lake. The flooded volcano opening is filled with bubbling blue-gray water and enveloped by a large cloud of vapor due to its extremely high temperature. Wait a few minutes for the wind to pick up so the steam dissipates and you can get a matchless view of the lake below. As you admire the natural wonder, feel proud that you’ve witnessed the second largest hot lake in the world. Snap some photos, hydrate, head back down and bring this life-changing memory back home to share.

*Photo Courtesy of Charismatic Planet