Why a hike to Paria Waterfall is a must!

by cellyhikes, posted in New, Waterfalls

Is there any hiking trail in Trinidad and Tobago more infamous than Paria Waterfall and Beach? Paria is feared, revered and marveled by persons who have never even been on this hike before, and for those who have, it is typically listed as one of their favorite hiking trails. It is somewhat a stamp of your authority as hiker to be able to say “Yes, I’ve been to Paria before”.

My first time visiting Paria was in 2015 and since then I have been back in 2017 and 2018. So why do people keep going back to Paria? What is it about Paria that always attracts hikers and campers throughout the year?

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My first time visiting Paria (2015)

To be honest, for me, it is not just about the gorgeous waterfall and beach. I thoroughly enjoy this hike because the trail itself is gorgeous and there are so much to enjoy on your way to the beach. For example:

The Tree of Life? ♣

The Tree of Life or Yggdrasil is a term used in Norst Mythology to describe an enternal enormous green ash tree that is planted in the middle of Asgard (the home of the gods and goddesses). It is said that it was on one of the branches of this tree that Odin hung himself in order to discover the secret of the runes. Now, is this the Tree of Life? Probably not, however it is one of the most impressive sites that you will come upon along the Paria trail. If you have ever been to Paria, I am pretty sure you remember it and if you have never been on this hike before, be sure to look out for it along the way! ♥

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My favorite tree

 

Turtle Rock ♥

Yes, it really looks like a turtle! Do you the resemblance?

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Turtle Rock as seen from the Paria Trail.

You arrive at the starting point of this short trail when you are about 5/6 of the way to Paria Bay. It is the perfect stop to regroup, relax and take some pics while you enjoy the view.

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The view from Turtle Rock

The trail 

If you are a nature lover, like myself, you will enjoy this trail. The greenery, the sounds of the birds and monkeys in the trees, the feeling of the cool fresh breeze on your face and the sunlight shining through the canopy, make this trail one of the most serene trails in Trinidad.

Yes, it is challenging and it can be described as a series of uphill stretches followed by downhill treks. And yes, it takes the average hiker approximately 1.5 – 2 hrs one way to get from the start of the trail to the beach but it is worth it for sure!

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Paria Trail

 

NB: However, if you do not think you have the fitness level necessary for this hike, there is the option to take a boat across. The boatmen usually charges between TTD $400 – $600 to take you from the fishing depot at Blanchisseuse to Paria beach and back. You will miss out on the tree and the trail, but will still catch a glimpse of Turtle Rock.

PS. A little about me, I have been hiking for about 5 years and I am currently a hikeleader with HikersUnited (IG and FB).

Much Love

CS

22 thoughts on “Why a hike to Paria Waterfall is a must!”

  2. Looks like a lovely hike. Especially since you have an opportunity to take a nice swim at the end. It’s not hard to see why you like this trail so much. And yes, that rock most definitely resembles a turtle. Fun!

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  4. This makes me want to hit the gym, to get fit for that kind of hike. I can’t imagine anything more beautiful than hiking through the forest, and then coming upon a beach. Turtle Rock looks great. Is this what the makers of The Neverending Story were inspired by?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Lololol I don’t know….but maybe? It seems like it could be the inspriation for that book and movie. But yes…it is a beautiful hike…and that tree…really is amazing 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
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