Caribbean Multisport—Trinidad & Tobago

This trip is not available at this time. 11/21/2007

Discover two exotic English-speaking islands on one sensational active adventure. The big island of Trinidad bustles with calypso culture while Tobago moves at a slower pace. Both islands offer superlative natural beauty. On this trip you'll trek to a gorgeous rain forest waterfall and kayak on a placid river under arcs of bamboo on the dramatic north coast of Trinidad. Then it's on to hiking hidden trails following the call of raucous howler monkeys, toucans and macaw parrots. Top it all off with a sometimes muddy mountain bike descent from forest to the sea. Tobago offers some of the finest snorkeling in the warm, aqua waters of the Caribbean. Calypso music, great meals and warm hospitality of the local people all make this a trip to remember.

Important Notice: New in 2007, Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.

Voted as one of Outside Magazine "Best Trips of 2005" - Feb. 2005

2007 Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Port of Spain, Trinidad. A group transfer from the airport to our cozy family guesthouse on the outskirts of town will be arranged in conjunction with the arrival time of the majority of the group.  The remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax and enjoy the tropical climate. All meals on your own. Hotel included.

• Day 2

  We begin the day with a bit over an hour drive along Trinidad’s spectacularly rugged North Coast, enjoying fantastic views of the Northern Range as it crashes into the Caribbean Sea. Our adventure kicks off with an easy exploratory 2-mile hike, observing leafcutter ants, jungle birds and the massive blue morpho butterflies. Our destination is a gorgeous waterfall, where a revitalizing swim in the small pool at the base of the falls is the objective. Then it’s off to the beach. At the mouth of the Marianne River, where the placid river waters meet the turbulent Caribbean Sea, we board our wooden kayaks for an easy kayak trip on the river. We’ll glide along with the gentle breezes pushing us further into the river system where the bamboo meets overhead. We return to our same guesthouse as the previous night. Hiking: 2 miles, flat terrain; Kayaking: 1.5-2 hours. All meals included.

• Day 3

  Today it’s an early call, as we depart at 6 a.m. for a 2-hour drive to the east coast and Mt. Harris, the Central Range’s second highest mountain. We start with a short 30-minute mountain bike along an undulating, paved country road before beginning this morning’s hike through the lowland evergreen forest to Mt Harris’ summit. There is the possibility of glimpsing the Red Howler monkeys making their loud and raucous calls. Getting good views means going off the main trail and following their calls. We’ll also be on the lookout for interesting birds such as toucans and manakins. After hiking for about 2 hours, we’ll hop back on our mountain bikes for a short ride along a gorgeous country road to Plum Mitan and a local family’s house for an authentic curry lunch. After lunch and a bit of relaxing, we’re back on our bikes for an hour of fairly strenuous riding along paved and dirt roads through quaint villages, rice fields and undulating terrain with some hills.  We board the bus and drive for 30 minutes to Sangre Grande where we visit a local market and refreshments may be purchased. Then settle in for the 2-hour drive to Grande Riverre along Trinidad’s Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. After dinner, we hit the beach to see leatherback turtles nesting (turtle season runs March through August). Hiking: 6 miles with some rough terrain; Biking: 15-18 miles. All meals included.

• Day 4

  Today’s mountain biking starts quite leisurely under le Grande Almandier’s regal almond trees. We ease into our ride at sea level, meandering through the village following the coastal road towards Matelot.  Along the way we bead-up some sweat while tackling a few challenging hills, then it’s a cool cruise down to the coast where some wonderful scenery awaits. After enjoying the area, we retrace our steps about two thirds of the way back to a foot trail that takes us through magnificent lowland and rain forest. A lovely and refreshing waterfall is our destination. After an invigorating swim we head back to Le Grande Almandier, you have time to relax before dinner with a swim in the sea or a lounge on the beach. Mountain Biking: 12 - 14 miles on flat and hilly terrain; Swimming: river and ocean.  All meals included.

• Day 5

  After breakfast we head out toward Sangre Grande and onto our bikes for a short warm-up ride to the base of Mount Tamana, a hill formed by uplifted coral reef. An intricate system of caves has been carved by running water over thousands of years and is now home to millions of bats. We enjoy lunch before starting our steep hike up to Tamana’s summit where we are treated to spectacular views. Then it’s off to the mouth of Tamana Cave!  Those wanting to can enter and explore the cave where thousands of bats nest.  The adventurous may even wriggle through a small hole that connects the first chamber to the rest of the cave system for some further exploring (those not wanting to enter the cave can wait by the entrance). As the sun sets, we watch at the cave entrance as a river of bats pours forth. After dusk we head back downhill by flashlight. An hour and a half drive brings us to our guest- house which is part of an old monastery complex; we should arrive about by 8:30 p.m. … dinner will be late. Mountain Biking: 20 minutes; Hiking: 2 hours; Caving: 1 hour. During the Wet Season this trail can be muddy and slippery. All meals included.

• Day 6

  Today we head for Tobago - our morning flight is short (35 minutes). Upon arrival it’s off to the world-famous Buccoo reef, where we have the opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. While exploring this spectacular reef formation, be on the lookout for Angel fish, butterfly fish, hawksbill turtles, seahorses and moray eels all living amongst the reef. Optional SCUBA diving will be available on Tobago’s Atlantic coast. After several hours of under water exploration and beach relaxation, we drive a bit further before checking into our lovely beachside lodging in Speyside. Snorkeling: 1-2 hours. (SCUBA is optional.) All meals included.

• Day 7

  After an early breakfast, our toughest hike starts here, going through secondary forest into protected rain forest. Calf muscles burn as we climb this trail as it connects some of Tobago’s highest mountains—we’ll climb to a summit, descend into a valley then climb to the following summit. These climbs and descents are often in slippery/muddy conditions adding to the difficulty but making the trek great fun. At each summit we stop for a snack and breather and have lunch on the summit of Pigeon Hill. We end by steeply descending into Charlottesville. It’s a rugged, magnificent hike, and we’ll allow 5-7 hours to complete it. Back to our Speyside lodging, freshen up and enjoy an excellent local dinner. After dinner there’s often a steel band concert for dancing and relaxing. Hiking: 5-7 hours on hilly and typically muddy terrain. All meals included.

• Day 8

  After breakfast, we drive for an hour to Mt. Irvine and the start of the trip’s grand finale of mountain biking. Our route starts out easy enough along paved roads. Then the climb begins up a tough 1200-foot hill on both dirt and paved roads, emerging at Moriah. You always have the option of jumping off your bike and into the van if your legs tell you it’s time to take a break! The reward for the climb is a wildly fun descent that will keep you on the edge of your seat (several downhill options depending upon the technical skills required). We finally emerge at a secluded beach and enjoy a picnic lunch and time to relax. For those who wish for a strong challenge, you can back-track the morning’s route while the rest of the group returns by van. Once back at Moriah we ride down hill along single track trails to a magnificent waterfall and a quick swim. A final ride back to Mt Irvine before catching our return flight to Trinidad in the late afternoon. This is a long day with a late night. Count on having dinner around 8:30 p.m. this evening.  Mountain biking: 6-7 hours on easy to very steep terrain, some optional stretches are quite technical. All meals included. 

• Day 9

  After breakfast, catch the group transfer back to the airport for homeward-bound flights or spend additional time in Trinidad exploring this incredible country on your own. Breakfast included.

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Single Travelers:

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Single rooms are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Price Includes:

All accommodations; 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners; transportation within Trinidad and Tobago; roundtrip flights between Trinidad and Tobago; local English-speaking guides; snorkel gear; mountain bikes and all kayaking gear.

Not Included:

Airfare to Port of Spain, Trinidad, SCUBA fees, alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; guide gratuities; laundry fees; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.

Qualifications:

This trip is rated moderate [3]. All participants should be in good physical condition, have some previous mountain biking experience and know how to swim. The itinerary contains a variety of activities ranging from mountain biking to kayaking, hiking, and swimming. The mountain biking is challenging with some parts of the ride falling into the moderate plus category. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming. The better shape you are in, the more fun you will have. Get out on those hills on your bicycle if possible!

Biking:

Anyone not wanting to cycle the more difficult parts of the route can walk some of the sections, or plan an alternate activity that day. (The cost of doing a different activity to replace the mountain biking is not included in the trip cost). Snacks and refreshments are provided during cycling, but we encourage you to bring extra high-energy treats you particularly enjoy. We mountain bike between 6-15 miles on 3 different days. Bikes are provided along with water bottles and helmets.

Weather:

Trinidad and Tobago enjoy a hot and humid tropical climate. The average temperature is in the 70s in the highlands and ranges from the high 70s to the low 90s in the lowlands. As we are in the tropics, rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Trinidad and Tobago enjoy a hot and humid tropical climate. The average temperature is in the 70s in the highlands and ranges from the high 70s to the low 90s in the lowlands. As we are in the tropics, rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots and/or cycling helmet if required), and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Space for luggage is very limited - please pack lightly.
• You may wish to bring your own snorkel gear. However, it can be rented on Tobago for the snorkeling part of the trip.
• Bike helmets are provided, but consider bringing your own for personal comfort and fit.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet it drains your body heat. Plan on bringing at least one synthetic shirt that maintains its warmth when wet. Examples of these fabrics would be Capilene, MTS® and Thermax.
• A poncho is wonderful for the hiking portion of the trip but does not work well during the biking portion - you may want to bring both a poncho and rain jacket.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags work great for sorting out dirty or wet clothing.
• You may want to bring a rain cover or some trash bags to protect your daypack or camera, should it rain.
• Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and REI's Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.