Adventure Travel in Jamaica? No Problem!
**Hotel-organized Hikes
Blue Mountain hotels offer the best of both worlds - quaint, low-volume accommodations and adventure just beyond your back door.
*Maya Lodge - Home to the Jamaican Alternative Tourism, Camping and Hiking Association (JATCHA), the Maya Lodge (809-702-0314) is hiking Hedonism. In addition to expert advice and countless contacts, the Maya offers hostel-style rooms, a restaurant, camping, nearby trails, and full-day, guided treks.
*Pine Grove Hotel - 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.
*Whitfield Hall Hostel - Located a short walk from the Blue Mountain trail, Whitfield Hall (809-927-0986) is a back-to-basics accommodation offering 4x4 positioning, guided hikes, and horses for independent excursions. Minus electricity and hot water, this wooden lodge is a peaceful respite for the trail weary warrior.
*Wildflower Lodge - Wildflower Lodge (809-929-5394) is a stone's throw from the Whitfield and offers many of the same amenities including 4x4s, guides, and horses. However, the Wildflower offers down-home pampering with private rooms and excellent, yet inexpensive, "home cooked" meals.
Jeeps, Mules, and Bikes - Oh My!
Blue Mountain Mule Trek
Safari Tours (876-972-2639) has created a two-day, mule-assisted hike to Blue Mountain Peak. En route to their log cabins, your car stops at the National Park, Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, Sangster Rum Factory, and Jamaican Defense Camp. After a short night's rest, you're roused at 2 a.m. for a three-hour, mule-assisted 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.
Blue Mountain Jeep Safari
Safari Tours (876-972-2639) also offers a 12-hour Jeep tour ($75) 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. Additional attractions include the National Park, Jamaica Defense Force Camp, Bob Marley Museum, Sangster Rum Factory, and Devon House.
Fatty, Fatty Bike Ride
Former New Orleans' natives, Becky and Paul LeMoine, operate Blue Mountain Tours (809-974-7075) and a one-day Blue Mountain bike tour. A mere $80 supplies a humorous, yet sturdy, pink bike, positioning transportation, a Cajun/Jamaican lunch, and a guided downhill glide from 5,000 feet.
Your ride, however, is more than a silent coast. It's also a guided tour of Jamaica's foliage and wildlife, a commentary on the country's culture and people, and the chance of a lifetime to
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