Blue Mountains: Day Trips and Tours from Kingston, Jamaica

Among the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes, the Blue Mountains is the longest mountain range in Jamaica. It's covered by thick forest and dotted with seemingly endless hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls and abundant wildlife.

Sample the world-renowned local coffee, see awe-inspiring views and glimpse Blue Mountain Peak, the highest point in Jamaica all on a Blue Mountains day tour from Kingston.

How to get to Blue Mountains from Kingston?

The Blue Mountains can be found on the eastern side of Jamaica. The mountain range begins just a few kilometers north of Kingston, the island’s capital, and is within easy reach of the city.

From Kingston to Blue Mountains by car

If you plan to rent a car during your time in Kingston it is a short and simple journey to the Blue Mountains. Simply take Old Hope Road to the Kintyre District and then head north from the city on the B1 all the way to Blue Mountains.

The journey to St. Andrew parish at the southern end of the Blue Mountains is around 25 kilometers from Kingston and takes just under an hour by car.

Guided tour to Blue Mountains from Kingston

A simple and hassle-free option is to join one of the guided Blue Mountains day trips from Kingston. There is a wide choice of private or small group tours which offer pickup and drop-off in Kingston, as well as transportation, activities and a local guide to show you around.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Blue Mountains from Kingston?

A typical Blue Mountains day trip from Kingston begins with pick up from your hotel or guesthouse. You will then travel by car or minivan, and make the short drive out of the city and north towards the Blue Mountains.

On arriving at the Blue Mountains, most tours then explore the natural beauty of the region. The most popular activities here are cycling and hiking the trails with a local guide to show you the most scenic spots.

A trek up Jacobs Ladder, which scales the side of the Blue Mountains (the island’s highest peak), is a popular choice. It allows visitors the chance to glimpse the fantastic mountain views and see the array of local birds and wildlife.

The cooler temperatures in the mountains are a perfect place to grow coffee. Most tours visit one of the local coffee farms to sample the local beans and grab a traditional Jamaican breakfast or lunch before the journey back to Kingston.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Blue Mountains?

There are a few different kinds of tours to choose from when picking your Blue Mountains day trip from Kingston. The biggest differences are in the length of the tours and the activities they include. Some are half day trips from four to five hours and others are much longer at eight to 11 hours.

Guided tours to Blue Mountains from Kingston

Travel in an air conditioned vehicle to tour the highlights of the Blue Mountains. See the regions famous coffee farms and stop at regular look out points to snap photos and see fantastic views of the Blue Mountains.

Learn a little about the region from your local guide, as you tour around places such as Irish Town, Newcastle and St. Andrew, where you can still see remnants of the country’s colonial past.

Visit the Blue Mountains National Park and glimpse the wide array of wildlife here. Round off the trip with more fabulous views and photo opportunities before returning back to Kingston.

Guided hiking tours to Blue Mountains from Kingston

Take an early morning hike through the Blue Mountains on these unique tours. Leave Kingston and make the short drive to the Blue Mountains where you will enjoy a days hiking in nature. Discover amazing views and challenge yourself on a climb up Jamaica’s tallest peak.

See lush green landscapes and learn about the Jamaican people and culture from your guide. Glimpse the diverse array of wildlife in the region and enjoy the cooler climate and the sight of the coffee farms and plantations.

Guided cycling tours to Blue Mountains from Kingston

Explore the Blue Mountains by bike from Kingston on a fun day-long jaunt. These eco-friendly tours start with a scenic drive through the Blue Mountains before you begin your descent on bicycle.

Discover the hundreds of species of plants and birds, and learn a little about the area from your guide. Stop for a refreshing dip at a mountain waterfall and enjoy a picturesque and fun bicycle ride through the Blue Mountains before your return to Kingston.

Guided coffee tours to Blue Mountains from Kingston

For those who just like to relax, why not try a guided coffee tour in the Blue Mountains. Visit the farms where Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains coffee is produced. Learn a little about the history of coffee and why this region produces some of the finest coffee in the world.

Discover the techniques used for roasting and why the climate here is so perfect for coffee production. Take the opportunity to sample the region’s finest coffee varieties and tour the farms to see the different types of beans that are currently being grown.

Private hiking tours to Blue Mountains from Kingston

Take a private hiking tour of the Blue Mountains with the help of a local guide. Explore the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains on foot and discover the wide array of plants and wildlife that live in the region.

See fantastic views over the valleys and learn all about the region, its culture and its people from a knowledgeable local guide. Stroll along misty trails through dense green forest and glimpse picturesque and tempting waterfalls.

These private hiking tours are suitable for up to four participants and are an ideal way for nature lovers to discover Jamaica.

How much does a tour to Blue Mountains from Kingston cost?

The price of Blue Mountains tours from Kingston vary a little depending on the activity and group size.

• Guided tours: J$107(US$70) to J$276(US$180) per person
• Hiking tours: J$384(US$250) to J$899(US$585) per person
• Cycling tours: J$353(US$230) to J$830(US$540) per person
• Coffee tours: J$107(US$70) to J$353(US$230) per person
• Private hiking tours: J$461(US$300) per person

What will you see and do in the Blue Mountains?

There is plenty to see and do on a day tour in the Blue Mountains, especially if you are a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. The most popular activities in the region are hiking, cycling and visiting the coffee farms which produce some of the world’s finest coffee.

Discovering the region on foot with a local guide is the most popular way to travel around. This gives visitors the chance to discover the cool mountain atmosphere for themselves, which is a pleasant relief from the heat of Kingston’s streets.

Admire some fantastic views which will reward your effort and cooling waterfalls to take a dip in. Keep an eye out for a wide variety of plants and wildlife. The Blue Mountains boasts over 200 different species of bird and is home to one of the largest butterfly species on Earth.

The Blue Mountain Peak Trail is an intense but achievable hike and will take you all the way up to the highest point in Jamaica. Trek up “Jacobs Ladder” through dense forest in this UNESCO Heritage park up to 2,000 meters in height. It’s here that the forest thins out and you can look down upon the valleys and mountains below.

Many people start the hike up the Blue Mountains around midnight to arrive at the top as dawn is breaking. This is sure to make memories that last a lifetime.

The Blue Mountains coffee farms are one of the region’s major attractions and are said to produce some of the world’s finest coffee beans. Visitors can tour the farms and learn all about the growing, harvesting and processing of the delicious beans.

When is the best time to visit Blue Mountains?

Jamaica has year round warm weather but the best time to visit the Blue Mountains is from December to April when the weather is driest. The summer months in Jamaica can be wet and overcast for long periods and bring with them heavy rain.

Travel tips

• Book your Blue Mountains day trip in advance for the best deals and to be sure you won’t miss out on the experience.
• Choose your tours from reputable operators only and use official transportation when traveling from Kingston.
• Pack sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of fluids when outside in the sun for long periods.
• Bring your camera to take some snaps of the Blue Mountains.
• Don’t forget to bring some Jamaican Dollars, some smaller vendors may not accept other currencies.