Jamaican Adventures

By Linda Armstrong

Hordes of tourists flock to Jamaica every year for their dose of reggae, rum, and rastas. They bask in all-inclusive resorts and posh, climate-controlled suites. They sip umbrella-adorned drinks and periodically paddle over to the swim-up bar for a tall rum punch. But for adventurous independent travelers, Jamaica has far more to offer.

Blue Mountain Hiking

Rising to a height of over 7,000 feet and masked in the mist and mystery of a dense tropical rainforest, the Blue Mountains are covered by miles of trails. A good source of information for independent hikes is the National History Society of Jamaica.

Guided hikes are available through adventure companies and local freelancers. Destinations, a Kingston-based operator specializing in ecotourism and outdoor adventure, offers guided tours and assistance in independent planning. Use their $15 Information and Travel Planning Service. You’ll receive maps, personal recommendations, articles, and pricing related to your interests and itinerary.

Jamaica’s Blue Mountain hotels offer the best of both worlds—low-volume accommodations and adventure just beyond your door:

Home to the Jamaican Alternative Tourism, Camping and Hiking Association (JATCHA), the Maya Lodge offers expert advice and countless contacts, as well as hostel-style rooms, a restaurant, camping, nearby trails, and full-day guided treks.

Located approximately 30 minutes outside of Gordon Town, the Pine Grove (809-922-8708) offers 4x4-assisted positioning at numerous trails as well as invaluable advice and hospitality.

Located a short walk from the Blue Mountain trail, Whitfield Hall (809-927-0986) offers 4x4 positioning, guided hikes, and horses for independent excursions. This wooden lodge, with no electricity or hot water is a peaceful respite.

Wildflower Lodge (809-929-5394) is a stone’s throw from the Whitfield and offers many of the same amenities. Additionally, the Wildflower offers down-home pampering with private rooms and excellent, inexpensive, home-cooked meals.

Jeeps, Mules, and Bikes

Safari Tours (876-795-0482, safari@cwjamaica.com, www.jamaica-irie.com) has created a 2-day, mule-assisted hike to Blue Mountain Peak. After a short night’s rest, you’re roused at 2 a.m. for a 3-hour trek to the peak. If luck prevails, you’ll catch a rare glimpse of a clear 6 a.m. sunrise before heading back to civilization.

Safari Tours also offers a 12-hour Jeep tour that originates in Ocho Rios, traverses the Blue Mountains, and culminates in Kingston before retracing its steps. Adventurers walk on hanging bridges, visit waterfalls, and hike a trail or two.

Former New Orleans natives Becky and Paul LeMoine operate Blue Mountain Tours (www.bmtoursja.com) and a 1-day Blue Mountain bike tour. Eighty dollars buys sturdy bike transportation to the site, lunch, and a guided downhill glide from 5,000 feet.

For More Info

Jamaica Tourist Board, ICWI Building, 2 St. Lucia Ave., Kingston 5, P.O. Box 360, Jamaica; 809-929-9200; www.visitjamaica.com.

Jamaican Alternative Tourism, Camping and Hiking Association (JATCHA), Maya Lodge, Juba Spring, Peter’s Rock Rd., Jack’s Hill, Kingston, Jamaica; 809-702-0314; jamaica-guide.info/accommodations/camping_and_eco-tourism.jsp and www.forestry.gov.jm.

National History Society of Jamaica, The Zoology Dept., Univ. of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica; 809-927-1202; www.jsdnp.org.jm.

LINDA ARMSTRONG a former tour director in Jamaica, writes a travel column for Suite 101.