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Katawud Village: Maroon Heritage and Ecotourism

Discover Maroon heritage and ecotourism in Jamaica's Blue Mountains at Katawud Village, a cultural and natural escape.

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Nestled in the Rio Grande Valley within the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Katawud Village offers an immersive cultural experience connected to the legacy of Jamaica's Maroon communities. Visitors can explore Maroon history, enjoy the natural beauty, and experience a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

A brief summary to Katawud Village

Local tips

  • Engage with local artisans to discover handmade jewelry and wood carvings, taking a piece of Jamaica home with you.
  • Attend cultural events to experience Jamaican music, dance, and food.
  • Explore nearby attractions such as the Swinging Bridge and Nanny Falls.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Kingston, taxis are readily available but can be expensive. A taxi to Ginger House Comfort Castle District (Katawud Village) will take approximately 2.5 hours. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Expect to pay between $130-$170.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Katawud Village via public transport from Kingston, take a bus to Port Antonio. From Port Antonio, you will need to take a taxi to Katawud Village, which is about 45 minutes away. The bus from Kingston to Port Antonio costs approximately $4 and takes 3 hours. The taxi from Port Antonio to Katawud Village will cost extra.

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Discover more about Katawud Village

Katawud Village, located in Ginger House, is a Maroon family-owned and operated ecotourism establishment in the scenic Rio Grande Valley of Portland, Jamaica. The village is within the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Katawud Village is deeply connected to the legacy of Jamaica's Maroon communities. The name “Katawud” comes from the phrase “scattered in the woods” or “scatter wood,” a reference to how formerly enslaved Africans escaped to live independently in Jamaica's remote, rugged mountains. Visitors can explore the area's history while experiencing the natural beauty. Katawud Village offers tours, including Maroon Heritage & Nature Tours of the Rio Grande Valley. Trained and certified community tour guides are available. The village also has a family-friendly venue with children's activities, a museum & kraft shop. Maroon jerk fusion cuisine, natural juices, and a bar are available. Other amenities include Wi-Fi, cable TV, charging ports, a river beach with hammock stands, and riverside massage therapy by appointment. Waterfalls are also nearby. Katawud Village hosts special events on weekends, including a farmer's market, riverside film screenings, games, and live music. Accommodations include camping/glamping on-site or access to guest houses & private accommodations in the community. Katawud Village is a gateway to the historical, cultural, environmental, and human-made legacies preserved within the Rio Grande Valley.

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