Blue Mountains, Kingston, Jamaica

The Blue Mountains form the longest mountain range in Jamaica and features majestic scenery. You can witness firsthand view of nature either by hiking or biking through the mountains. This area is also known for the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee.

The ride up to the Blue Mountains consist of narrow, winding and unmarked road ways, however, it definitely worth the beautiful views. The mountain views are spectacular. The Blue Mountains is home to quaint villages and the locals that live in the mountains are very friendly. You also get to view waterfalls and tiny restaurants throughout.

You can start the Tour at the Lodge – Whitfield Hall (elevation 4000ft) and hike to the peak, which is an elevation of 7400ft. Some areas of the path are flat, whereas, other areas have rocky gravel that make it slightly more difficult to walk. There are hiking trails for varying skill levels. Short trails are suited for those who would rather a nice easy stroll among the flora and fauna and longer trails for those who like to be more physically challenged.

You can opt to do a night hike. It is a lot more quiet, completely dark except for your flashlights, and very serene and peaceful. Hopefully you make it to the top in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Once you arrive at the peak you realize the journey was totally worth it.

This attraction is not for everyone. You don’t have to be extremely active to complete this tour, however, be prepared to walk for about 3 to 4 hours to reach to the peak. You will also have to be able to make the trip back down.

I strongly suggest that if you want to see the sunrise you should hike from Mavis Bank the evening before and stay at one of the lodges overnight. Then set out around 6am for a picnic. The Blue Mountain Inn is a good option for dinner. The setting is beautiful and the food is incredible.

They have a sitting room with coffee liqueur for the ladies and cigar for the men. Biking tours are also available which run about 17 miles down through the Blue Mountains. The journey begins around 6,000 feet elevation and ends at a waterfall where all can enjoy a cool and relaxing swim. Soldiers do their drills in their uniforms at Newcastle so you may get a chance to witness that as well.

Blue Mountain also boasts coffee plantation tours – there are plenty around, some large and some small. Visitors get to see how coffee beans are gathered and processed to make the world-famous coffee.

The world famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is farmed between 2000 and 5000 feet above sea level in very rich soil. Higher slopes are conserved as forest. A lot of other coffee consumed around the world is blended from a different grade coffee. Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee is world known because it is single origin coffee. Believe it or not, not many people have had single origin coffee and coffee of this nature makes a world of difference. What really makes this coffee great is the altitude, forest cover and climate which provide the conditions for growing the best coffee in the world.