Vanuatu Hiking
A
Beginner's Guide to Hiking Through Vanuatu
While scuba diving and snorkeling are enormous attractions in Vanuatu, you can enjoy
this rich land in many other ways. You'll find that hiking the islands is an incredible way to get off the beaten
path and enjoy traditional culture, incredible hospitality and some of the most amazing views of the islands and
the surrounding ocean.
Where can you hike? Do you need guides during your trek? How do you
find a place to stay the night? This guide will answer a few of your questions.
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If you plan to go hiking and walking in Vanuatu,
there's plenty of great locations,
but it's best to bring your own hiking and walking gear
along. |
Hiking and walking are more than a great way to enjoy your stay in
the islands. For most residents, walking is the only way to get from point A to point B. Car rentals and even scooters and bikes are
somewhat rare on the island, so foot power tends to be the rule. As a result, most roads are perfect for day hiking
and exploring. However, there are some areas in the islands where you'll need an experienced guide. If you intend
to remain on well-traveled roads, you will be fine with an accurate map of the area.
Pentecost
hiking
Pentecost offers numerous options for exploration and hiking. A well-used truck road
runs down the west coast of the island, which will take you to several villages, a Catholic mission, wonderful
gorges and guesthouses where you can stay the night. You can also spend a half-day climbing Mount Vetmar, the
island's second tallest peak.
Ambrym island hiking
Walking and hiking around Ambrym Island is almost the only option for
transportation. You'll need a guide for much of the area; the jungle is largely undisturbed, except for WWII ruins
and wrecks. You can hike the ash plains and climb the caldera of an active volcano, explore dry riverbeds and hike
along the coast. Ambrym has numerous small villages, though no cities of any note. You'll find the people warm and
welcoming, offering several guesthouses to help you enjoy your stay. The north of Ambrym is closed to visitors from
September 1 – December 31 every year for the yam planting.
Hiking on
Malekula
44 miles of new hiking trails currently exist on Malekula, one of the
largest Vanuatu islands.
You can also hike numerous roads and logging trails. You'll find that other trails
exist that can take you through the interior of the island, past kastom villages and more. However, the interior
trails should only be hiked with a guide; they are not usually marked and suffer from erosion. The inland hike is
recommended only for those in top physical condition, as well.

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