The Blue Mountain Peak is the highest point in Jamaica. It’s 7,402ft high and famous for producing some of the world’s best Coffee.
Hiking the Blue Mountain, however, is less known as one of the premier activities on the Island.
Photo by Kent MacElwee CC BY
The peak is a natural paradise prized by nature lovers because of the wonderful scenery and the exotic birds and animals you will encounter.
The hike is a 3.5-mile journey into the heart of Jamaica. Hummingbirds hover in the air while the Jamaican Tody, also called the Robin Red Breast, darts in and out at almost every point along the trail.
Photo by Kent MacElwee CC BY
If you’re lucky you may spot a mongoose, and if you’re really lucky, you might have an encounter with a Jamaican Boa or Yellow Snake. Don’t worry, they’re not poisonous.
The views from the mountain are spectacular and will give you a true appreciation of how much of this beautiful island remains untouched. In the dim light of the approaching evening or wherever the mountains shade each other, you can see the distinctive blue color that gives this peak its name.
Photo by Kent MacElwee CC BY
In the dim light of the approaching evening, or wherever the mountains shade each other, you can see the distinctive blue color that gives this peak its name.
The trail up to the peak is long and is definitely for the more physically inclined traveler. It’s not a race though so go at your own pace. And there are lots of rest stops so it’s not necessarily unbearable for those that are less active.
Feel free to bring the kids along. This hike up the Blue Mountains may just be the right thing to help them burn some of that excess energy, whilst having a life changing experience.
Photo by Tach_RedGold&Green CC BY
What to bring
• Warm Clothes – It gets cold at the Peak and it can even reach the point of freezing.
• Rain Coats or Gear – It Rains a lot sometimes
• Flashlights and fresh reliable batteries (optional)
• Water Bottles
• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots
• Sleeping bags or blankets if you are spending the night
Bring your own food and snacks. It might be a good idea to bring some hotdogs and other kinds of camping fare, which can be roasted over an open fire.
Photo by Kent MacElwee CC BY
The Blue Mountain hiking experience is definitely more rustic than your average all-inclusive experience and is for those who appreciate nature and “roughing it”. The Mountain is an incredible backdrop for the winding trails and you will be immersed in Jamaican flora and fauna. Adventure tourists should consider this a top of the “bucket list” experience.
Adventurous tourists should consider this a top of the “bucket list” experience.
Photo by Heather and Mike CC BY
