Mountain Biking And Hiking In St. Kitts

Supported by nearly 70 square miles of incrediblyone of the most relaxing ways to see St. Kitts' unique
diverse ecosystems, St. Kitts might be the bestCaribbean landscape. One of the most popular rides
Caribbean destination for outdoor recreation. With anon the island begins in the streets of historic
average year-round temperature of 78 degreesBasseterre - the island's capital city. After leaving the
Fahrenheit, it seems like the weather is always perfectcity, the tour groups visit the colonial sugar cane fields
for a hike through the rainforest or a bike ride throughat the base of St. Kitts' rolling mountain range. From
the island's historic countryside. Throughout the years,atop the hills, riders can take in the scenery of the
St. Kitts has remained committed to not only thesister island of Nevis and the crystal-clear Caribbean
environment, but also to the responsible managementSea. After enjoying lunch amidst the rainforest, the tour
of development. The result is the best of both worlds:returns to Frigate Bay along one of the most
luxurious accommodations, world-class dining andpicturesque routes in the Caribbean. Bikers are then
shopping coupled with plenty of wide-open space forencouraged to end their trip with a swim in the calm
recreation and relaxation. The outdoor culture of St.Caribbean waters. As several tour operators now
Kitts revolves around Mt. Liamuiga, the majesticcater to bikers and hikers, there are tours to suit any
dormant volcano at the center of the island. In fact,age or skill level. Experienced riders usually venture to
some of the most popular activities on the island arethe island's mountainous center, while casual riders and
the hiking tours that scale the peak and peer into itshikers can enjoy the sugar cane fields and rolling hills
crater. These tours take visitors through stretches ofnear the coast. If you want to experience the natural
vine-encrusted forest complete with colorful Caribbeanbeauty of St. Kitts on your own, you can also rent
birds, butterflies and precocious green vervetmountain bikes and other outdoor equipment from your
monkeys. Once you see Mt. Liamuiga, the hike up thehotel or local sporting shops. If you are looking for a
2,600-foot peak will be hard to resist. Several toursimple hike to undertake on your own, try Monkey Hill
companies offer day trips to the great dormantor Verchild's Peak. These modest climbs don't require
volcano's crater - a 1,000-foot deep bowl completeany special equipment and can be achieved by
with a small freshwater lake. As access to both thefamilies and novice hikers. Depending on your interests,
peak and the crater can be treacherous at times, don'tyou can schedule a tour that will offer unique sites and
try this hike without a guide. With a landscape unliketeach you anything you want to know about the
any other in the Caribbean, St. Kitts has quicklyCaribbean. History buffs can hike or bike with tours
become one of the region's favorite destinations forvisiting colonial plantations, sugar cane fields and other
mountain biking. At the island's interior, miles of trailshistoric sites for a glimpse into the region's storied past.
wind through the rainforest surrounding Mt. Liamuiga.Ecotourists, or just those curious about nature, can find
However, many of these trails can be difficult for alltour guides that specialize in the naming of flora and
but the most accomplished riders. Closer to the shore,fauna, the natural history of the island and the current
hikers and bikers will have the opportunity to visit manypreservation of its resources.
of the island's plantation ruins and small villages. BikersThis article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes
and hikers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy theselect pieces about vacationing in the Caribbean for
trails that wind through the countryside and providethe St.