“World Heritage is the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity… World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.” – WHC website.

The Caribbean is home to 16 cultural and nine natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread over 14 territories. These sites speak to the region’s history, culture, and development, and its outstanding natural beauty.

Let’s trek over to one of the Caribbean’s World Heritage Sites – Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica.

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Dominica’s Morne Trois Pitons National Park was established as a national park in July 1975 and designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

According to UNESCO, the 16,980-acre site (roughly 9% of the country’s land area) “contains 50 fumaroles, hot springs, three freshwater lakes, a ‘boiling lake’ and five volcanoes”, it also has “the richest biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles”.

The park is named after its highest mountain, Morne Trois Pitons (or Mountain of Three Peaks), which rises over 1,300 metres.

Discover Dominica lists the area’s main attractions as:

• The Valley of Desolation.
• The Boiling Lake.
• Titou Gorge.
• Freshwater Lake.
• Boeri Lake.
• Emerald Pool.
• Middleham Falls.
• Morne Anglaise.
• Morne Watt.
• Morne Micotrin (Morne Macque).

One of the national park’s biggest attractions is Emerald Pool waterfall which is visited by around 15,000 people every year.

Easily accessible via a short trek along a nature trail, the waterfall is surrounded by pristine forest and mossy boulders. Fresh mountain water cascades down from 40ft, and adventurers can enjoy a relaxing dip in the ‘pool’ at the bottom, where the water appears emerald green because of the leafy, filtered sunlight.

The aptly named Boiling Lake is also located within the park. This massive hot spring is flanked by steep cliffs and has a water temperature of about 95°C. The lake constantly bubbles and churns while letting off steam and is believed to be the second-largest fumarole of its kind in the world.

At least 13 species of mammals, 50 birds, 12 reptiles and amphibians and 12 crustaceans call Morne Trois Pitons National Park their home. Boa constrictor snakes, which can grow to 3.6m in length, are common in the park, but there are no poisonous snakes.

Hikers will enjoy exploring the park on foot with various trails ranging from easy and intermediate to challenging. Ask a local guide or tour operator for advice on which route is best for you to make the most of your time at this breath-taking location.

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Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a ‘must-see’ on any visit to Dominica. It is a unique area of outstanding beauty and ably demonstrates why Dominica is commonly known as ‘the nature island.’

Sources: UNESCO, Discover Dominica, AFAR.com, Active Caribbean and A Virtual Dominica.