St. Kitts Scenic Railway

This item appears on page 76 of the June 2014 issue.

Visitors to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts may ride on the narrow-gauge St. Kitts Scenic Railway (phone, from the US, 869/465-7263), built 1912-1926 to carry sugarcane from fields to mill, that is part of a 30-mile loop around the island. 

Holding up to 175 people, five modern double-decker train cars each have a covered, open-air top section and an air-conditioned lower section with picture windows. The train hugs the northeastern coastline of the island, crossing canyons at times, with views of rainforests, sugarcane plantations, villages and the volcanic cone of Mt. Liamuiga. The English-speaking conductor recites history and points out sights. 

A slow-paced, 3-hour circle tour (two hours on the train for 18 miles and 45 minutes on a bus for 12 miles) costs $89 adult or $44.50 child (4-12 years). Tropical drinks are included. Varying with cruise-ship schedules, it departs at least once daily, usually at 8:30 a.m., December through April.