Jamaica’s national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” underscores the country’s cultural diversity.

It includes people of African, European, Chinese and Indian descent.

Visitors can take an exciting multi-media look at Jamaica’s rich ethnic heritage at Outameni, an attraction that opened in September near the town of Falmouth.

Even before you enter this installation that covers several acres on what used to be the old Orange Grove Plantation — one of over 100 sugar plantations in Trelawny parish — you’re greeted by costumed figures that recall the early days when slave owners allowed their charges a few days of recreational activities during the Christmas holidays.

“During the festive season, slaves designed masquerade outfits that combined European and African elements and created characters like a pregnant woman, a policeman and the devil,” said my guide, handing out small bags of sugar cane for us to graze on. They were the first of a series of treats we sampled along the tour. “Just chew out the juices, but don’t swallow the cane,” she advised.

Near the entranceway, I walked over to the original 1793 sugar mill, a large stone structure that drew my attention. Before long, I heard the call of our “Time Traveler” guide, who led us with a dancing gait into the building with the words “Follow back a mi.”

The Outameni experience is really a series of installations that explore the peoples who made contributions to Jamaican cultural life. Starting 1,400 years ago with a look at the indigenous Tainos, the experience includes small skits by live performers in theatrical settings that explain slices of Jamaican history along with video clips, music and dance.

The tour takes looks at the Spanish, African, English, Chinese and Indian settlers in a series of short vignettes and ends with a spirited look at today’s Rastas with an energetic dance to reggae music.

My next Jamaican experience took me to the nearby Martha Brae River, where I boarded a 30-foot long bamboo raft, plunked down on a raised bamboo seat big enough for only two and set off on a relaxing three-mile journey down river with raft captain Claude Johnson manning the long pole that steered our barge-like vessel.

Much of the trip is shaded by tropical trees and vegetation in a mostly unspoiled terrain, although vendors selling everything from soft drinks to crafts line the river bank soliciting potential buyers.

The 90-minute ride ends at the disembarkation point known as Martha’s Rest, where even more vendors try for a last chance sale.

Dunn’s River Falls offers another water attraction of a different sort. Located a short drive from Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist destinations, this nature park boasts 600 feet of gently terraced waterfalls and cascades, which makes climbing to the top of the falls a popular recreational activity.

Either take along a pair of aqua shoes or rent a pair there. You’ll need them if you join a group led by an experienced falls guide that makes a leisurely ascent to the top. Periodically, workers scrape the rocks to make them less slippery, but it’s best to make sure of every step along the way. It is surprising to see, though, how much traction the water shoes provide.

The water is clean and refreshing and climbers can stand beneath a cascade and let the water give them a gentle massage. For those unwilling to make the climb, a terraced pathway skirts the water’s edge, which makes for great photo shots. The beach at the bottom of the falls is ideal for sunbathing, and trails through the tropical forest are lined with a variety of interesting botanicals.