Get a glimpse of the rare St. Vincent parrot on this woodland trek
St. Vincent is one of the greenest and lushest islands in the Caribbean, and much of the central highlands remain in an unspoiled and natural state. This landscape offers plenty of great hikes on trails that pass by waterfalls, wind through rain forests and climb to the islands highest point, La Soufriere, at 4,048 feet high.
For those not up for a long, steep day of climbing, the Vermont Nature Trail offers the perfect alternative. Located within a 10,000-acre nature preserve in the island’s southern interior, this trail is just a half-hour drive from the capital of Kingston. On the way, the road passes through coconut plantations, and then climbs into the mountains to offer views of coastal valleys and bays.
The trek is fairly moderate with marked trails and informative signs noting the flora and fauna in the area. The two-mile pathway leads walkers through the Buccament Valley, with landscapes that transition from reclaimed plantation grounds and rainforests filled with towering ferns to tropical evergreen groves and stands of bamboo that reach 60 feet high.
These woodlands are home to the island’s national bird, the rare St. Vincent parrot. These birds are easy to recognize by their unmistakable call and flamboyant plumage. Birders will delight to know that the area is also a sanctuary for the crested hummingbird, red-capped green tanager, black hawk and the whistling warbler.
