Jamaica: where the Caribbean is most authentic
For those with a scheduled trip to the land of reggae or planning to visit the destination in the coming months, Jamaica is an island that must be considered. Owner of beautiful landscapes, this Caribbean country is still a place little explored by Brazilians who choose the region to travel. Therefore, many doubts may arise on a first trip there. A curiosity is that Jamaica is the land of “all-inclusive”, the all-inclusive concept. Who wants exclusive adventures, luxurious resorts or focused on adults only, can choose several options for all types of tourists. The main cities to include in the itinerary are: the capital Kingston, the traditional beach destinations Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, as well as Port Antonio and Bluefields, among others. By the way, there are many ways to explore Jamaica and one of them is on horseback. To understand this fun offer that the destination offers with great tranquility, the visitor should go to Braco Stables, Trelawny district, 35 km from Montego Bay and 40 km from Ocho Rios. The scenery is discovered in a different way when riding through the interior and crossing long distances until reaching the beautiful beaches with turquoise waters on the north coast, where horse and rider cool off at sunset. The Half Moon Equestrian Center in Montego Bay is a place dedicated to equestrian activities. If you want to explore the island by car, here are some practical suggestions for your schedule.
Kingston and the Blue Mountains
Kingston is a fabulous contrast to the island’s usual beach destinations. Full of galleries and theaters, it has a cultural wealth that is one of its main attractions, along with the architectural legacy and the incomparable legend of Bob Marley, whose house is part of any tourist itinerary. Located near Kingston are the Blue Mountains, over 2000 meters high, 140 million years old and characterized by a huge variety of flora and fauna. Flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds and the rare Chusquea Abaetefolia (a tree that blooms only once every 33 years) coexist in this mountain range, birthplace of the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, considered the best coffee in the world.
Montego Bay
Populous Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second most important political and cultural city, is a destination with an immense and rich history, whose origins date back to the time of Columbus’ arrival in the New World. Founded in 1494 under the name El Golfo de Buen Tiempo, it was an important Spanish enclave in the early 16th century until the British occupation of Jamaica. Montego Bay is also one of the gateways to Jamaica with its international airport. Home to many resorts of international hotel chains.
Ocho Rios and the Dunns River Falls
Ocho Ríos is truly a heavenly place. Much chosen by newlyweds, it has an incredible geography where the Dunn’s River Falls are located, which plunge into the sea in a drop of 180 meters. Climbing the falls is one of the most popular activities in Jamaica. Of course, those who don’t dare to climb the waterfall can walk along the park’s walkways and find countless places to enjoy and photograph. In addition to the waterfall, Ocho Ríos is an ideal place for helicopter rides, horseback riding, hiking or taking shelter from the breeze on the spectacular coastal cliffs.
Port Antonio
Port Antonio is on the east side of Ocho Rios and is considered one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas in all of Jamaica. A refuge for celebrities, who like to go to this more reserved corner of Jamaica to enjoy charming places. One of them is The Blue Lagoon, whose name immediately refers to the famous film of the same name starring Brooke Shields, in the early eighties. This lagoon is an incredible shade of blue, which makes it look like something out of a dream.
Negril
Negril has been considered a different, almost wild destination, especially since the 1970s, when hippies turned the region into their favorite place, invading some neighborhoods with their particular costumes. In this small part of the island, it is possible to experience nudist beaches, the unmistakable rhythm of reggae in all its expression, magnificent sunsets or a Jamaica that few tourists know, from street vendors of shrimp recently rescued from the sea. A very quirky vibe from other Jamaican cities.