The Peak

The Peak reaches about 360 metres, the highest point of the island, and the walk up takes roughly an hour and a half through dry tropical forest with iguanas, land crabs and a good deal of birdlife. What the summit gives is the whole island at once and, beyond it, the barrier reef - the reef system around Providencia and Santa Catalina runs about thirty-two kilometres and is generally counted the third largest in the Caribbean, visible from up here as a line of breaking water and colour change. The trail is part of a protected area covering the island's forested interior. Hurricane Iota in November 2020 destroyed most buildings on Providencia and damaged the forest badly; recovery has taken years.

What you actually see

• The island's high point at about 360 metres - reached in an hour and a half.
• The barrier reef from above - about thirty-two kilometres, the Caribbean's third largest.
• Dry tropical forest - with iguanas and land crabs on the way up.
• Hurricane Iota damage - visible in the forest and the buildings.

When to go

January to April; go early to avoid heat. Half a day.

Honest expectations

It is hot and humid with little breeze on the climb. Guides are usual and support local income. Iota's damage is still evident and services on the island are limited. Getting to Providencia at all requires a flight or a rough catamaran crossing.

Nearby

Santa Catalina is over the footbridge; San Andres is south-west.