11k (6,5k +4k) in Port Vila, Vanuatu. 27th and 28th of August 2025.
Llegamos a Port Vila listos para la aventura y una breve carrera de entrenamiento antes del maratón de Sídney. La ciudad es una mezcla de aguas turquesas, exuberante vegetación y mercados vibrantes.
Nos propusimos explorar tanto las calles como las islas circundantes, combinando el running con descubrimientos culturales y joyas ocultas.
Vanuatu is an archipelago of about 83 islands, only 65 inhabited, each with dramatic volcanic landscapes and unique culture. 🌋
Port Vila is a vibrant city with colorful markets, stunning waterfront parks, and tropical scenery perfect for running. 🌺 We laced up our shoes and set out to explore the city on foot, discovering hidden corners, banyan-lined streets, and local life along the way.
Our first run took us through the heart of Port Vila, along the waterfront and past bustling local life. The second adventure was wilder: a trail from Mele Waterfalls through lush jungle paths, ending with an epic sprint along a deserted beach. 🌊
Two very different runs, but both showed us why running in Vanuatu is unforgettable. 🏃♀️
Whether you’re training for a marathon or just want a scenic jog, running in Port Vila is an unforgettable experience. 🏃♂️
TLDR; “demasiado largo, no lo leí”
- ¡Solo quiero correr! Llévame a CORRER.
- Tengo 1 minuto. Llévame a INFORMACIÓN ÚTIL.
- Correr es mi excusa para viajar. Llévame a VIAJE.
- Correr es mi excusa para comer. Llévame a CARBOLOADING.
- Quiero saber qué leer en el avión. Llévame a UN LIBRO.
- ¡Es un vuelo de larga distancia! Llévame a PARA SABER MAS.
Running in Vanuatu also means tropical conditions. Expect heat and humidity, but also the reward of post-run dips in crystal-clear waters or a fresh coconut straight from the tree. 🥥💦
🌴 Why Vanuatu Should Be on Every Runner’s Bucket List
Vanuatu no es solo para amantes de la playa y el buceo (aunque también es fantástico para eso). Es uno de los destinos para correr más singulares del mundo.
Si sueñas con un lugar donde tu carrera matutina incluya brisas marinas, exuberantes junglas y lugareños sonrientes gritando "¡Halo!" al pasar... Port Vila, Vanuatu, es tu paraíso.
This hidden gem in the South Pacific is more than just a postcard-perfect island escape. It’s a runner’s dream wrapped in volcanic beauty, coastal trails, and cultural charm. 🌋🌴
¿Buscas el destino tropical perfecto para correr? ¡No busques más!
Ya seas entrenador de maratón, corredor ocasional o aventurero de senderos, Port Vila te ofrece una cálida bienvenida, paisajes impresionantes y experiencias de carrera inolvidables. Guarda esto en tus favoritos. Guía para correr en Vanuatu and start planning your island miles today. 🌞👟🇻🇺
🌍El viaje 📷:Qué ver antes o después de correr en Port Vila
🌍 Introduction: A place with deep history and Island soul
Port Vila, la vibrante capital de Vanuatu, se encuentra en la isla de Efate, que alguna vez fue una base aliada clave durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
La isla jugó un papel estratégico en la campaña del Pacífico, y aún se pueden ver restos de esta historia, desde equipos militares hundidos en sus lagunas cristalinas hasta pistas de aterrizaje que ahora sirven como caminos locales y senderos para correr.
La historia de la isla combina la historia de la guerra, las antiguas tradiciones melanesias y las influencias coloniales francesas y británicas, lo que la convierte en una fiesta cultural e histórica para viajeros curiosos.
Había investigado, visto vídeos de viajes y leído sobre las peculiaridades de Vanuatu. Es un archipiélago de unas 83 islas, con solo 65 habitadas.
Mount Yasur on Tanna Island blew my mind. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world and safely explorable. 🌋
Me encantó aprender sobre la cultura. Más de 100 lenguas indígenas, el ritual de buceo en tierra, las leyes kastom y las tradiciones del kava la hacen fascinante.
The Prince Philip Cult and Local Legends 👑
Dos cosas me llamaron mucho la atención. Las leyendas caníbales del pasado aún perduran en el folclore.
Then there’s the Prince Philip Cult on Tanna Island. Some locals believe he is a divine figure who will one day return. 😲
Fue increíble imaginar que historias como estas aún siguen vivas en el mundo actual mientras visitábamos estas islas.
Arrival in Port Vila: First Impressions ✈️
El vuelo fue espectacular. Casi abortamos el aterrizaje una vez, pero finalmente aterrizamos sobre aguas turquesas y exuberante vegetación.
Port Vila airport is small but tourist-friendly. Hotels like the Ramada are easy to reach, and currency exchange is simple. 💵
La ciudad aún muestra las cicatrices del terremoto de diciembre de 2024. Edificios agrietados y terrenos baldíos son recordatorios de resiliencia y recuperación.
Exploring the City and Local Life 🏙️
Las calles son concurridas pero animadas. Las tiendas chinas y los mercados locales se mezclan con pequeños complejos turísticos y edificios gubernamentales.
We stopped at a supermarket to stock up on essentials. The presence of NZ soldiers was a little surreal. 🛒
Incluso en medio de la reconstrucción, la ciudad está repleta de lugareños, vendedores y viajeros curiosos que descubren el encanto de Port Vila.
Crystal Blue Lagoon Adventure 💦
Salimos temprano a la Laguna Azul. El agua era de un azul brillante, fresca y tentadora, con plataformas para saltar y cuerdas.
Roger dove repeatedly while locals and visiting families enjoyed the swings and jumps. The lagoon felt almost private in the early morning. 🌊
Un buzo residente realizó inmersiones espectaculares, sumándose a la atmósfera mágica de esta joya escondida.
AVI Turtle Sanctuary 🐢
Nadar con tortugas fue inolvidable. Les dimos de comer atún crudo y vimos a las crías nadar cerca.
Neon-green iguanas were perched on our arms for photos, climbing and scratching playfully. 🦎
El santuario era práctico pero seguro, y ofrecía una oportunidad única de interactuar con la vida marina y de reptiles de Vanuatu.
Rarru Cascades: Hidden Waterfalls 🌿
Las Cascadas de Rarru parecían un paraíso secreto en la selva tropical. Nos bañamos en cascadas de agua fresca y nadamos en pequeñas cascadas.
The rope swings added adventure, and few tourists meant we had the place almost to ourselves. 💦
Fue uno de esos momentos en los que la naturaleza se sintió verdaderamente inmersiva y lúdica.
Mama’s Market and Local Handicrafts 🎨
De vuelta en Port Vila, exploramos el Mercado de Mamá. Las artesanas locales vendían cestas, conchas y flores para el cabello.
I grabbed a fridge magnet and a decorative flower. The market is colorful, lively, and perfect for authentic souvenirs. 🌺
Incluso en paseos casuales por la ciudad, los encuentros con los lugareños y la cultura dejaron impresiones duraderas.
Planning Adventures for Next Time 🌴
Junior, nuestro guía, nos dio información privilegiada. La Isla Hideaway para hacer snorkel y el Volcán Tanna están en nuestra próxima visita.
Soccer dominates the local sports scene, traffic is lively, and the surroundings are a lush tropical paradise. ⚽
La mezcla de aventura, cultura y belleza intacta de Vanuatu hizo que este viaje fuera inolvidable.
🏃♀️ La carrera 🏃♂️
👟 First: where to Run in Port Vila
Preguntarse Dónde correr en Port Vila? Here are a couple of options we ran and enjoyed.
- Paseo marítimo: A flat, paved stretch along the harbor, perfect for sunrise or sunset runs 🌅. Safe, scenic, and popular with locals and tourists alike. This is the first one we decided to run.
- Camino de las cascadas de Mele:Para los amantes de los senderos, este camino conduce a las famosas cascadas y es un Ruta exuberante y sombreada con terreno suave—ideal for a long run. This was our second run!
Our 6.5K Route 🏃♂️
We only had five days before the Sydney marathon, so we decided on a short run. The goal was simple: keep it light. We ended up covering 6.5 kilometers. 🌞
Our plan was to explore Port Vila first, then maybe venture north to Mélé Beach the following day. I wanted to soak in the city before heading further out. 🏝️
The weather was warm and sunny, around 27 degrees Celsius, with a steady breeze of 9 km/h. The winds were stronger along the coast but kept the run refreshing. 🌬️
Exploring Port Vila Markets While on a Run 🍍
We began at the Ramada Beach Resort perched dramatically on cliffs above Erakor Lagoon. From our hotel, the lagoon shimmered below, framed by tropical greenery. 🌊
The first 2 kilometers to the city center were tricky. Traffic was heavy, sidewalks narrow, and car fumes were intense. Running here required caution. 🚗
Along the way, we passed the Vanuatu Parliament. Its sweeping Pacific-style roofline is stunning. The building symbolizes independence and the pride of the nation. 🏛️
Nearby, the lagoon forms a small peninsula. Erakor Island lies just off the coast, but we stuck to the city center instead of venturing to the island. 🏞️
Mejorando…
A few hundred meters down Eliuk Road, the run became more enjoyable. Some poles on narrow sidewalks made dodging necessary, but the views were worth it. 🛥️
We glimpsed yachts on turquoise waters and low-rise buildings terraced into cliffs. Downtown featured administrative offices, cultural landmarks, and waterfront promenades. 🏢
New construction stood next to earthquake-rebuilt buildings. The 7.2 earthquake that hit Vanuatu showed its mark, but the city’s resilience was inspiring. 💪
Passing locals, some wearing t-shirts with the Vanuatu flag, added energy to the run. The city felt alive, blending history and modern life seamlessly. 🇻🇺
¡Mercados!
We reached the Central Market at 4 PM. It was quiet but still alive with locals buying fresh fruits, yams, taro, cassava, spices, and seafood. 🍉
The Central Market is the heartbeat of Port Vila. It’s a place to witness authentic daily life and vibrant ni-Vanuatu culture. 🌶️
Next, we ran past Mama’s Market. The stalls overflowed with handwoven baskets, pandanus mats, wood carvings, shell jewelry, and tie-dye sarongs. 🧺
The women artisans were friendly and proud. Their work sustains local communities and preserves traditional craft. For visitors, it’s a must-visit for authentic souvenirs. 🎨
Waterfront Parks and Scenic Running in Vanuatu 🌴
We finally reached the waterfront parks. Leafy trees, grassy lawns, and shady benches created a perfect running atmosphere. 🌿
Banyan trees towered over us. Their aerial roots twisted and fused, forming giant trunks. Running beneath them felt like entering a tropical cathedral. 🌳
The waterfront links markets, cafes, and government buildings, all against the stunning backdrop of Mélé Bay. The sun sparkled on the water, and big ships moved lazily across the harbor. ⛴️
The parks serve as gathering places, perfect for cultural events, festivals, or simply relaxing like the locals we passed enjoying the shade. 🪑
Banyan Trees and Local Culture on the Trail ⚠️
Along the route, we noticed a tsunami warning sign labeled DENGAR – DANGER – DANGER in Bislama, English, and French. It was both alarming and fascinating. ⚡
Bislama started as a pidgin English among laborers and evolved into a full creole. Seeing it on the signs reminded me of Vanuatu’s layered history. 📚
We passed locals under the banyan trees waving a small bicycle with a New Zealand and a Spanish flag!
Shouting “España” earned smiles and cheers, a random but delightful encounter. 🇪🇸
Finishing Your Port Vila Run with a Sweet Treat 🍦
The uphill run back was tougher, especially with traffic, but the city views kept us motivated. ⛰️
We ended at a local supermarket and treated ourselves to unusual ice creams. One featured Messi’s picture, and another was taro-flavored. ⚽ How weird was that?!
Anyway and strange ice creams aside, our run was the perfect reward after 6.5 kilometers of sunny, scenic, and culturally rich running in Port Vila. 😋
Second run: Scenic Trail from Mele Waterfalls to the Ocean 🌴🏃♂️🌊
We reached Mele Waterfalls in under an hour.
The air was hot and heavy. Junior said there was a 20 minute walk to the falls. Roger looked at me and said we should run it. At first I hesitated. We had a marathon in three days and I feared slipping or tiring my legs.
But he was right. We turned it into an amazing scenic run. ✨
Through the rainforest
From the entrance, after paying the 1500 vatu fee, it was one kilometer to the falls. Not easy to run but worth every step.
We started with three steep stairways surrounded by lush green walls. Dogs slept lazily and locals debated prices. We were the only tourists. 🐕
Soon the path widened and flattened. Perfect for running under the thick jungle canopy. A few villagers passed us carrying mysterious loads. Then we faced a creek crossing.
Shoes off, we held on to a rope to avoid slipping. The cool water revived us. 💦
When the waterfalls appeared, we had to take our shoes off again.
The stone path was covered in streaming water. Socks on for grip, we climbed carefully. The trick worked. No falls, just the thrill of running inside a jungle river. 🌿
The waterfalls
The last meters were too slippery, so we walked. Still, every step felt magical. The water ran down smooth rocks, like green carpets under our feet. The spray hit our faces. Birds flew across a bright blue sky.
And we were completely alone. 🌺
We swam in the crystal pool. Roger went straight under the fall and let it crash over him like a giant shower. After photos and laughter we made our way back.
Carefully down, then running downhill until the exit. Two kilometers so far, but we wanted more. 📸
Toward the ocean
We kept going. A quiet road led us another kilometer and a half. Houses lined the way, chickens and dogs roaming freely. The homes were simple but well kept. A cemetery appeared on our right, its white and colorful crosses striking against the green.
At last, the sea. A small park greeted us, with locals watching us curiously. Then came the best reward. 🌊
Mele Beach and Devil’s Point Road
The beach stretched wide and deserted.
Grey sand, rocky in parts, tilted slightly under our feet. Running was tricky but the solitude and ocean views were priceless.
A creek forced us to take our shoes off again. We laughed and crossed barefoot. 👣
The last stretch was perfect. Soft but firm sand let us speed up.
A group of locals played water polo in the shallows. They had caps, referees, even goals. A yellow ball rolled near us and Roger tossed it back. Smiles all around. ⚽
We finished after 4.2 kilometers, but the beach kept going endlessly. I felt pure joy. Running in Port Vila had given us waterfalls, jungle, village life and the ocean. A perfect slice of Vanuatu. 🌏
🍜 What to eat before and after running in Vanuatu 🍝
¡Combustible sabroso para kilómetros tropicales!
Whether you’re chasing sunrise kilometers or just earning that beachside smoothie, knowing what to eat in Vanuatu as a runner is key. The local cuisine is hearty, natural, and often cooked in underground earth ovens (yep, like a volcanic slow-cooker 🍽️🔥). Here’s your guide to pre-run carboloading and post-run protein recovery, island-style—with a side of humor and a sprinkle of cassava.
🍌 Carga de carbohidratos (antes de la carrera)
¡Llénate de combustible como un guerrero de Vanuatu!
- Laplap ¡El plato nacional! Una pasta densa y horneada hecha de ñame rallado, taro o plátano, envuelta en hojas de plátano y cocinada a fuego lento con crema de coco. Es la versión vanuatuana de una bomba de carbohidratos.Piense en una lasaña tropical combinada con una barra energética..
- Plato de frutas tropicales – Papaya, bananas, mangoes, and pineapple straight from the tree. Nature’s gels—except they taste way better and don’t come in foil packets. 🍍🍌
- Pastel de yuca Dulce, pegajoso y energético. ¡No lo comas! también mucho o estarás trotando en cámara lenta.
🍗 Recuperación de proteínas (después de la carrera)
¡Es hora de reconstruir esas piernas fuertes de la isla!
- Pollo con kava – Not the drink (save that for post-run chill!), but local chicken grilled with roots and herbs. Light, flavorful, and packed with protein. 🐔
- Curry de pescado fresco – Caught the same morning and cooked with coconut milk and island spices. High in omega-3s, low in regrets. 🐟🔥
- Cerveza Tusker y chips de taro a la parrilla – Vale, no exactamente. recuperación, pero tú ganado it. 🍺 Bonus: it’s the best way to carbo-reload for tomorrow.
Running in Vanuatu means sweating in paradise—but with food this good, your recovery might just be the highlight of your day. Just don’t laplap too hard before a hill sprint. 😉
Información útil
🏃 Running in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
👟 Urbano: trae zapatos para asfalto.
✅ Vistas panorámicas del paseo marítimo – The lagoon, Mélé Bay, and yachts provide beautiful, motivating scenery. 🌊
✅ Parques sombreados y árboles banianos – The waterfront parks with sprawling banyans offer shaded, peaceful stretches. 🌴
⚠️ Tráfico pesado cerca del Parlamento – Some roads are narrow, busy, and without sidewalks, so watch for cars. 🚗
⚠️ Obstáculos en las aceras – Postes, pavimentos irregulares y otros peligros requieren precaución al correr.
Mapa
Un libro
📘 “Sado”, por Mikaela Nyman
Sado, una palabra bislama que significa sombra, reflejo o deshonra, se desarrolla inmediatamente después del ciclón tropical Pam, que devastó Vanuatu en 2015.
Lectura Sado Antes de tu viaje es como llevar un pedazo del alma de Vanuatu en tu mochila.
Establece el tono emocional de las islas, desvelando el paraíso, mostrando la realidad posciclón, la compleja interacción cultural y la tenacidad de las comunidades locales. Recorrer las carreteras deterioradas de Port Vila o conocer a periodistas de radio locales se enriquece al absorber las profundas reflexiones de la novela.
Te prepara para ver más allá de las palmeras, sentir las corrientes subterráneas y apreciar el espíritu isleño que persiste a través de las tormentas.
Trama: La novela entrelaza las vidas de Cathryn, una trabajadora de una ONG neozelandesa que lidia con la pérdida y el desplazamiento, y Faia, una periodista vanuatuana que lucha por amplificar las voces de las mujeres en su tierra natal. A través de perspectivas duales, Sado Capta las zonas de fractura entre culturas, la cruda lucha por reconstruir tanto la infraestructura como la identidad, y la frágil resiliencia de las relaciones puestas a prueba por el desastre y la esperanza.
Para saber mas…
🎥 y 📚 Otros libros y películas sobre Vanuatu que vale la pena explorar:
A list of mine could not fail to include a “Murder Mistery”, of course 😉
- “Asesinato en el Pacífico“, by Ifira Point by Matt Francis 📔 Crime novel Set entirely in Port Vila, this detective story brings the city’s streets and local culture to life. Great for reading before and continuing during your stay .
- “Más allá del pandemonio“, by Walter Lini 📔: Autobiography Memoir of Vanuatu’s first Prime Minister: insightful reflections on decolonisation, identity, and nation-building—a great backdrop to Vanuatu’s political and cultural heartbeat .
- “Apedrearse con salvajes“, by J. Maarten Troost 📔: Travelogue A humorous, candid journey through Vanuatu and Fiji—this entertaining account helps lighten your expectations and embrace the spontaneous charm of island life .
- “Tanna” (2015 film) 🎬: Movie Filmed entirely in Vanuatu on Tanna Island with local villagers as actors. A true immersion into kastom (traditional) life and cultural beliefs—cinematic preparation for visiting remote areas .
