El Cerro del Aripo

Tour Details:

El Cerro del Aripo ... ('The Mountain of Aripo'), standing at 940m/3084ft., is Trinidad & Tobago's highest peak. Our journey for this trek will start with a 35min drive into the La Laja South Rd. This drive will take you deep into Trinidad & Tobago's Northern Range. You will be surrounded by lush vegitation with a good chance of wildlife sightings. Based on the event logistics, this trek can also be started from the Brasso Seco Village.

THE TREK

The hike up to the summit does have some challenging gradients but nothing too challenging for the person with an average fitness level; just take things in stride and all will be fine! Yes, you will be in a high humidity environment, if you do this one during the rainy season (June- December), the showers will certainly be a blessing! If you're lucky, you may even get a walk in the clouds! The rainy season will however bring with it some muddy sections, but this is a fair trade off.

SOME TRIVIA

* 'Aripo' refers to the First Peoples settlement of that area. So the full name 'Cerro Del Aripo' is a reflection of
colonial mapping by the Spanish as well as indigenous heritage.

* This area hosted a significant First Peoples settlement and is deemed a spiritual site. The trails lead to
sacred forests and water sources. The forest was a source of medicinal plants and was also used for
ceremonial purposes.

* During colonization, this peak served as a geographical marker and strategic lookout.

POSSIBLE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS / FLORA & FAUNA INFO.

* Trinidad Piping-Guan (Pawi); Bearded Bellbird; White - tailed Trogon; many hummingbirds; Agouti; Boa
Constrictor; Golden Tree Frog etc...

* This high altitude rainforest supports ELFIN WOODLAND (Stunded Trees, Moss covered limbs, endemic
mosses and lichens.