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Trinidad & Tobado Eco-Tours Vacations and Luxury Honeymoon Packages
Hiking Another favorite pastime of visitors to our shores is hiking - the lure of the untouched rain forest is quite compelling - you feel like you are in another world! Here is a quick look at some of the more popular trails in both islands:
Trinidad Paria
The Paria River runs from the mountains of the Northern Range out to the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Hikers frequent the river's mouth because of its lovely waterfall - just about an hour and a half's walk from the coastal village of Blanchisseuse, which you can get to by driving along the scenic North Coast Road. Once you get to Paria Beach, you will see Church Rock - so called because of its resemblance to the high arches in a church. At this point, you will know you have arrived and can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the river and surrounding forest.
Salybia and Rio Seco This trail takes you through winding pathways full of Mora trees that stand tall and stately like sentries guarding your path. It is an enchanting, relaxing walk that takes you to the North Eastern coast of the island. Your reward for trudging through the forest? A wonderful waterfall and pool called Rio Seco, (which ironically means "Dry River' in Spanish) with deep, emerald green waters that are perfect for swimming and splashing around. You can even venture to dive off the rocks behind the waterfall - the pool is usually deep enough to cushion you.
To get to the start of the trail, you need to drive to Valencia, to a bridge that passes over the Salybia River - make the first left after this bridge and you will soon find a small track to your right - your walk begins! Of course, unless you are used to these trails, it is always a good idea to make your initial hike with a guide because some of the routes can be tricky!
Tobago Tobago has a few lovely hiking trails - you just have to know where to look! There is a trail along the island's North Coast that starts at Castara and takes you all the way through to Englishman's Bay (about a day's worth of walking) and then on to the sleepy village of Charlotteville. Along the way, you will find wonderfully large bird populations that will be worth the walk!
Argyle Waterfall is also an easy trek that rewards you with a beautiful waterfall to swim in - it is an especially popular hiking location for locals and visitors alike. In various parts of Tobago, you will find Mother Nature at her finest! The Main Forest Ridge is the oldest reserve in the Western Hemisphere, protected since 1765. Here you'll find flora and fauna in all their splendour and a seemingly endless number of hiking trails to explore…
Biking
We've all seen them happily exerting themselves in the wee hours of the morning going God-knows-where decked off in spandex shorts and colorfully designed helmets. We may wonder how they could be so bright and chirpy so early in the morning - we, of course, are still struggling to wipe away the sleep from our eyes as we make our way to that early meeting or try to catch that flight. These creatures are none other than cyclists. Cycling enthusiasts. Two-wheeled adventure seekers. And if they're that happy, they must be on to something…
In Trinidad and Tobago, it's easy to get hooked on cycling, whether for sport or pure pleasure. Whether on or off-road, cycling is one of those rare activities that takes you back to your childhood and represents, on a basic level, just having a lot of fun! It's the path to freedom - the wind on your face, speeding along, or trying to negotiate your way along dirt roads and the wonderful obstacles they can sometimes put in your path.
Both our islands have trails that can lure you back to the simple pleasure of cycling. In Trinidad, 'on-roaders' often ride in groups along highways, everywhere from Diego Martin in the West all the way to the East and South of the island. Macqueripe, in the Chaguaramas area, is also quite popular for cycling, and the area is surrounded by rolling hills that offer unknown mysteries to the off-road enthusiast. Almost everywhere in Trinidad you will find that your route is graced by verdant tropical scenery - lush bamboo, pristine rain forest - a real treat for the nature lover. There are also trails that can be a challenge for those who enjoy pushing themselves and their bikes to the limit - the track leading to Cerro del Aripo, for instance, is not an easy one - even for experienced riders.
Tobago is a more laid-back island and this also holds true for cycling. The vistas you will experience here are stunning - crashing ocean views on the Atlantic side, calmer bays on the more sheltered side of the island. On Tobago's meandering trails you can breathe in the salty, fresh air, stop a moment to catch a glimpse of the teeming wildlife - and then set off again, paying attention to the undulating trail before you.
But you can take it to the limit in Tobago as well - there are trails whose names only hint at the journey before you - Indian Walk, Gru-Gru Boeuf and Chocolate Cake sound pleasant enough until you see the sheer drops and steep mountain paths. Despite the sweat, the views alone are worth it. And so is the satisfaction that you have experienced a part of Trinidad and Tobago that few people know about.
Camping
In our islands, you can chose to camp on our beautiful beaches or in the depths of our lush, green rain forest. In Trinidad, for every Cardinal Point you can find a beach worth camping on - from Chagville on Trinidad's western end, Maracas on its north, Manzanilla and Mayaro on the east coast and Columbus Bay to the south, we are fully equipped to give you a truly Caribbean camping experience! Most of our beaches have facilities that include picnic tables and benches, a secure car park, changing rooms with showers, toilet facilities, lockers, beach bars and cafeterias. Some beaches, like Vessigny, even have its own dedicated camping grounds. Beaches in both islands usually have lifeguards on duty, but it is best to check each particular location for on-duty times. Tobago especially has many wonderful. pristine beaches on which to 'pitch your tent' - just be mindful to leave the beach in the perfect condition in which you found it. Canoe Bay is one beach in Tobago that comes equipped with camping facilities. If you need information about camping sites and permission for beach camping, contact the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture at (868) 622- 4521 or (868) 622-7476.
Should you prefer to camp under the canopy of our islands' dense rain forest, it is always a good idea to bring an experienced guide - some of our hiking trails can be tricky and it's better to attempt the trip with someone who is familiar with the area. Make sure that their experience includes dealing with snakes and other wild animals - after all, the forest is their home and we need to be both mindful and respectful of them.
You can choose the hiking experience you want to have - from lingering nature walks to moderate hikes, all the way to challenging treks on rugged trails and overnight camping trips into the depths of the forest. It is always best to be aware of your fitness level before attempting the more grueling hikes - you don't want to cause unnecessary injury to yourself of others in your group. If necessary, get your doctor's permission. Because hiking in Trinidad and Tobago can lead you to discover many hidden treasures, bring along a change of clothes and a bathing suit - you never know when you'll come across an inviting waterfall or cool river to splash about in, and you wouldn't want to miss the treat because you forgot to pack for the occasion! Most of all, though, enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in a location that is breathtaking in its natural splendor!
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