I finally made it to the legendary Blue Mountains, and I’m so excited to share the journey with you. The Blue Mountains are home to the world-renowned Blue Mountain Coffee and boast Jamaica’s highest peak at 7,402 feet (2,256 meters) above sea level. A few locals live in this region, thriving on a farm-to-table lifestyle. (which means almost no waste) Hiking the mountain has been on my bucket list for years…but the distance from where I live always made it feel a little out of reach. Until now. I live in the touristy parish of St James and The Blue Mountains sre located on the opposite side of the island in the lushful parish of Portland.
The delicious Blue Mountain Coffee packs at Blue Mountain Cafe. A must have.
The Journey
My day started bright and early at 4 a.m. with plans to leave by 6:15. a.m. I stuck to the plan, caught the bus around 6:40 a.m., and thought it’d be a quick trip. Wrong! I didn’t realize Portland was over three hours from Montego Bay. The ride up the mountain? Terrifying. The road twisted and turned at dizzying heights, with the bus often riding the literal edge of cliffs. If you’re afraid of heights, consider yourself warned. I had to close my eyes at times! When we finally arrived, the restaurant (yes, perched right beside the road) was perched over what seemed like a drop-off but thankfully, not a steep one.
The Food
Brunch was basic: eggs, steamed veggies, and toast. Unfortunately, the food wasn’t replenished quickly, so portions were slim.
Lunch was better, jerk chicken with rice and peas, plus veggies. Flavor-wise, I’d say it was average but satisfying after such a long trip.
Presentation of the “burning beans”step of the coffee process.
The Blue Mountain Highlights, Bicycle + Waterfall Tour.
I didn’t get to hike this time (next visit, for sure!), but I did enjoy the Blue Mountain Highlights Tour and Bicycle ride.
Our guide was knowledgeable and explained how the coffee plants are grown and harvested. Fun fact: coffee plants can keep producing beans all their life as long as they’re well-maintained.
Now, the bicycle ride? You definitely have to know how to ride a bicycle to do this part of the tour.The bicycle had 2 brakes, on the handle and the pedals. It took me a while to work them correctly. Whew. It was thrilling and nerve-wracking! With sharp mountain edges, one wrong move and well, let’s not think about that. But I made it in one piece!
Getting ready to ride off the mountain side.
It was thrilling and nerve-wracking
The Waterfalls
After what felt like a hundred steps (probably 50), we reached a beautiful waterfall. The water was freezing but so refreshing. Be careful, though the river is filled with boulders, not just rocks. I slipped a few times, so definitely tread carefully.
Basking in the very COLD water
Final Thoughts
Yes, the journey was long. The bike ride? Scary. The river? Rocky.
But overall? I had a WONDERFUL time. The views were breathtaking, the spring water was invigorating, and I’ll cherish the memory forever.
10/10 – Highly recommend! 💚
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