St. Peters Waterfall, Saint Andrew

A few weeks ago, I visited the Cinchona Botanical Garden on a hike with Trekkers Adventures JA which began at Newcastle, a JDF soldier camp and training ground in the beautiful Jamaican Blue Mountains. Cinchona had been on my bucket list for years and I had a blast. My only regret was not having had enough time to visit this beautiful nameless waterfall in St. Peters which I had heard and spotted along the way. As such, I vowed to return on my own to visit this hidden gem before I forgot the directions– or the trail grew too overgrown as it is scarcely used. So said, so done! The tiny community of St. Peters in east rural St. Andrew is home to Blue Mountain coffee farms and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls I have ever witnessed. Here’s how this adventure went.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

Clydesdale National Forest Park, Saint Andrew

Nestled within the lush and mystical Jamaican Blue Mountains lies the Clydesdale National Forest Park, a hidden gem filled with history and untamed natural beauty. Originally founded in the 1700s, Clydesdale was the first place in Jamaica to grow coffee in commercial quantities after its founder recognized the superior quality of the beans thanks to the Blue Mountains’ unique cool and moist growing conditions. Whether you’re a a hiker, camper, birdwatcher, history buff or nature lover, Clydesdale National Forest Park has something in store for you. Here’s how my visit to Clydesdale went in October 2024 + how to plan a visit.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle21 Comments

Cinchona Botanical Garden, Saint Andrew

Nestled in the Blue Mountains, Jamaica’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful botanical garden is named for its cinchona trees which were first planted in 1868. Cinchona trees are used to make quinine, a medicine used in the treatment of malaria, the serious mosquito-borne illness which has been eradicated from Jamaica since 1965. Located at between 4500 and 5500 feet above sea level, Cinchona Botanical Gardens boasts the record of Highest Botanical Garden in the Western Hemisphere. For these reasons, Cinchona has long been on my Jamaican bucket list but visits require either a 4×4 or hiking with an experienced guide. As such, I finally accomplished the trek with the illustrious company of Trekkers Adventures JA. Here’s how this adventure went + why you should visit!

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle23 Comments
Sunset and fog over the mountains with bird perched on tree branch

Alpinia: An Urban Oasis In Kingston, Jamaica

As a proud native of Kingston, Jamaica, I’m always happy to show off my city. This diverse city is the capital of Jamaica, and boasts a rich vibrant culture- home to the best of the island’s music, art, food, sports and cultural events. Kingston city is closely intertwined with the parish of St. Andrew, and boasts unbridled natural beauty in its three suburban city limits. Tucked away in the city’s sublime suburbs of Stony Hill lies Alpinia– an affordable one bedroom apartment and Kingston’s newest Airbnb. Here’s why you should book Alpinia on your next visit to Kingston, Jamaica.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

6 Jamaican Rivers You Can Visit Without Leaving Kingston & St. Andrew

Jamaica is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture and lush landscapes. While locals and visitors alike usually flock to the coast, the interior regions of Kingston & St. Andrew offer a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Among these treasures are beautiful rivers, each with its own unique charm and allure. From cascading waterfalls to serene swimming spots, here are six rivers you can explore without a long drive, paying toll or leaving Kingston & St. Andrew.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

Walk in Bob Marley’s Footsteps at These 5 Places

Reggae music was born in the streets of Kingston, Jamaica during the mid-1960s, emerging from the precursor genres of ska and rocksteady. By the end of that decade, reggae had become Jamaica’s most popular genre of music. Over the next decade, reggae expanded beyond local shores and acquired a massive fanbase in the United States, Europe and Africa. Kingston was home to Bob Marley, one of the most iconic reggae musicians in history, and so a visit to Kingston which happens to be the capital city and my hometown, offers Marley fans a unique opportunity to walk in his legendary footsteps. In this article, we explore five must-visit locations in Kingston, Jamaica for an immersive experience which traces Bob Marley’s life and legacy- the ultimate pilgrimage for fans of the reggae king. Visiting Kingston in 2026? Consider booking a Bob Marley tour day trip.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle17 Comments

The Olympia Art Gallery in Saint Andrew

Nestled in the heart of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, the Olympia Gallery stands as a testament to the island’s rich artistic heritage and its thriving contemporary art scene. What’s interesting about this gallery is that it is housed inside a residential complex, designed and built in the mid-1970s by Jamaican civil engineer A.D. Scott. As an avid art patron and sometime sculptor, he wanted to create a residential hotel within a centre for the arts. Forty years later, his vision still lives on. Here’s why you should pay a visit to this free art gallery in Kingston, Jamaica: the Olympia Gallery.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle24 Comments

Langley Great House, Saint Andrew

Langley Great House is a hidden gem located just off the Mount Airy main road in Mount James, rural St. Andrew. With no work for a 3 day weekend, my partner and I decided it would be worth the trek to visit despite finding very little useful information about it online. It ended up being very easy to find, hiding in plain sight! I hope that this article will stir new interest in Langley Great House because it would benefit from some investment and TLC– as is the case with all public ruins and great houses in Jamaica. Here’s how this adventure went.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle24 Comments

Find Serenity in Kingston: Yoga Classes with Danielle

Did you know that yoga offers profound benefits that extend beyond exercise and flexibility? Yoga’s holistic approach encompasses the mind, body and soul, making it a truly transformative practice. Physically, yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and balance, promotes better posture, reduces the risk of injuries and assists with weight loss and toning. However, the best benefits come from the controlled breathing techniques employed in yoga which can alleviate stress and foster a deep sense of relaxation, mindfulness and mental clarity. These are the benefits I once reaped from yoga with online videos but somehow or the other, I stopped practicing during medical school. Thus, I was super excited to attend Danielle’s inaugural yoga class in Jamaica earlier this month. The mental clarity I gained from that session lasted for days. As such, I decided to have a chat with this Jamaican yogi and share how you can find your own serenity from Danielle’s yoga classes in Kingston, Jamaica.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle2 Comments

Nightlife in Kingston, Jamaica: The Best Spots

Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, is renowned for its rich culture, lively music, art scene and vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets over the Caribbean, Kingston comes alive with an eclectic mix of clubs, bars, and entertainment venues that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a reggae enthusiast, a lover of dancehall beats, or simply seeking a memorable night out, Kingston offers an array of hotspots to explore. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the best spots for nightlife in Kingston which are perfect for 2026 & beyond. Check out this tour to experience Kingston in the daytime as well.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle20 Comments