Trinidad hiking and outdoor adventures

Like bats out of hell: Tamana Caves

The Tamana Bat Caves in the Central Range are home to an estimated 1.5 million bats. Yes. One for every Trini, with extras. Mt Tamana itself (313m/1,009ft) was revered as a sacred mountain to a tribe called Guarahoons from South America (one of the region’s First Peoples) who fled from the Spaniards to Trinidad. Eleven of the 67 species of the nocturnal creatures on the island can be found in these caves, including vampire bats, fruit bats and insect bats. At dusk, they all stream out of the caves en masse to feed. This can take quite a while, and is something to behold, as thousands zip past you per second. An fairly easy hike through old coffee estates. Go with a reputable guide, and wear long pants and sneakers.

Over the top: Saut d’Eau

The trek to Saut d’Eau beach is long and difficult, but worth it. The only way to get there is through Paramin and down the side of the mountain via a dirt path. You can take a jeep or walk to the top of the mountain known as Barre La Vigie (patois for lookout point or crow’s nest), which reaches 550m/1,800ft above sea level. Up to the mid-20^th century, Saut d’Eau Beach used to be a thriving fish depot, where the men of Paramin would bring in their catch. It’s directly across from Saut d’Eau Island, a bird sanctuary for pelicans and other rare species that is off-limits unless you obtain a permit from the Forestry Department. The clear, cool waters of the bay are the perfect pick-me-upper after the hike. A 9m/30ft waterfall cascades into the sea, with others nearby. The return climb to the summit is even more testing, but the views from the top will make you feel like a champion when you get there.

View of Saut d’Eau from Paramin. Photo by Chris Anderson

Go for gold: El Tucuche

The rare golden tree frog is found only in two places: Venezuela and Trinidad. Locallt you can find them in three remote spots: the summits of El Tucuche, Aripo, and Morne Bleu Ridge in the Northern Range. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, this endemic species is critically endangered due to its severely restricted habitat and fragmented distribution in the montane forest and elfin woodlands. At 937m/3,072ft, the peak of El Tucuche is a serious hike with potential hazards, especially in the rainy season. But the views are stunning. And you might just spot a golden tree frog hiding in a giant bromeliad. Plus there are toucans, mountain crabs, howler monkeys, cicadas, hummingbirds, and other rare species. By the way, there are actually two peaks…

Recommended starting time: 7am
Distance:5km/4 miles each way
Duration: 8–12 hours return
Level of difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking boots or trail shoes recommended. Be prepared for rain, so use waterproof hiking sacks or bags, plus an extra set of clothes and a towel for afterwards.

Waterfalls & more popular hikes

The Northern Range is full of glorious waterfalls for those willing to walk a mile or two into the forest. Some of the most spectacular are Maracas, Paria, Avocat, Rincon and Three Pools. In the west, in Diego Martin there is Edith Falls (see our Chaguaramas section), Blue Basin, and in the east, Rampanalgas and Rio Seco. Here’s how to get to some of them.

Fondes Amandes (St Ann’s): the Community Reforestation Project provides forest tours that range from quick and gentle to more intermediate
Madamas Bay (north coast): it’ll take you roughly 3 hours from Matelot or 5 hours from Blanchisseuse. A beach, river, waterfall, and turtles (in season) await. Intense
Maracas Falls (Northern Range): 30–45 minute trek; Trinidad’s tallest waterfall (91m/299ft). Gentle
Paria Bay (north coast): it’ll take you roughly 2 hours from Blanchisseuse to Turtle Rock then Cathedral Rock/Paria Arch. A pristine white sand beach, turtles (in season), and nearby waterfall are your reward. Also accessible via Brasso Seco. Intermediate
Rio Seco Falls (Salybia): part of the Matura National Park, a 45–60 minute hike brings you to the falls, and a natural swimming pool. Gentle
Turure Water Steps (Cumaca): after about 60 minutes, you’ll be bathing in the pools at these unique natural limestone “steps”. Intermediate