Trinidad and Tobago Hiking Brutal Acono-El Tucuche Maracas Acono.

D BRUTAL 6th ..… Sat 21st Sept’13
There is always a feeling of accomplishment to be able to climb, the highest and most challenging peaks.
"D Brutal" is the name given to the ultimate challenge hikeand despite the difficulty old, young and experience hikers are enthusiastic in putting their fitness to the extreme test. The trek organised by Island Hikers and Fitness Walkers is a fun event and should not be considered a race. Over the years, the popularity has increased, and it is now in the sixth year. The course will take and estimated eight hours to complete and consist of four legs each with a different challenge. The starting location is at Hobal Trace located in the Maracas St. Joseph Valley. The first part of the journey is to ascend the twin peaks of Mt.El Tucuche (3072 feet or 936 meters. At the summit magnificent views of Las Cuevas on peak one and from peak two an aerial view of Maracas Bay. Growing between the peaks are giant bromeliads where the golden tree frog can be located. The trek continues with a steep descend to Maracas Bay and finishes with a gruesome climb over the Lloango Mountain.


Leg 1: Hobal Trace to the summit of Mt.El Tucuche.
Starting at Hobal Trace a 15 minute warm- up walk to the Morang River, then up the agonizing Devil Staircase to El Tucuche. Estimate time 2 hours or depending on one’s fitness. At the summit, hikers will re-group for the descent to Maracas Bay.

Leg 2: From the El Tucuche summit to the Cross.
From the second peak of Mt.El Tucuche, a steep descend to a landmark known as the Cross. There is an Iron cross identifying the burial site of a hermit woman called Sister Beatrice who once lived there. This area is a watershed that separates the valleys of St Joseph and Las Cuevas. (Hiking time 1 1/2 hours)

Leg 3: The Cross to Maracas Bay.
From the junction at The Cross a downhill trudge to Maracas Bay (hiking time 1 to 1/2 hours)

LEG 4 MARACAS BAY TO HOBAL.
From Maracas Bay over the steep Lloango Mountain to Hobal Trace. The steep climb over Lloango Mountain is the ultimate test for your already aching muscles. (Hiking time 2 1/2 hours)