Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2018 (#29)

Chaguaramas
The Chaguaramas National Heritage Park in Trinidad’s northwestern peninsula is just
20 minutes from Port of Spain (with no traffic, of which there is a lot on weekends and
public holidays).
Home to the wondrous Tucker Valley, hikers, bikers, explorers, bird watchers,
hashers, archers, and golfers all have their place in “Chag”, as it’s affectionately called.
In addition to the emerald green waters of popular Macqueripe Bay (which is scheduled
for upgrade works in 2018), the lush rain forests of the valley are crisscrossed
with nature trails. Howler monkeys can be heard in the forest canopy and pairs of
green parrots often pass. The Covigne River trail passes through nutmeg groves and
along a tributary of the Cuesa River uphill through a gorge. Along the way, you will
pass abandoned cocoa, coffee, and nutmeg plantations. The trail ends at a waterfall
with a plunge pool.
Easy day trips
Edith Falls is located in an
abandoned cocoa estate
nestled against the eastern
side of Morne Catherine
and overlooking
the golf course. A fairly
gentle hike, you will see
stands of majestic bamboo,
heliconias, rubber
trees and fishtail palms,
and hear red howler monkeys
(pictured) in the
forest canopy along the
trail. If you decide to hike
on your own, inform the
Chaguaramas Development
Authority (225-4232,
chaguaramas.com)
Recent development
in Chag is not without
controversy for those
who fiercely want to
preserve the natural environment,
rustic charm,
and tranquillity of this
discovertnt.com
CHRIS ANDERSON
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