Blue Mountains hike to the peak
Explore the cool side of Jamaica’s rain forest with awesome scenic views, diverse flora and fauna and an abundance of bird species.
Hiking to the peak (7,402 feet or 2,256m) of the Blue Mountains to watch the sunrise is for anyone who loves nature and like being active.
This tour can be done as 2-3 day tour or can be part of a 7-10 day round tour Jamaica.
With our seven-seater Jeep we will pick you up from your hotel in Negril or any place in Jamaica and drive through Kingston, Papine and Mavis Bank all the way through the mountains to the old, still working, coffee plantation of Whitfield Hall.
Here you sleep in the renovated coffee plantation.
Within the house there is no electricity, so night-time light comes from Tilley kerosene pressure lamps and normal kerosene lanterns, which gives a romantic atmosphere.
After a delicious dinner you need to sleep early; the hike will start around 3 am to make sure you will be at sunrise at the peak.
The trail is easy to follow with signs every step of the way, although at night it might be much more difficult.
Some areas of the path are flat, some parts can be wet, slippery and muddy after rainfall. Other areas have rocky gravel, that make it slightly more difficult to walk.
At the summit you will have time to watch the sunrise and make pictures, drink some water and eat a snack; have a little pause before descending. Remember, it can be very cold this high. When clear sky you might be able to see Cuba, as they say so.
Varying skill levels
The Blue Mountain Peak trail falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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. To the summit will be a long trail!
Depending on speed the hike to the peak takes 3 – 3.5 hours. Descending another 3 hours. When raining the hike will be cancelled.
Of course the hike is also possible as a day hike, leaving at sunrise.
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.
United small coffee farmers sell their coffee beans as the Blue Mountain Coffee.
Most coffee is blended from different grade coffee, but the Blue Mountain coffee of Jamaica is famous for it’s single origin coffee. This is making a difference in quality and taste and why the coffee is expensive.
What to bring?
- warm clothing; it can be cold at night and early morning
- a light raincoat; it’s rainforest!
- comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- flashlight
- bottle for water refills
- extra cash for emergency (budget $50-$75)
- snacks to eat when arriving at the peak
- natural mosquito repellent
- towel and toiletries, there are shared bathrooms with only cold water for real mountain refreshments
Price per person: from 440 usd pp from Negril
Tours listed are based on a private tour of at least 2 persons with our 7-seater Pajero Jeep.
What is included?
Round trip transportation with pick up and drop off from your hotel (in Negril) and drive in our 4WD Jeep all they way to the coffee plantation in the mountains.
Delicious dinner and breakfast, overnight stay at Whitfield Hall, hiking mountain guide and entry fee of The Blue Mountain and John Crow Mountain National Park.
What other activities can I pair this tour with, for an additional cost?
Round tour multiple days, visit Kingston, Port Antonio and many other things, just tell us your wishes.