Paria by Dusk
Doing this timeless classic at dusk and Crossing Paria Bay at this time, definitly gives you a different perspective. As you re-enter the canopies under the cover of darkness... this is when things get interesting!
Tour Details:
This popular getaway for Trini's and foreigners alike, can very likely be heard in conversation amongst hikers over generations. Despite this, many of us still have not made the trek...especially at dusk!
Getting to this glorious bay is not as far as you may think. From the Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge, it's just 6.5km/4mi; if you fancy knocking off a couple km/miles, you can always start further in. The trek takes you through undulating rainforest terrain, with a couple challenging gradients; just move at a moderate pace and all will be fine!
Along the way you will be treated with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. One of the more favored ones being 'Turtle Rock', a small peninsula rock formation which resembles the head of a turtle. Making a detour to the head, you can quite often view Green Turtles swimming in the bay; a perfect compliment to the name. Some hikers even brave the jump!
On Paria Bay touchdown, you will be rewarded with a pristine stretch of coastline that spans just about 1.5km/1mi. You will also get the ultimate photo op at the 'Paria Arch' also known as Cathedral Rock. During turtle season it is not unusual to encounter hatchlings and nesting turtles on this bay. At dusk, you have a much better chance of this encounter.
From mid bay, the Paria Waterfall is just over 1km/0.6mi away. It boasts a powerful cascade of about 30m/98ft which lands in a large, crystal clear, deep plunge pool. Some of the more ambitious swim against the flow to get under and behind the falls. If it's not gushing too heavily, you may sneak a quick back massage on the fringes; either way, taking a dip is well worth it.
“Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make! (Stoker 1924)”
With this phrase in mind, the trek back under the dark canopies is definitly a different dymanic. With good light and good guidance, all will be fine!
If you get lucky, you may even encounter some of these night children. These can include: the anteaters, the porcupine and the Collared Peccary... just to name a few.
Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge, Paria Main Rd, Blanchisseuse, Trinidad and Tobago
Price Includes:
Required Gear:
Tour guide
Tour sweeper
Headlight/Handheld flashlight (10 TTD rental fee)
Trail shoes
Shorts/sport leggings (dry fit)
Sport top (dry fit)
Backpack
Nutrition & water for 8 HRS
Suggested daypack items:
Insect repellent
Waterproof phone case/bag
Back pack with water reservoir (15 TTD rental fee)
Swimming Gear
Life Jacket
Snorkel Gear
Estimated total distance:
16km/9.9mi
Map of Route
Elevation Profile of Route
Estimated total elevation:
Estimated total elevation: 283m/928ft
