Hike to Aripo Blue Basin Falls

A leap off the trail into the river and short walk will take you to the base of the falls, a majestic limestone formation carved by nature. Similar to the Turure Water Steps, Blue Basin Falls provide numerous small pools to take a quick dip or to relax to your leisure. The more adventurous ones can climb the wall and take a soak in the small pools hidden above. These falls are known for its great visual impact and are known as the village jewel, a place you should be sure to visit.

Hikers are asked to meet at the corner of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway and O’Meara Road, Arima at 7 am for a 7.30 am departure.

The Red Brocket (Mazama americana), is a species of brocket deer from forests in South America, ranging from northern Argentina to Colombia and the Guianas. It can also be found in Trinidad. Its body is reddish-brown in colour, with a lighter grayish-brown head and neck, and partially blackish legs. The inner thighs and the underside of the tail are white. Fawns are spotted white and lack the blackish colour to the legs. Only the adult male has antlers, and these are small and spike-like.

This species is the largest of the brockets. The shoulder height is 67 - 80 centimetres (26 - 31 inches) and the head and its body length, 105 - 144 centimetres (41 - 57 inches). These deer typical weigh 24 - 48 kilogrammes (53 - 110 lbs), but exceptional males may get as large as 65 kilogrammes (140 lbs).

The Red Brocket grazes on vegetation, preferring fruit when it is available. It is generally solitary and stays in dense forests and is extremely shy. Interesting fact, the Red Brocket are good swimmers; they could escape enemies if they come upon a body of water they have been known to cover distance of over 300 metres in rivers. The deer may be small but it is one of nature’s best survivors .