Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2016 — 25th Anniversary Edition

Our top eco escapes
& adventures
Hiking
For beginners:
Edith Falls (Chaguaramas, north-western
peninsula): a 30-40 minute hike to a
76m/250ft waterfall
Maracas Falls (Maracas/St Joseph
Valley): 30-45 minute trek to Trinidad’s tallest
waterfall (91m/299ft)
Rio Seco Falls (Salybia, northeast
coast): a 45-60 minute hike. The falls include
a lovely natural swimming pool. Part
of the Matura National Park.
For intermediate hikers:
Turure Water Steps (Cumaca): a
roughly 60 minute hike to the bathing pools
at the natural limestone Steps with their
unique rock face
Paria Bay (north coast): a roughly 2
hour hike from Blanchisseuse to Turtle Rock
and on to Cathedral Rock/Paria Arch and
the white sand beach, where turtles nest in
season. A waterfall lies about 15 minutes up
river. Also accessible via Brasso Seco.
For advanced hikers:
Saut d’Eau (Paramin, northwest Trinidad):
roughly a 3 hour trek going downhill
to the secluded beachfront…followed by the
challenging (and more time-consuming)
ascent back to the top
Madamas Bay: roughly 3 hours from
Matelot or 5 hours from Blanchisseuse to
the beach and river at Madamas Bay and
nearby waterfall. Also accessible by boat.
Turtles nest here in season
El Tucuche (north): hiking to the summit
of Trinidad’s second tallest mountain
takes 2–4 hours (depending on fitness
levels, path, stops, and final destination)
via Hobal Trace in Maracas Valley, passing
through legs with dramatic names like the
Devil’s Staircase. This is one of the most
challenging and rewarding hikes in Trinidad.
What’s more, this mountain has two peaks.
Important things to
note:
Always carry water, food and
first aid supplies, and some
dry clothes, in a waterproof
bag. Black clothing is the
hottest, and attracts mosquitoes.
Wear long trousers for
bush treks, and comfortable,
waterproof shoes with good
grip — no open-toed sandals
Only go with a reputable
guide
And please, don’t leave any
litter behind.
74 discovertnt.com