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