The Caribbean is a hiking paradise. Yes, you may think first about beaches and pools, but when it comes to great trails in the Caribbean, there is a world of opportunities, from dormant volcanos to lush rainforests. Here’s a list of some of our favourite hiking spots in the region. What are yours?
Dominica
Perhaps the hiking capital of the region, Dominica is highlighted by the 115-mile-long Waitukubuli National Trail, which takes you across the island from small villages to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jamaica
The Blue Mountains of Jamaica are one of the treasures of the Caribbean, and the hike up Blue Mountain Peak isn’t to be missed. But make sure you’re ready for it.
Martinique
The diverse topography of Martinique means you can hike across beaches, rainforests or volcanos. Hiking the famous Mont Pelee is a natural choice, but another great hike is from Precheur to Grand-Riviere in the north of the country.
St Lucia
You can’t put together a list like this and not include hiking the Pitons in St Lucia, truly one of the natural wonders of the Caribbean.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
One of the most mountainous places in the Caribbean, St Vincent and the Grenadines offers some great hiking options — but the true test is ascending the La Soufriere volcano on St Vincent.
Puerto Rico
El Yunque National Forest offers wonderful trails through the rain forest and then above the treetops in the Sierra de Luquillo. And it’s all about 40 kilometres from San Juan.
St John, US Virgin Islands
90 percent of St John is a nature preserve, meaning you won’t have to look far for serious trails. Our pick? Try the Reef Bay Trail.
St Kitts and Nevis
This may be a tiny country, but you won’t be short on great hiking. For a real challenge, there are two great options: Mount Liamuiga on St Kitts and Nevis Peak on Nevis.
Tobago
Tobago has the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, making it a beautiful, unspoiled place for hiking. And taking a hike through the rainforest gives you a chance to interact with some of the rarest species of birds in the region.
Dominican Republic
Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain in the region, at almost 11,000 feet high. As you climb the foothills, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere in the American West. But you’re very much in the Caribbean.
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe offers a series of hikes, particularly the La Soufriere volcano in the Parc National de Guadeloupe. Of course, to get to the top, you have to hike through a rainforest.
Haiti
Yes, you can hike in Haiti. While there are a number of areas to do so, hiking the pine forest of the high-altitude La Visite National Park might be the best bet.