YS Falls, The Garden of Eden
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through the Garden of Eden? Complete tranquility, pristine beauty and a sense of wonder have to inhabit such a place, right? Well, I think the closest I’ve ever come to having that experience was my first visit to YS Falls in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. But it was more than that, too.
Driving along the road to YS Falls, blood pressures start to fall. A certain peacefulness seems to hang in the air, like an invisible cloud. The view is just incredible.
Once a sugarcane farm with a processing factory, the falls sit in the middle of a large estate. The meadows are now used to raise Jamaica Red Poll cattle, a specially developed, dual purpose breed.
Originally imported from England, the Red Poll cattle were mixed with the local cattle to improve milk production. You don’t have to be “into cows” to agree that they are beautiful animals. Raised on the lush fields, they are some of the healthiest looking animals in Jamaica.
Dotting the landscape are beautiful Guango trees.
Their large, umbrella-like shape add such a majestic feeling. It feels like heading out on safari, deep in the heart of Africa. This is a first taste of what is ahead.
The estate sits in a valley, with small mountain ranges on either side. It makes it seem like you are entering a different world, far away from the hustle and bustle of life. The tall grasses, blowing in the breeze, present as if the scene was cut from a movie.
Intermittently, the fields are replaced with thick trees, much like you would expect in the Garden of Eden.
The river that flows below the falls snakes back and forth on either side of the road for a few miles. It weaves through the jungle, peeking out occasionally. It’s hard to resist the urge to stop and take pictures.
On a sunny day, everything glows from the green of the leaves and the grasses. Vines hang thickly from the trees, along with sage colored clumps of moss that sit randomly in the branches.
Upon arrival, cars are left behind in a parking lot beside the ticket booth and gift shop. A shuttle bus picks up the visitors and transports them further into the jungle. It parks next to a flowering tree that is covered in hummingbirds of all shapes and sizes.
The walk to the bottom of the falls reveals a naturally landscaped appearance, with an amazing variety of tropical flowers. The feeling of walking into paradise deepens. The beauty is breathtaking.
A small pool, designed to fit into nature is placed near the entrance to the falls.
The sides gently slope into the shallow water, covered in small, smooth rocks. Meant to feel like an extension of the river, it is a very pleasant place to sit and relax.
Arriving close to the opening time, the falls are much more intimate. A light mist hung gently over the water. I kept looking along the edges of the jungle, expecting to see Adam and Eve strolling out of them. It was the most peaceful place I’ve encountered in a long time.
With birds singing and a soft breeze blowing, we met up with a guide who took was to take us safely up the falls.
At first, I resisted the urge to take a “free” guide. I know the pressure that comes in having to “tip” them afterwards. In the end, he ended up being totally worth it. He was full of informative facts about the falls and offered take photo with our camera as we enjoyed the experience.
The climb up the falls was mixed between a well-made path along the river’s edge and actually walking in the falls. Although there are rugged steps along the way, it’s a gentle rise that is suitable for just about anyone. With plenty of places along the way to rest, it makes for a lovely stroll.
For the adventurous visitors, there are ropes hanging from high up in the trees, allowing one to jump from platforms. Partway up the falls, there is a zip-line that runs down right over the water. Although I didn’t take the ride, I’m told it provides an amazing view.
There are many pooled areas to cool off in, spots to lounge in the gentle water in the heat of the day.
In between those places, the water runs at a furious pace, beating a body down like a great massage. Each pool has a name and the guides are wonderful, knowing exactly how to navigate between them.
The rocks in the water are smooth but slippery. If you have water shoes, it might be helpful to take them along. If not, they do offer shoes for rent. It’s best not try to drag even a towel along, let alone other personal belongings. The guides will carry a camera or phone for you, documenting your experience.
The journey to YS Falls is offered as a tour from virtually every resort on the island. It is totally worth the time spent getting there. Sometimes, it is less expensive to hire a private driver than to take the official tours.
The gates open at 9:30 AM. It is best to get there early for the most idyllic experience. Most Jamaican tour companies combine Appleton Rum Factory in with the tour to YS Falls or The Pelican Bar. Not usually one for “tourist spots,” I have to admit that the two attractions make for a lovely day.
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2 Comments
Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle
Haha it must be a sign. I’ve been finding several YS falls blog posts of late. As a local, I’ve never been to YS actually. I’m from the eastern end of the island and with school and all that, I just don’t get much opportunity to venture west much. Hopefully I’ll correct that before year’s end 🙂 YS is so beautiful! Enjoyed your take on it
Jamerican
I wasn’t crazy about it when I went during the busiest part of the day but it’s fabulous early in the day, before groups arrive. Definitely worth the trip. I usually avoid tourist spots but I’m glad I finally visited YS.