Rainforest walking tour at Port Olry, Santo

What's it like?

The rainforest starts a short walk from the beach. Tarcisius grew up in Port Olry, and along the track he'll stop and show you the plants that have fed and healed the village for generations. There's fruit cut straight off the tree, nuts cracked open on the spot, and the plants people still use as medicine and in everyday life.

Think of it as a paradise survival guide. By the end you'll look at the bush around you very differently.

The last part of the walk climbs a hill behind the village. From the top you look right out over Port Olry, the lagoon and Dolphin Island. Bring your camera.

• 2 to 3 hours
• 1,500 to 3,000 vatu each
• Up to 12 people

The more of you there are, the less it costs each.

Good to know

• Who can come: anyone. You don't need to be staying with us. Guests from the other bungalows on the beach and day trippers from Luganville and Champagne Beach are welcome.
• When: there are no set days or times. Just let Tarcisius know when you'd like to go, ideally a day ahead. Mornings are best, before the heat of the day.
• Fitness: you'll need a moderate level of fitness. Most of it is an easy walk, with one climb up the hill at the end.
• Nothing to worry about in the bush: Vanuatu has no venomous land snakes and no dangerous spiders, so you can walk through the rainforest without watching every step. The only snake you might ever see is the little Pacific tree boa, which is shy and harmless. The one creature to keep an eye out for is the centipede. They're not common, and they keep to hiding places like rotting logs and under rocks. Their bite hurts but isn't dangerous, which is another good reason for closed walking shoes.
• Bring: sensible walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bottle of water.
• Paying: cash, in vatu, on the day.
• Languages: Tarcisius speaks English, French and Bislama.