The trip to the Boiling Lake via the Valley of Desolation MUST NOT be made without a guide! Also you need to be fit and have very good shoes ( trecking or climbing boots).
The trip starts in Laudat near the Titou Gorge, which you will come to appreciate upon returning from the Boiling Lake. You will walk, creep and slip about 3 hours over fallen trees or other things and  if it rains you also will climb on all fours (now and then using  rude words) to the Valley of Desolation, which will take your breath (if still available) away. The scenery will make you feel like you`re on the moon.
Then it takes you another 45 minutes till you see (if you are lucky) the Boiling Lake. This lake is really boiling, so most of the time you only can see steamclouds on the water. On a windy day you also can see the lake and the view is worth the trouble.
It is important to follow the instructions of your guide and on no account you should try to climb down to the waterfront to take pictures! After one tourist tried to do that, he spent the rest of his vacation (which becomes extended) in a hospital of Guadeloupe. Nevertheless he was lucky that his guide was able to carry him all the way to Laudat, as there is no mountain rescue service available.
Be carefull and do not dismiss the stories of your guide with a laugh.
You will take the same way back and after another 2-3 hours you will get (tired, sweaty and dirty) to the Titou Gorge. You can get the necessary refreshment by jumping into the water (better, than having a beer!) and if you are still feeling good you can swim to the waterfall.

17.02.2007