Do you want to report "Have some questions about getting to blue mountain peak"
Wondering if it’s possible to get to the peak if I started in Ocho Rios in the morning . The plan right now is to drive a rental from Ocho Rios leaving at 7 am and getting to Mavis bank at 9 30am . Parking somewhere there and then getting a driver up to white field hall and hiking up from there. If I understand correctly from this point it’s about 7hrs up and down and it can be done without a guide during the day . Hopefully get back to the car by 6 pm and home to Ocho Rios by 8 -9 pm . Is this a realistic plan that is doable and does anyone know how much that driver would be from mavis bank or does anyone know a good person. Also where can I park in mavis bank ? Thanks in advance
Oh okay, so nix the whole driving thing, that voyage to mavis bank is not for the inexperienced. Town = Kingston. You can catch a cab anywhere but I would probably hire a driver for the day or try and find a group or adventure company that may take you. Good luck.
You can’t do Blue Mountain Peak in less than two days, especially if you are starting from Ocho Rios. As mentioned below, contact the JCDT to get details and set up affordable arrangements if you really want to experience the trip.
You can drive normal vehicles up to Mavis Bank (it is a winding road however, and there may be issues from landslide damage at the current time.) From Mavis Bank to the foot of Jacob’s ladder, you will need a rugged 4×4 vehicle. From there, it’s all walking.
This sounds like a great way to stress out, have a lame experience or injure up yourself. To get the full experience I would go to the School of Vision and walk with them. You’d get the best chance of timing your summit, and glimpsing the majesty proper. If you just want to work out, imo go a gym.
Well my biggest concern is that all the tours I am seeing are in the 200-300$ range per person and I also didn’t want to have to stay in Kingston just for the trip . A lot of post on the peak hike have said it’s long but well marked and easy to follow, very doable without a guide. Have u stayed at this place before or know a bit more about it ? Can I drive a rental there ?
Then skip those tour companies and reach out to the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust which is the agency that manages the Blue and John Crow Mountains, to help you with your planning. They can be contacted via whatsapp according to their website - “Cell & Whatsapp: 1(876) 357-9565”
https://www.blueandjohncrowmountains.org/
Edited to add: the JCDT also offers camping options at ridiculously cheap prices.
I hear what you’re saying. If you’re working with a budget then it is what it is. I was once in the same space looking at the Piton mountain in St Lu trying to do that solo.
I haven’t visited SoV personally but I always hear great things on them. One thing I can say is it doesn’t cost anything to fire off an email so contact them and see what they can offer. I’d be surprised if they didn’t work with you or give you some advice on what’s practical. Good luck and let us know though, I’m planning to do the hike myself one day
This is not a realistic plan. A better idea would be to make it 2 days - arrive in the afternoon of day 1 and stay in Mavis Bank or, better yet, Whitfield Hall; hike the mountain the morning of the second day, then drive back to Ochie that afternoon/evening.
You will need a driver to get to Whitfield Hall unless you have a 4x4 and are used to Jamaican mountain roads. The additional cost to have that driver also be a tour guide is usually not much - the main cost in the tour package quotes you are seeing is the 4x4 and driver.
Usually around US$50. Could be cheaper if you have a Jamaican friend who can help arrange/negotiate, but I think that’s about the minimum for a foreigner.
Edit: note that foreigners must pay US$20 to use the trail to hike the mountain.
No problem . His whatsapp is. 876 355 8856 and his email is scottrohan44@gmail.com If you have any questions just let me know . We own a house in Eltham, Ocho Rios since 2012 so we spend the winters in Jamaica
