See full version: The 10 best places to hike in the Caribbean
This national park in southern Haiti is the ideal spot to experience the country’s mountainous terrain. Take the hike from Furcy down to Seguin through the natural pine forest for views of the Caribbean Sea and curious rock outcroppings. here
Pigeon Island National Landmark, St. Lucia more
Head deep into St. Kitts’s rainforest for the chance of spotting different monkeys, birds and blooming flowers. There’s a maze of hiking trails for visitors to navigate and explore in the cool shade of the lush tree canopies.
The Caribbean’s lush and mountainous topography lends itself to some of the best hiking on the planet, treating trampers to tropical foliage and sightings of indigenous birds and animals, culminating with panoramic views of the Caribbean in all its glory. So if you’re ready to leave your poolside chaise, check out these wow-worthy climbs. From leisurely to lung-busting, they’re the ten best hikes in the Caribbean.
Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica 115 miles-long, the Caribbean’s first long-distance walking trail is divided into 14 segments, which certainly challenge hikers’ endurance but also delight them, with rainforest, waterfalls and Kalinago villages as highlights.
We recommend booking a local guide, as this is known to be the most challenging hiking terrain in the country, but the views gained by climbing the steep hills are very much worth the strenuous effort exerted to reach the top. Bird-lovers, in particular, are sure to be rewarded for their efforts, as a plethora of tropical (winged) species abound in this region.
As one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, the diversity of terrain in Jamaica means there's ample amount of wilderness for visitors to explore. And there's more to do in this tropical paradise besides lying on the beach. Adventurous travelers should make use of the gorgeous hiking trails that can be found throughout the country. Between the Port Royal Mountains to the South and the famous Blue Mountains outside Kingston, there's no shortage of breathtaking vistas to conquer and enjoy while you're traveling in Jamaica. Read on for the seven best hiking trails to explore during your trip.
Located in the gorgeous seaside town of Ocho Rios, in St. Ann, this trail is less challenging than some of the others, but it worth it for the stunning views. One Love Trail departs from the Island Village shopping center (adjacent to the pier), and heads to Dunn’s River Falls. The entire round-trip circuit is less than 4 miles long, and the paved trail also makes this excursion perfect for runners who are looking to burn a little more calories on vacation. (Also: Who can resist a hike named after a Bob Marley song?)
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Located in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, the Oatley Mountain Trail can be found in Hollywell Park, a region of the national park a little more than 10 miles north of Kingston. The trek takes you up to the 4,395-foot Oatley Mountain, offering a spectacular vista of St. Andrew and Portland. Although this specific loop is only 0.7 miles, Hollywell Park has nine miles of trails, and you can always add additional routes onto your hiking outing if you’re feeling up for it. here
This trail takes you up to Mount Zion Village, a tiny, rural community just outside of Montego Bay. The path begins near the Cinnamon Hill golf course and winds up through hills and jungles before reaching Mount Zion Village. The trail is 4.8 miles round-trip, and you will feel lightyears away from the tourists and crowds of Montego Bay when you arrive at your final destination about halfway through the trail. We recommend opting for a Red Stripe, or some rum (always a good choice in Jamaica), at the local rum shop located within the village. Cheers! here
Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the U.S., has a very colorful history, and a historic main plaza that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into an entirely different country. It’s renowned for its abundance of unique attractions, a wide array of art galleries and extraordinary museums. In fact, there’s a higher concentration of galleries and museums here than almost anywhere else in the world – and, all are within reasonable walking distance from the town square. The adobe city is also famous for its transformative qualities, drawing many to experience its healing energy. Plus, the food is outstanding, the climate is wonderful, the surrounding scenery awe-inspiring, and there are a variety of trails nearby to explore if you like to hike. [links]
A road trip can make for a fantastic vacation, particularly when exploring a place that you’ve never experienced before. If you’ve never traveled Highway One along the California coast, it’s something that you should really do, as one of the most spectacular drives in the world. The stretch of highway between San Simeon and Carmel sometimes referred to as the “Big Sur Coast”, is especially magical, and features a number of gorgeous inns and resorts where you can soak up ocean views from the comfort of your room. If the drive isn’t long enough for you, consider heading further north to San Francisco, or even Mendocino and beyond. here
Sedona is easy to get to from many U.S. cities and is less than a two-hour drive from Phoenix. Located in the heart of a geological wonderland, with multi-hued red rock formations changing color minute-by-minute as the light changes and weather fluctuate. The scenery is hard to beat and the mild climate makes outdoor activities that much more enjoyable too. Just a few of the opportunities include jeep tours, hiking and bird watching. In town, you’ll discover world-class spas, stunning resorts, a vibrant art scene and a New Age vibe – with all sorts of shops and services offering alternative cures for whatever might ail you. [links]
Retirement is the ideal time to get out and see the world, visiting places you’ve always dreamed of seeing in person. The only question is, where to go? These destinations are sure to spark your motivation to get packing.
If you’re craving warmth, sunshine, beautiful stretches of sand and plenty of culture, consider heading to Miami Beach. It has lots to offer retirees and all types of travelers. Not only are there endless picturesque beaches and outstanding beachfront resorts, but in the city itself, there is a multitude of fantastic museums, such as the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, and an abundance of shopping opportunities. Just minutes away is a tropical oasis, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, one of the country’s very best. View the aesthetic beauty of taxonomically arranged and well-documented tropical plants, particularly palms, cycads, flowering trees and shrubs, vines and fruit trees, and check out the documented botanical specimens that have been cultivated or collected since the late 1930s. more
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest wine regions in the world, where you’ll find enchanting valleys and steep slopes that make it a premier wine destination. Just a short drive from Porto and its famous Port wine aged in cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia across the river, the Douro Valley is home to grapes that create sweet red wines. Travel from Porto to Pocinho for a scenic train journey. [links]