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