Backpacking Jamaica Itinerary
Welcome to this backpacking Jamaica itinerary.
Visiting Jamaica at least once is something we all should do if we get the chance.
It’s not only the birthplace of jerk and reggae, it’s home to some of the most breathtaking Caribbean beaches, natural sites, culture, and delicious food.
There are many reasons to visit this wonderful island, and today’s Jamaica travel itinerary will give you an idea.
In this guide we will show you everything you can do and how to enjoy it if you go backpacking in Jamaica! That way you can spend more time relaxing.
Backpacking Jamaica
As you start planning your trip to Jamaica, you’ll began realise there are not tons of options like in other countries. Many natural gems on the island are hidden. To help you out, though, below is a list of places that you can’t miss!
Many backpackers travel to Jamaica from Panama, so if you’re already in Central America then aim to get to Panama City to take your flight connecting flight to Kingston from there.
Is Jamaica Worth Visiting?
A truly unique nation, there’s nothing quite like Jamaica. Famous for its Rasta culture and awesome street food, it’s one of the most popular destinations to visit in the Caribbean.
Jamaica is also a very diverse country, which can be explored by visiting many of its small towns as well as the bigger cities.
And if you get tired of exploring? Simply lay back on some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean!
BLATAM backpacking data:
- 💰 Currency: Jamaican Dollar
- 🇯🇲 Language: English, Patois
- 🌎 Population Size: 2.9 Million
- 📍 Best Secret: Oracabessa
- 🍴 Eat: Jerk, Patty
- 🥛 Drink: Sorrel
- 💸 Average Daily Budget: $25-30
Is Jamaica Safe?
Though it’s true Jamaica has had a bad rap due to its levels of crime and risk of hurricanes and even tsunamis, these issues don’t define the country.
Our basic tips for safety in Jamaica include:
- Take note of local emergency numbers and keep them handy.
- Leave your expensive jewelry at home.
- Avoid visiting during hurricane season.
- Avoid dangerous neighborhoods.
- Don’t take taxis off the street.
- Gang violence rarely affects backpackers, but always be cautious.
All in all, Jamaica is a worthy Caribbean travel destination, you just have to be careful and practice travel safety.
Tourist areas are safe and crime against tourists has decreased. So, many people go on a Jamaica backpacking trip and enjoy the experience very much.
See this EPIC guide on backpacking safe in Jamaica for more detailed info and we’ll provide travel tips after we get through our Jamaica travel itinerary!
Safety Facts about Jamaica
- One way to evaluate safety is by looking at the 2020 Global Peace Index. This measures the state of peace of each country in comparison with the rest of the world, by evaluating both tangible and qualitative indicators.
- Jamaica ranked as 80th out of the 163 nations measured, which is similar to that of Cambodia and Morocco. For comparison, The United States ranked as 121st.
- Jamaica is becoming more popular with tourists, and as a result the government has made big strides in making the island safer. Despite this, however, Montego Bay and Kingston are still known for gang activities and drug trafficking. Whilst there sometimes is violence, it’s most usually between the different gangs and rarely ever targeted at tourists.
- Regardless though you’ll want to properly research up on the best neighbourhoods to stay in, and to avoid going out late at night by yourself.
Jamaica Backpacking Itinerary
Whether you spend 1 week in Jamaica or 2 weeks in Jamaica, there are places you MUST see! This travel itinerary will provide all the guidance you need.
Kingston
Kingston is the country’s capital, so it’s a must-visit on your Jamaica backpacking itinerary. There are many different things you can do here.
For one, you can visit the National Gallery of Jamaica and the Bob Marley Museum, go to the Rockfort mineral bath, learn about pirates in the Port Royal sunken city, explore the Blue Mountains and visit Hellshire beach.
Kingston is the cultural heart of the country, so it’s packed with interesting landmarks and opportunities for fun!
Another popular activity is to head on this ATV Tour, where you’ll head into the outback and also reach a perfect vantage point for views over the city and coast.
Port Royal
Port Royal is a sunken city and it’s one of the oldest regions of Jamaica. It used to be a hub for pirates and other outlaws, but today, most of the city is underwater due to an earthquake in 1692.
After that, multiple hurricanes, fires, and diseases destroyed the city. However, Port Royal remains full of history and tourists can learn all about it.
You’ll be able to explore Fort Charles, visit the Giddy House, and go scuba diving to visit the sunken city.
Blue Mountains
If you’re a hiker or you love camping, spending some time at the Blue Mountains is essential during your Jamaica backpacking trip.
The scenery is breathtaking and there’s a great variety of activities to enjoy. The Blue Mountain Peak is the island’s highest point, so it’s worth hiking.
There are also natural springs and waterfalls where you can take a swim, visit a Blue Mountain coffee plantation, and discover the area’s flora and fauna.
Going with a hiking tour like this one is the best way of exploring The Blue Mountains. You’ll have an expert guide who knows the very best spots, something you wouldn’t know going by yourself!
Ocho Rios
A Jamaica travel itinerary is not complete without Ocho Rios. This is where you’ll find all kinds of adventures!
First of all, you’ll find plenty of home-style Jamaican restaurants where you can enjoy authentic dishes. The jerk pork is a must!
Also, make sure to try curry goat, jerk chicken, barbecue ribs, and more.
When you’re ready to move, you can go to the beach, swim with dolphins, go river rafting, ziplining, go on plantation tours, and so much more.
You will find this adventure tour is a perfect way to get things rolling in Ocho Ríos. Here you’ll explore nearby Dunn’s Waterfalls, visit incredible beaches and also enjoy a nighttime boat ride along the Mystic Lagoon.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay is an energetic city and it’s the country’s tourism capital, so it’s an important part of the Jamaica travel itinerary.
The main attractions are the Montego Bay Cultural Center, the Rose Hall Great House, Doctor’s Cave Beach, One Man Beach, the Rocklands Bird Feeding Sanctuary, and more.
There are also plenty of opportunities for adventure, including diving and snorkeling. Additionally, the nightlife is vibrant and you’ll be able to mingle with locals.
Negril
Last but not least, spend some time in Negril while you’re in Jamaica. Here, you’ll find the Seven Mile Beach, which is seven miles of golden sands.
This coastal town is the perfect place to relax and spend time in the ocean.
Boat tours are available so you can explore the clear waters and see the coral and fish beneath the surface. If you want more of a thrill, you can head to Rick’s Café and jump off the cliff face.
You can also go horseback riding along the Caribbean coast, weaving between the Jamaican countryside along the way.
Jamaica Itinerary (1 Week)
Here we’ll now cover our very best itinerary of Jamaica. As well as keeping an eye on time, it’s also been designed to keep things fresh and exciting too for you.
Kingston (Days 1-3)
Kicking off things in the Jamaican capital, we’ll start our route in the popular city of Kingston. Most international flights arrive here, although Montego Bay could also be another starting point (and then simply follow this itinerary in reverse).
Despite Kingston’s growing popularity and tourism, it still retains its rich and authentic roots, unlike other parts of the island.
This city is full of awesome things to do, and Bob Marley enthusiasts will want to visit his last house-turned museum, where you can learn more about his extraordinary life.
Other great things to do here include a trip to Devon House, visiting the earthquake-sunk city of Port Royal as well as drinking up in some of the best rum bars on the island.
Those looking to get more into the outdoors can spend a day hiking along the rugged routes of the Blue Mountain National Park. If going hiking in this region, be sure to bring this high quality water bottle (given the sun can get quite intense at times).
Ocho Rios (Days 4-5)
From Kingston we’ll now head to the more chilled out town of Ocho Rios. The bus from the capital takes around 2 hours to arrive.
Ocho Rios is a much more relaxed and better place to wind down than that of Kingston or Montego Bay. This area is also a lot safer, and you can stay pretty much anywhere and be in good company. We recommend anywhere along Main Street, as it’s close to all the action, best restaurants and nightlife.
Mahogany Beach and Ocho Rios Bay Beach are the very best beaches here, which aren’t as overcrowded as other Jamaican destinations.
The absolute must-do here is a visit to Dunn’s River Falls and Park, where you can swim in the stunning waterfalls as well as explore the limestone formations and nearby forest.
Another popular activity is to go Bamboo rafting down the river, something you probably won’t be forgetting to soon!
Montego Bay (Days 6-8)
Last but not least, we now head to the ever-popular beachside city of Montego Bay. It’s around 100km west of Ocho Rios, and takes around an hour and a half to arrive.
Known for its stunning blue waters and thriving party scene, Montego Bay is a great place to round off our trip and live it up.
We strongly recommend staying in the safe and touristy area of Freeport, as there are many other neighbourhoods you’ll want to avoid (such as Rose Heights and Norwood).
The beaches here are simply mesmerising, and Doctor’s Cave is one of the best on the island for its calm waters and white sands.
Another great thing to do here is to rent a raft and ride along the Martha Brae River, or even sit in a tube for the ultimate chill as you sail past the jungle (just watch out for the rapids).
One of the very best things you can do in Montego Bay is to go on this Reggae Catamaran Cruise (yes it’s as good as it sounds!). Here you’ll have an open bar, good vibes and also ample opportunities for snorkelling in the clear bright blue waters of the Caribbean.
And that marks the end of our journey through the incredible island of Jamaica. From Montego Bay you can easily catch an international flight out (or head back to Kingston too, which takes around 4 hours). Alternatively, consider extending your Caribbean adventure by heading next to the unique nation that is Cuba.
And there we have our Jamaica 1 week itinerary. Now let’s move on to our most important tips, so you can have the best experience possible here.
Jamaica: Travel Safety Tips
Though Jamaica requires you to be vigilant and take precautions, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your time there.
Especially not if you follow travel safety tips, such as:
- If you’ll be arriving in Montego Bay then Mobay Kotch is the best backpackers hub you’ll find and Vanessa (the host) is great with giving local advice.
- Pickpockets are common, especially in crowded market areas, so don’t flaunt your valuables.
- Avoid carrying all your cash in one place.
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
- Always keep an eye on your belongings.
- Don’t dress to stand out.
- You can do the Dunn’s River Falls tour with the option to see the home and final resting spot of Bob Marley which includes a tour of a nearby Lagoon in the evening.
- Look out for the top rated hostels in Jamaica for the most comfortable rooms and to meet like minded people etc.
- Don’t walk alone at night and avoid remote streets.
- Double-check charges to avoid scams.
- Research in advance so you are confident about where you’re going.
- Aim to learn some Jamaican Patois so you can understand certain people around you on the road who may only choose to speak patios.
Following these travel safety trips and practicing common sense will keep you safe during your time in Jamaica.
Traveling Around Jamaica
Public transportation in Jamaica is not the safest nor most convenient option. Buses are affordable, but they’re crowded and the risk of pickpockets is high, we always travel with this Money Belt, which is a great way to keep your valuables secure.
So, if you want to travel around Jamaica by bus, you need to be careful and aware of your surroundings.
From Kingston, you’ll have the option of the Knutsford Express coaches to move around popular routes, which is great. But outside the bigger cities, public transport is irregular and not as safe, so keep that in mind.
Additionally, the routes can be disorienting, so do your research beforehand and check the schedules. Using reliable radio taxi services is a safe option
Be sure to avoid hailing taxis from the streets because it’s not always safe.
Best Time to Visit Jamaica
Jamaica’s climate is pretty solid and consistent all over the island regardless of where you’ll visit.
The backpacking hub of Montego Bay is a good reference point for knowing the kind of weather you’ll experience during your trip in Jamaica. The summer season, which runs from June until September, is the hottest time to visit.
Average temperatures vary from 81-83°F, with highs of 91°F and lows of 75°F. The hottest months of the year to visit Montego Bay are July and August, with an average of 83°F and highs of up to a scorching 91°F. Rainfall during this period can range from 80-110mm per month.
The winter (from November until February) is still quite hot, with averages of between 75-79°F. Highs can reach up to 84°F, with lows of 70-73°F.
The coolest months to visit Montego Bay are January and February, with averages of 75°F and lows of down to 70°F. Rainfall is at its highest during this time of year, with between 70-130mm of downpour each month.
Got Travel Insurance for Jamaica?
What to pack for Jamaica
Having explored the weather of Jamaica, we can now start to look at what to pack before heading off to this Caribbean paradise.
As we’ve seen, Jamaica is hot year-round. As a result you’ll want to pack mostly light clothes such as shorts, T-shirt’s, vests and dresses to feel the most comfortable.
You’re also going to need a solid, high-quality pair of hiking boots when travelling around Jamaica. We recommend these for the guys reading, and these for the gals.
There will likely be some rain whilst your there, however if heading around winter time, then be sure to bring a raincoat as it’s more frequent and heavy.
As well as the above, you’ll also want to pack all the usual essentials of any backpacking trip which includes toiletries, a document holder, towels, a water bottle as well as a daypack for any excursions you’ll be taking part in.
Backpacking Jamaica: Final Words
Visiting Jamaica can be a wonderful experience!
The country is packed with opportunities for adventure and the culture is truly exciting.
This Jamaica travel itinerary will help you make the most of your time on the island, so use it to plan your trip!
After identifying your route take a good look at our travel checklist and be sure to refer back to this itinerary before and during your Jamaica backpacking trip so you don’t miss anything along the way!
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