Tuesday 28 October 2014

Rampanalgas Falls

This hike involves a short walk through a rain forest to a delightfully hidden waterfall with two levels to explore. This is an easy hike with a rating of “1” which may take on average about forty-five minutes one way. This hike is free from steep hills and other rigorous trails but has a beautiful two level waterfall that is perfect for relaxation. At the lower level the water forms a small deep pool that is suitable for swimming. The upper level also has a bathing pool and is accessible by way of a narrow track. This hike is ideal for the entire family.


Tuesday 14 October 2014

Cumaca Cave

Located in the eastern area of the Northern Range, the Cumaca Cave hike is filled with exciting activities which are quite recreational and educational as well. The hike is moderately challenging with a rating of “5” due to the constant gentle uphill and the distance to complete which should take the average hiker about 2.5 hours one way. The cave itself is made by a river that flows throughout its length from which hypogean fishes also known as the semi-blind catfish are residents. The Cumaca Cave is also home to the Guacharos-Oil Birds which are the only nocturnal fruit eating birds in the world. On entrance to the cave you will be greeted by the unique cries of the Oil Birds which will intensify as you get engulfed by the cave and inevitably by the Oil Birds themselves. The cave has many chambers that can be explored all of which will leave you thrilled.



Monday 13 October 2014

El Cerro Del Aripo

El Cerro Del Aripo stands as the highest elevation in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago with an altitude of 3,084 feet (940 meters). Aripo is covered in tropical rainforest and montane forest. This bio diverse forest is home to a variety of birds and other animals which you will definitely see in transit. The hike to El Cerro Del Aripo is recommended only for fit hikers as it is quite strenuous with a rating of “7”and which may take as much as 7 hours to complete. As a hiker to El Cerro Del Aripo you will have to continuously climb rugged and steep sloping hills before you reach the pinnacle of the hike. This trail is often called the devil’s ladder because of its complexity and may seem boundless at times. However, once you reach the summit of the mountain you will be intrigued by the most spectacular views.


Paragon Bay-Paramin


Paragon Bay is rated a “7” as it is a challenging hike with a distance of 5.5 miles and which can take up to 6 hours round trip to complete. The hike starts off on the concrete Fond Pois Doux Road in Paramin which offers panoramic views of Port of Spain, Maraval and the Caribbean Sea. The road goes downhill steeply before you plunge into the pristine forest until you reach the base of the hill, Paragon Bay; a relatively sheltered, quaint, untouched bay perfect for a soak in the waters. After a quick dip, you prepare yourself to return uphill, a series of steep hills that steals the breath from most hikers until you reach back to the top. Paragon Bay is definitely a challenge for any hiker.

Friday 10 October 2014

El Tucuche


Hiking to El Tucuche is indeed a heartwarming experience where the views are quite panoramic. El Tucuche being the second highest mountain in the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago is rated a “7” as it is quite challenging. The hike has a distance of 6 miles one way and takes about 3.5 hours one way to get to the destination. The trail is quite precipitous for the most parts and during the strenuous climb to the top through the lush green and pristine rain-forest, you may see a variety of monkeys, lizards, frogs and other small mammals. Once you have mastered the undulating terrain and have reached the top of the mountain you will be rewarded with stunning views of Las Cuevas Bay, the Central Plain and the Southern Range. 





Tamana Caves



The Tamana Caves hike is a hike that you will never forget. The hike starts off in the late afternoon in the Tamana Village which is located south of Sangre Grande, Trinidad. The hike is rated a “3” or moderate in complexity and is estimated to take 1.45 hours one way and a total distance of 4 miles. A steady climb uphill is necessary to arrive at the apex of Mount Tamana. The pictographic views of the Northern Range and the Central Plain will be seen as you stand at an altitude of 750 feet at Mount Tamana. At sunset you descend downhill to the caves for an amazing experience. As darkness creeps up, the main reason for the expedition comes alive, with the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of bats from the caves. The caves interior is composed of calcium carbonate which makes perfect conditions for the bats. An estimated population of 1.5 million bats of 12 different species inhabits the Tamana Caves. This makes Trinidad the largest colony in the Caribbean and the second largest in the world next to Mexico.

Angel Falls


Angel Falls is perfectly situated on the north coast of Trinidad. The hike is rated a “3” or moderate in complexity with a distance of 4.25 miles (one way) and taking roughly about 4 hours in total to complete. The starting point of this hike is Zorro Village, a village just before Las Cuevas. The hike starts off with flat terrain and eventually through a shallow river. Hiking up a not-so-steep hill is required to get to the top but the beautiful lush and green forest will keep you motivated.  Hikers will then descend as the terrain changes to an easy downhill trek until they arrive at the Angel Falls. The celestial and mystical appearance creates an angelic effect which is perfect for relaxation.

Thursday 9 October 2014

Matura Basin: Mermaid Pools

Situated in the North-Eastern part of Trinidad, The Mermaid Pools also known as the Matura Basin is the perfect hike for the entire family. The hike is rated a "1" meaning it's an easy one with a length of about 2 miles which can be completed in 30 to 45 minutes. As a hiker to Mermaid Pools you will be greeted by statuesque pine trees on the trail to the destination. Hikers will start off with a gradual descent to the Matura River and then a hike along the river to the pools. The Mermaid Pools are made up of three pools of turquoise color that is beautiful beyond compare. Not only are the pools beautiful but they are perfect for having a good swim or simply relaxing.

Trinidad & Tobago: A Hikers Paradise!!

Trinidad & Tobago is blessed with picturesque scenery that most would consider a hikers paradise. The country's myriad flora and fauna coupled with its lush forests, pristine waterfalls, refreshing rivers and majestic mountains all make Trinidad & Tobago a destination of choice for tourists and locals alike to discover the hidden treasures scattered throughout the islands. It  is indeed a hikers paradise having ample places to hike to, all of which will leave you breathless.