Hiking & Trekking in Trinidad and Tobago

If you’re looking to stretch your legs and breathe fresh air, hiking in Trinidad and Tobago offers some of the most refreshing escapes you can find in the Caribbean. The island’s hills and forests have that slightly wild, unpolished feel , no crowds, just the sounds of birds and the occasional, curious critter.

For example, the hike up El Cerro del Aripo, Trinidad’s highest peak, has you wading through thick rainforest and sometimes knee-deep mud, but reaches a view you won’t forget. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve spotted hummingbirds flitting around the wild orchids there. And if you’re around early enough, you might catch the sunrise lighting up the Northern Range.

In Tobago, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is something else. It’s older than the Amazon by some accounts, and its hiking trails like the Gilpin Trail are quiet but lush. Bring snacks with you, because the nearest little town is a good walk away. Quick tip: wear sturdy shoes with grip – the trails get slippery after rain, which is basically every afternoon during the wet season.

Hiking here isn’t about luxury or fancy trails, it’s about getting down and dirty with nature. And if you want a break, the famous Maracas Bay is not far from many Trinidad hikes, so you can cool off in the surf after a sweaty scramble.