Caribbean Hiking

The Caribbean

The Islands

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Caribbean Hiking

Caribbean Hiking is very diverse, depending on the islands. The islands of the Caribbean are mostly of volcanic origin and many have tall peaks with lush and dense vegetation idyllic for those that love hiking.

In other words the Caribbean is not only powdery sand beaches and crystal clear waters, but also the scene for lots of activities in the branch of Caribbean Ecotourism.

I like hiking but I am no expert in hiking. There are people specialized in this type of sport and you should talk to them and visit their sites before going into a venture that could be too much for you, or perhaps too little.

Also make sure you carry the proper equipment and supplies. I am going to mention a few of the islands where hiking is the best.

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The Island of Dominica is a leader in Caribbean Ecotourism

Caribbean Hiking

• Dominica

This little island is a leader in ecotourism and it’s my favorite for this kind of sports. Dominica is located between Martinique and Guadeloupe.

It is a laid back island with few modern roads and technology advances that is what it makes it so lovely.

Boiling Lake Dominica with its sulfur crystals that color the ground is a hiker’s favorite. Boiling Lake is one of the world’s largest of this type. You should take a guide and be in good condition.

• Guadeloupe

This island is the seat of France’s Overseas Department, the French Caribbean Islands. La Soufriere Volcano last erupted in 1976.

It is a much less effort to climb to the top to this once active volcano. The vegetation that was destroyed then is coming back and you’ll see all the shades of green you can think of.

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Lovely butterflies can be found at Paradise Peak in St Martin Island

• Dominican Republic

The Republica Dominicana’s main peak is the Pico Duarte at 10,700 feet o height. It is actually the Caribbean highest. It may be a difficult and long hike and some people walk part of it and some do it on the back of a mule. This is some of the best Caribbean Hiking.

• Jamaica

Hiking to the top of Blue Mountain Jamaica is a great hike. The Peak of Blue Mountain is 7,400 feet high.

Hikers usually go out of bed at 2 am and walk many hours to be able to reach the top for sunrise. The greatest challenge of the hike is climbing Jacob’s ladder and stumbling around in the dark.

• Trinidad

In Trinidad you’ll find the Asa Wright nature Center with its pathways cutting through the open air aviary. The hummingbirds abound here in large quantities and also many other rare birds.

You’ll find also morpho butterflies. This is an easy hike or should I say walk.

• Puerto Rico

One of Puerto Rico attractions is El Yunque. El Yunque rain forest also called the Caribbean national rain Forest is Puerto Rico's highest peak. It is 3,500 feet high and from the top you can see both sides of the islands with the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south.

In one single walk you’ll see so many types of forests with mind boggling vegetation. It is an easy walk depending on your fitness condition.

El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico is a protected US National Park

• St John USVI

Two thirds of the island of St John USVI is a US National Park with as many as 20 hiking trails. The popular Cinnamon Bay Trail follows a plantation road.

You will the plantations ruins and buildings. Here on this island you’ll experience a great variety of plants and bird species as well as iguanas.

You should arrange for a guided tour with an expert park ranger at the US Virgin Islands National Park Visitors Center in Cruz Bay.

• Grenada

The Island of Grenada is called the Spice Island. It is located close to the South American coast. Grand Etang National Park and Forest reserve will have the trail that suits you.

The panoramic view of the Caribbean is worth the effort. Another and more difficult trails is the hike to the top of Mount Qua Qua.

• St Martin

French St Martin shares the island with Dutch St Maarten. Here the highest point is Pic du Paradise or Paradise Peak. It is located on the grounds of a former sugar plantation.

Here you will see ancient mango trees, the guava berry trees and hundreds of species of tropical plants and trees.

Caribbean Hiking in Trinidad on the Grande Riviere

• St Lucia

The beautiful island of St Lucia is blessed with incredible vegetation.

The Forestry Department oversees the national rain-forest and requires that hikers ask permission before hiking through. In some areas the Forestry Department requires that hikers be accompanied by an experienced guide who can explain much about the island's natural environment.

On your hikes you may see wild orchids, giant ferns, birds of paradise, and other exotic plants and trees. Barre de L' isle Forest Reserve, a ridge running north to south that effectively divides eastern and western St. Lucia, is a good trail for those wanting to devote a couple of hours to hiking.

Please allow me to repeat that Caribbean Hiking is a serious sport and has to be performed according to one’s health and fitness condition. And above all do it accompanied by professional guides.