Blue MountainsTowering across eastern Jamaica, the 28-mile (45km) long
mountain range is constantly shrouded in a mist that gives the
mountains their bluish colour. The John Crow National Park at the
base of the mountains was established to preserve the diverse range
of species that call the Blue Mountains home. Among them are more
than 800 endemic plant species, 200 bird species and 500 flowering
plant varieties as well as the world's second-largest variety
butterfly. The mountains are also home to Jamaica bamboo, which
only flowers every 33 years. The lowest slopes of the mountain are
taken up by coffee plantations, as well as patches of vegetable
beds and spice cultivation. The coffee that is grown on the slopes
is world-renowned and visitors can organise tours of some of the
larger coffee estates. Visitors to the Blue Mountains can climb the
highest peak by way of the Peak Trail, which starts at Abbey Green.
Most hikers spend a night in one of the cabins on the mountain and
local advice or g
Admission: 200 JMD (park entrance fee) |
