Carbet Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Carbet River in Guadeloupe, an overseas department of France located in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean Sea. Its three cascades are set amid the tropical rainforests on the lower slopes of the volcano La Soufrière. The falls are one of the most popular visitor sites in Guadeloupe. In 1493, Christopher Columbus noted Carbet Falls in his log. Appropriately, he named Guadeloupe Karukera, which translates as "the island of beautiful waters." The falls' first and highest cascade comprises a drop of more than125 m (410 ft). Visitors reach the cascade by a long, steep trail. The source of the Carbet River is located another 2 km (1.2 mi) upstream from the first cascade, at an elevation of 1,300 m (4,300 ft). The second cascade receives the most visitors of the three, due to its convenient accessibility. This fall of 110 m (360 ft) is reached by a paved and very well designed path. The third and last cascade measures 20 m (66 ft) in height, and has the greatest water volume of any waterfall in Guadeloupe. It is only accessible on foot, and only to experienced hikers. Following an earthquake in 2004, several cubic meters of rock split from the cliff face behind the second cascade. The safety hazard thus created led park authorities to limit access to the cascade to no closer than a bridge just downstream. Heavy rains in 2005 only exacerbated the problem by leaving the terrain yet more unstable. Carbet Falls (French: Les chutes du Carbet) is a series of waterfalls on the Carbet River in Guadeloupe, an overseas department of France located in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean region. Its three cascades are set amid the tropical rainforests on the lower slopes of the volcano La Soufrière. The falls are one of the most popular visitor sites in Guadeloupe, with approximately 400,000 visitors annually. In 1493, Christopher Columbus noted Carbet Falls in his log. Appropriately, he named Guadeloupe Karukera, which translates as "the island of beautiful waters"
There are therefore three sites to visit at Carbet. Falls number 2 are the easiest to get to, after an easy hike of about 30 minutes. They are also the largest of the three falls with a drop of nearly 360 feet. You'll even get to cross a lovely suspended bridge. But watch out. This site is overrun with tourists during tourist season. The vegetation is lush and well taken care of by the ONF. Getting to the first of the three waterfalls is a bit more difficult (41/2 hours to get there and back), but well worth it for the lovely walk in the wilderness. However, the waterfalls are not as exciting as falls number 2. The third falls are really for seasoned hikers because the walk up hill is very difficult, especially on hot days. But the sheer force of the waterfalls and its beautiful setting make visiting these falls the most "wild" experience. You can take advantage of your trip to the falls to visit the nearby ponds at Carbet. A both interesting and educational hike because of the good organization of the site and of the presence of forest wardens. If you run into one of them, don't hesitate to ask them any questions you may have or for advice.
The " Carbet " takes its source on the sides of the Soufrière Volcano and slides along the mountain on 10 kilometers (6 Miles). With three falls, the torrent falls from very high cliffs. The third fall, on the lowest level of the river, is accessible by taking, at the exit of Capesterre the road of " Routhiers ". After a thirty minutes drive on a track full of roots, you will reach downwards this pretty 20 meters (60 feet) high fall, spectacular by the importance of its flow. The first Carbet fall for the sportsmen is far away from the road, also more difficult to join, but highest. Whereas the second makes a 110 meters (330 feet) high dive, the first fall beats all the records with a jump of more than 125 meters (387 feet). The south of the mountain is strewn with small water basins collecting the abundant streaming waters of the Soufrière Volcano. A one hour charming walk without difficulty and allowing to observe a very luxuriant fauna and flora :a large quantity of bamboos, " yellow mangroves " plunging their air roots in the water of the pond where the " ouassous " (large shrimps close to crayfish) are moving under the interested glance of the Kingfishers and of the " Kio ". Brick red Crabs move back, showing their claws when you approach... You are visiting the "lake" mangrove .
