La Soufrière and the DC-3 wreck with return via the Col de l'Échelle

The departure point is normally the Bains Jaunes car park, located on the D11 at an altitude of around 950 m. This is where this varied and demanding adventure begins. It is best to arrive early to find a parking space, even on weekdays, otherwise you will have to park further down, as indicated on the route, which adds a little extra warm-up.

(S/E) Continue along the road towards Bains Jaunes and head for the car park.

(1) Immediately tackle the climb to La Soufrière, which is easy at first but becomes increasingly steep through the dense tropical forest. Return to the Route des Bains Jaunes (D11).

(2) Continue to the right, climbing steadily, until you reach a fork in the road.

(3) Leave the Route des Bains Jaunes and turn left onto the Chemin des Dames, which circles the volcano to the west.

(4) Continue straight ahead. The terrain becomes steeper. This climb requires effort, a good pair of shoes and a bit of balance, as the path can be muddy and slippery depending on the weather. Reach the point called La Découverte, at an altitude of 1,467 metres. You will be rewarded with panoramic views: on a clear day, you can see the whole of Guadeloupe, the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin and sometimes even the neighbouring islands. The summit offers a Martian landscape with black volcanic rock, unique formations and, often, gusts of wind. Be careful of fumaroles and gas emissions in this area: stay on the path and follow the safety instructions.

(5) Descend to the fork in the path.

(4) Head right, due north.

(6) Leave the path on your right, which you will return on, and continue straight ahead to begin the journey to the DC-3 wreck by following the Trace Carmichaël, a less marked section where you need to pay attention to the terrain. Reach a fork.

(7) At this point, the Trace Carmichaël continues to the left, but to reach the wreck, follow the path on the right marked with an X sign. This sign simply indicates that you are off the marked trail. Continue to the next fork.

(8) Head left to reach the wreckage of the DC-3, one of the highlights of this hike. These are the remains of a Douglas R4D-6 registered 8P-AAC, a DC-3 aircraft belonging to Carib West Airways, which crashed on 9 September 1971 on the slopes of the Soufrière volcano during a cargo flight between Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) and Dominica in poor weather conditions and reduced visibility due to low clouds. Both pilots perished in the crash, and the wreckage was found four days later in this difficult-to-access area. Today, the wings, the main part of the fuselage and the landing gear wheels are still visible, offering a poignant testimony to the aeronautical history of the West Indies.

(9) Once you have visited the wreckage, begin the climb back up the technical trail you took on the way down, with its ups and downs. The return trip is less technical but still physically demanding, as it is mainly uphill.

(6) Turn left towards Col de l'Échelle. The descent gradually leads to less frequented terrain. This section offers beautiful panoramic views and a moment of calm after the exertions of the hike. Reach Col de l'Échelle.

(10) Continue on the right, pass La Roche Fendue and rejoin the Route des Bains Jaunes (D11).

(11) Follow this road, turning right.

(3) Stay on the road.

(2) Leave the D11 and turn left onto the path going uphill in the opposite direction to return to the Bains Jaunes car park.

(1) Take the D11 on the left to return to the car park (S/E).

Allow between 6 and 7 hours, especially if you take your time and stop for breaks, particularly to enjoy the scenery, explore the wreck in detail, bathe at the end and, of course, depending on the weather.

Bring good waterproof walking shoes suitable for muddy and technical terrain, as well as enough water and snacks to last the entire hike. Protect yourself from the sun, as much of the route is exposed and the sun can be strong. A swimsuit may be useful if you want to enjoy a refreshing break at the Bains Jaunes or other water points.

A K-way or waterproof jacket that cuts out wind and rain is highly recommended.

Check the weather forecast before setting off. La Soufrière and Col de l'Échelle are often cloudy, especially in the afternoon. It is advisable to set off very early in the morning and to undertake the hike after a few days of dry weather.

The DC-3 wreck section is technical, with muddy and demanding sections. You need to keep your balance and pay attention to where you put your feet. Good physical condition is necessary; this route is not suitable for beginners. It includes narrow passages where you have to squeeze through, using branches and roots to balance and hold on. For the next part (7), there is another trail that follows a similar route, but to reach the wreck, you must follow the path marked with an X sign.

It is recommended that you download the GPX track, especially for the last section towards the DC-3 wreck, which is not marked on the ground.

At the summit, follow the signs and remain cautious, as some gas emissions can be dangerous.

Take a well-deserved break at the Bains Jaunes at the end of the day to relax your legs — a relaxing bonus after this circular loop filled with scenery, history and effort.

On the way back, enjoy a refreshing break at the Bains Jaunes (the spring is hot), it's free and feels great after this hike. Along the way, you'll have superb views of the summit of La Soufrière, the DC-3 wreck and, on a clear day, Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin and the neighbouring islands in general. The descent is via a less frequented road, which is pleasant and quiet after the technical sections.