Camp out at Brasso Seco

Placed in the centre of the community, there is a visitors’ facility where local refreshments are on sale and information about its natural resources is available. Few people knew about the place until the plane crash of sports hero Mikey Cipriani on June 3, 1934. His decomposed body was found 11 days after on the outskirts of the town in a remote area called El Chiquero. It can take several days to explore this vast landscape and to appreciate its riches, one has the option of camping out and doing daily hikes.

An eight-mile walk through the forest will lead to Paria Bay and waterfall. This trail is mostly flat with mild inclines and to reach the bay can take twothree hours.

On the eastern end there is the Madamas Road which is eight kilometres long. This path leads to the river where you discover Macajuel Pond and Madamas Falls. Along the way, the Sobo River crosses the footpath and a ten-minute diversion leads to the sensational Double River Falls. The terrain is beautified by vibrant green christophene vineyards, which grow abundantly alongside the footpath. There is a confluence of the Madamas River to the east and the Sobo River to the west.

Together the two rivers form the larger Madamas River, and further upstream there is the Madamas Falls.

Along its course, the river passes through a gorge and plunges over an escarpment into a large basin known as Macajuel Pond. There are two routes to access the pond –the first is a downstream walk along the Sobo River Bed. The second and preferred course is for the adventurous with a gorge to explore and a pool to jump.

On Saturday Island Hikers goes on a forest walk to Paria Bay and waterfall and on Sunday, a visit Macajuel Pond. There is the option to camp out in Brasso Village where there is a house to provide the essentials.

A tent is required for camping.

The journey to Macajuel Pond starts on the Madamas Road at Pole #90 where the vehicles are parked. The expedition to the river is along a muddy road and will take one-anda- half to two hours.

Saturday: Paria Bay and waterfall Rated: 4 (moderately challenging) Walking time three hours one-way Sunday: Macajuel Pond Rated: 4 Walking time: two hours one-way Assembly on both days: 7 am corner of O’Meara Road and Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Arima (next to FT Farfan).

Children: seven years and over Bring along a change of clothing, shoes and waterproof bag Note: An exploration of the river requires one to get wet and a change of clothing is necessary.

Life jackets will be provided to hikers.