Trinidad has such a wealth of accessible natural attractions; it almost seems the island was created just for the person searching for an exciting eco-vacation. There are waterfalls, river systems, caverns, mud volcanoes, wildlife reserves, beaches and the pitch lake all awaiting exploration. We recommend you explore Trinidad's natural attractions with an approved tour guide for expert insight into our rich environment and diverse wildlife.
For further information on guided tours and hikes contact us at [email protected] or see our listing of approved Tour Operators.
Waterfalls
The Rincon Waterfall, on the outskirts of Las Cuevas in the Rincon Valley on the north coast of Trinidad, is a 250 foot vertical drop. Getting to this waterfall requires a hike of 1 ½ hours that begins in the valley amidst small farms, fords several small streams and then winds uphill, culminating with a steep descent to the base of the waterfall. At the base is a large pool suitable for bathing.
Further along the North Coast is the fishing village of Blanchisseuse, and in its hinterland is the Avocat Waterfall. From the village this 65 foot waterfall is reached after a 30-minute hike. Shower in the refreshing spray or dive into the small pool at the waterfall's base.
From Blanchisseuse, an hour long drive along the Blanchisseuse-Arima Road will take you to Brasso Seco, a charming village hidden in the folds of the Northern Range. At the intersection of the Madamas and Paria roads is the Visitor Information Centre run by villagers in collaboration with the Tourism Development Company Limited. The Centre provides information on the many natural treasures in this area, including Sobo Falls, one of 11 waterfalls in this region.
A moderate walk from the village reveals this 65 foot waterfall that falls as a single flow for approximately 25 feet and then bouncing off the rocks becomes a spray waterfall and finally on its last leg spreads out to become a shower.
Further along the Northern Range lies the Guanapo Valley with spectacular gorges and more than six waterfalls, including the challenging Sombasson. The hike to Sombasson Waterfall is a challenge, with steep climbs that requires a minimum of four hours, fitness and endurance. Sombasson Waterfall drops 140 feet in three stages to a pool.
On the trial to Sombasson you will pass the smaller Lalaja waterfall.
Other popular waterfalls are:
- Maracas Waterfall, Maracas Valley, North Coast, Trinidad
- Cyril's Bay Waterfall, North Coast Road, Trinidad
- Tyrico Falls, Maracas/Las Cuevas, North Coast, Trinidad
- Angel Falls, Rincon Valley, North Coast, Trinidad
- Habio Falls, Las Cuevas, North Coast Trinidad
- Limon Waterfall, Madamas, North East Trinidad
- Double Ribbon Falls, Madamas, North East Trinidad
- Paria Waterfall, Paria, North Trinidad
- Turure Falls, Cumaca, North East Trinidad
- Madamas Waterfall, Madamas, North East Trinidad
- Rio Seco, Matura, North East, Trinidad
- Rampanalgas Waterfall, Rampanalgas, North East Trinidad
- Matelot Falls, Matelot, East Coast, Trinidad
- Blue Basin Waterfall, Diego Martin, West Trinidad
- Edith Falls, Chaguaramas, West Trinidad
- Carmelita Falls, Central Trinidad
River Systems
Shark River, in the northeast of Trinidad, is about a 10 minute drive from the village of Grande Riviere and just before the village of Matelot. Shark River flows through the Matura National Park. Its serene pools are perfect frolicking in the water and family outings.
The Yarra River on the North Coast, just after the village of La Fillette, is a moderately easy hike, through lush vegetation. Along the river's path are gorges and lovely pools.
The Guanapo Gorge features a swift flowing river between solid walls of polished rock. You enter the gorge upstream and make your way downriver to a series of shallow pools. The best time to explore the gorge is during the Dry Season as you can be trapped in the narrow passage by flash floods during the Rainy Season.
Caverns
At an elevation of 750 feet in the Central Range, just south of Sangre Grande in East Trinidad, a walk through a former cocoa estate and up a slight incline (very slippery in wet weather) will bring you to the Tamana Caves. The main cavern in the complex boasts a wide 30-foot entrance, with three smaller caves as you progress inwards. This system is home to 11 species of bats and the highlight of a visit the mass exodus of an estimated 1.5 million bats as they exit the cave at dusk.
Colonies of oilbirds, the only nocturnal fruit eating bird in the world, nest in the Cumaca Caves (also known as the Oropuche Caves). There are two routes to this underground system, a strenuous 3-hour hike that is almost entirely uphill crossing rivers and streams or fairly easy walk that has mainly downhill trails and takes just over two hours. This cave is located on private land and permission to visit must be obtained in advance.
The Aripo Caves are the largest accessible cave system in Trinidad and a habitat for the oilbird. A strenuous three hour (one way) hike brings you to this large cave which requires lights and ropes if you intend to explore beyond the main entrance.
The Gasparee Caves are a fascinating network of underground caverns located on the island of Gaspar Grande - the closest island to Chaguaramas Bay in northwest Trinidad. The entire subterranean system is about 90 feet deep and a 1/2-acre in size. Within the cave system are interesting geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, pillars, flow stones and fringed curtains. Some of the formations have been given names such as Pulpit Pipe Organ, Lovers and Dinosaur Head. The largest and best known of the caves is called the Blue Grotto, which has a crystal clear pool that is 30 feet in diameter and reflects the light entering the cave. Entry is only allowed with a registered tour company or permission from the Chaguaramas Development Authority.
Other cave systems in Trinidad
- Scott's Cave in the Upper Madamas
- Lower Guanapo Cave
- La Duez, Cumaca
- Mahoe Blanc Grotto, Cumaca
- Caye L'Eglise, Matura
- Lamira Cave, Lopinot
- Martin Gomez Cave, Lopinot
- Jeville Cave, Lopinot
Mud Volcanoes
The mud volcanoes at Piparo and Devil's Woodyard are Trinidad's most accessible.
The Piparo mud volcano is located in South Trinidad, just east of Marabella and reaches an elevation of 365 feet (150 feet in relation to the surrounding land) and covers some 425 acres. This volcano usually sits dormant, but occasionally spews mud hundreds of feet into the air. To get to Piparo, take the Guaracara Road from Marabella heading east and turn onto the Piparo Road.
Devil's Woodyard is probably the best known of Trinidad's mud volcanoes. The name Devil's Woodyard originates from early European settlers who likened the underground rumbling of the bubbling mud, to the devil stockpiling wood for his eternal fires. Far from the supernatural, Devil's Woodyard is actually a complex of mud volcanoes with several cones in close proximity. It has erupted violently in the past, with the first recorded eruption in 1852.
Some Hindus consider the Woodyard a sacred spot and worship there.
To reach Devil's Woodyard go to Princes Town in South Trinidad and then continue on the Mayaro Road to Indian Walk, turning off onto the Hindustan Road before New Grant. The site's facilities include toilets, a natural park and picnic area with covered huts and benches.
Other mud volcanoes found in Trinidad are:
- Digity, Debe
- Lamoshell, Penal
- Morne Diablo
- Moruga Bouffe, Moruga
- Anglais Point, Palo Seco
- Erin
- Lilet, Cedros
- Icacos
- Columbia, Cedros
- Highland Devil, Moruga
- Lagon Bouffe, Guayaguayare
Wildlife Reserves
Matura National Park stretches across the northeast peninsula from Matura in the south to Matelot in the north. It is an area of pristine waterfalls, emerald green pools and swift rivers including the Matura, Salybia, Ro Seco, Tompire, Grande Riviere and Shark.
The Mermaid Pools, where the Matura River meanders through lush pine forest, are ideal for swimming or simply relaxing. The Manuelot Pool with its fifty-foot limestone escarpment provides another spot for a cool dip. The Rio Seco Sulphur Springs with its strands of sulphur wafting in the water are a natural spa.
Declared a protected area in 1934, the Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve is one of Trinidad's oldest nature reserves. It covers 16,000 acres and is located in Southeast Trinidad, west of Guayaguayare. This sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including ocelots (Trinidad's only wildcat), capuchin monkeys, red howler monkeys, deer, manicou (opossums), lappe, matte (tegu lizard), agouti, quenk (collared peccary), tatoo (armadillo), bellbirds, parrots, toucans and pigeons. It has several rivers, streams and waterfalls. Also within the reserve lies Lagon Bouffe, a 100 metre wide mud volcano covering about 2 hectares. Access to the reserve is restricted and a tour guide is recommended.
The Caroni Swamp National Park is located approximately 30 minutes outside the capital city of Port of Spain. A combination of marshland, mangrove swamp, tidal mudflats, brackish and saline lagoons, the swamp boasts diverse wildlife. More than 186 species of birds, 32 species of bats, red howler monkeys, white-fronted capuchin monkeys, along with caimans, anteaters and tree boas make their home in the swamp. But the highlight of any visit to the Caroni Swamp is the sight of brilliantly hued flocks of Scarlet Ibis returning to roost during the last two hours of daylight. Facilities at the park include a bird-viewing platform, washrooms and boardwalk trail. A permit is required to explore this national park except when on guided boat tours, which are available daily.
Trinidad and Tobago's largest wetland, the Nariva Swamp, is located on the east coast of Trinidad, and spread over some 32 square miles. A combination of mangrove swamp forest, palm forest, swamp wood and freshwater marsh, the Nariva Swamp is also home to an incredibly diverse range of reptiles, mammals and birds. There are over 171 species of birds in Nariva, including 5 species of Parrots, 2 species of owls, 2 species of trogons, and 11 species of hummingbirds. The area is also home to Trinidad's last surviving colony of the West Indian Manatee.
Access to this area is restricted.
Other Wildlife Reserves are:
- Arena Forest
- Chaguaramas National Park
- Saut d'Eau Island
- Soldado Rock
- Aripo Savannah
Pitch Lake, La Brea
The 90 acre Pitch Lake at La Brea, Trinidad, is the largest in the world.
There is a small museum at the site that houses artifacts recovered from the lake on the site. Most of the surface is firm enough to walk on, but there are soft spots where any weight can sink below the surface. The site is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and admission includes a guided tour. It is recommended that you only use approved tour guides.