The Untouched Forest of Grand Cayman

Credit to Cayman Compass.

To see Grand Cayman at its most wild, look no further than the Mastic Trail.

This fascinating 2.3 mile long trail winds its way through some of the last untouched old-growth forests of the Caribbean. Located on the northeastern end of Grand Cayman, a guided walk will teach you all about the different species of animals and plants that live in the forest, including the yellow mastic trees (Sideroxylon foetidissimum) from which the trail gets its name. There is one mastic tree in particular, located near the middle of the trail, that is estimated to be at least 700 years old, meaning it was standing when Christopher Columbus arrived in the Caribbean! You may also be so lucky to see a Grand Cayman Parrot (Amazona leucocephala caymanensis), a rare species native to the Cayman Islands. There are only approximately 2,000 of these birds left, and they are protected under the National Conservation Law of the Cayman Islands. You may also see a range of lizards, non-poisonous snakes, butterflies, and large hermit crabs.

The trail can be quite rocky, so make sure you bring appropriate footwear (closed-toe tennis shoes should suffice in most cases). Guided walks operate every Tuesday and Thursday, and can be booked through the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. For more information, visit https://nationaltrust.org.ky/our-work/environmental/mastic-trail/