Mountain Top Downhill Rainforest Trek

Mountain Top Downhill Rainforest Trek

A 30-minute fully narrated, air-conditioned bus ride takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the more heavily populated tourist areas to experience the tranquility of Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve and historical site.

After hearing a brief overview of the uniqueness of this property and receiving your complimentary bottled water, climb aboard a 4x4 open-air safari truck for the ascent to 'Pic Paradis', St. Martin's highest point. Upon arrival at the top, you feel the climate change — cool, fresh and breezy at nearly 1500 feet above sea level — and be greeted by breathtaking, unobstructed 360° views of St Maarten. In fact, this vantage point is the only place on the island where you can see seven neighboring islands and take a photo of your cruise ship in the distance below!

With your guide in the lead, you now begin the all-downhill trek into the depths of St. Martin's only rainforest. The hike takes approximately 2 hours on ancient trails under the canopy of 200-year-old trees where you witness first hand the remnants of the Caribbean's most unlikely sugar plantation abandoned in 1848. Along the way your knowledgeable guide will entertain you with folklore and history of this extraordinary estate and point out and describe an incredible array of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for a few of the local residents too — it's not uncommon to see green monkeys, iguanas, mongoose or other wildlife as you pass through this mysterious jungle-like environment.

The trail then opens up at 'Chewbacca Rock', 900 feet above sea level, where you have another opportunity to take some fantastic photos of the views below. Descending further on well groomed, gently sloping trails, you are greeted with an ice-cold rum or fruit punch at the end of the hike.

• Guests should wear comfortable clothing — t-shirts, shorts or long light pants. Suitable closed-toe footwear (sneakers or walking/hiking shoes) are required and the Tour Operator will deny participation to Guests wearing the inappropriate footwear.
• Wooden walking sticks are available for use.
• A bottle of water is provided.
• Guests should be used to regular physical activity/be in good physical condition.
• The hiking is all downhill, not too strenuous; however, Guests should be in good physical condition for trekking over irregular terrain, in some areas fairly steep.
• Hiking trail is approximately 2.5 miles.
• Guests should bring minimal personal belongings: a camera, hat, small knap sack or waist belt. There is no place to store bags so any personal items will have to be carried on the hike.
• Tour includes a fully narrated, air-conditioned bus ride to/from Loterie Farm. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes each way, depending on traffic.
• Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted.
• This tour is not suitable for Guests with any knee, hip or ankle limitations, heart & respiratory problems, wasp allergy or vertigo.
• Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.