Length: 9 miles. Time: 5 hours each way. Difficulty: 3. Trailhead: About four miles east of Arima, a steep road follows the Aripo River to Dandrade Trace, a distance of about 10 miles.

Trinidad 's highest peak is El Cerreo del Aripo (3,083 feet), a noteworthy climb of nine miles that also leads to the Aripo Caves, Trinidad's largest cave system which also contains oilbirds (often seen from the entrance).

You pass through Aripo village on the way, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to arrange a guide for the ascent trail, which is sometimes difficult to discern. The undulating path crosses streams, goes up and down limestone cliffs and through upper montane rain forest. All in all, it's an excellent variety.

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