Rincón 2.0

The Spanish word 'Rincón' literally translates as 'corner'. The area originally served as a crossroad between the North Coast and the first capital of Trinidad and Tobago, San José de Oruña (St.Joseph).

The Majestic Rincón Valley on Trinidad’s North Coast, is conveniently located just a couple kilometers after the Maracas Bay Beach Facilities.

The history of this rural community goes back to the late 18th Century when just over 1000 acres of land was granted to the Spanish Treasurer Jose Ramon Muxica. With this, he established the Las Cuevas estate. This estate encompassed the Rincón Valley and spanned all the way from the sea to the foothills of the enigmatic El Tucuche peak. Shortly after, it was sold to Valentin de Basanta and was used for sugar cane cultivation. With the slave amelioration act of 1824, it quickly faced bankruptcy, put on the market and was eventually developed as a cocoa estate. Exploring this valley today, cocoa tress can still be found deep in the forest; a tell tale sign of its history… and of course, a tasty snack offering while making your way to the lush waterfalls.

The Rincón Valley is boarded by two rivers, Quebrada De Hierro on the east and Curaguate or Rincon River on the west. This makes it ideal for a few expedition options (see our listing). This one is short and sweet… perfect for an early morning adventure.

From our start point, the 4.5km/2.8mi approach to the Rincón Waterfall involves an invigorating ascent. Here the male Bearded Bellbird (locally known as Campanero) usually motivates you along the way with his calls for a female. These calls also serve to ward off any nearby rivals!

This waterfall has an altitude of approximately 75m/245ft (T&Ts 2nd highest) with its source coming from El Tucuche. On offer at this point, is a well deserved waterfall back massage or just a good old refreshing plunge, into one of nature's exquisite pools .

As we carry on, we move into a rappel or 2 back to back rappels (depending on the conditions); either option is enough to awaken those adrenal glands! For the remaining 5km/3mi trek back to base, we will meander our way through the enchanted Black Pools of the valley.

Come see for yourself!

N.B: If you do not have previous experience using rappelling / rock climbing gear and not familiar with the techniques used for this activity, you will be required to participate in the CoolBlue Adventures Rock Climbing/Rappelling Experience (see our listings), prior to embarking on this expedition.