Mesopotamia Valley

The Mesopotamia valley, called Marriaqua locally, runs inland from the windward side of St Vincent between ridges that rise steeply on both sides, and the whole of it is cultivated: breadfruit, banana, plantain, dasheen, nutmeg and cocoa worked on terraces up slopes that look too steep to farm. It is the agricultural heart of the island and the road through it is one of the more spectacular drives in the eastern Caribbean.

Highlights

• The terraced slopes - cultivation running up hillsides that look too steep to work.
• The crop mix - breadfruit, banana, dasheen, nutmeg and cocoa together.
• The valley road - the drive through between the ridges.
• The green depth - a valley kept wet by high rainfall in the interior.

When to go

December to May is the dry season and best for the drive. Rain is frequent at any time inland. Mornings are clearest.

What to expect

The roads are narrow, steep and winding with heavy local traffic. There is nothing built for visitors along the valley. Rain closes the views frequently.

Nearby

Belmont Lookout is above, and Montreal Gardens are at the head of the valley.