TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO HIKING EL TUCUCHE TO MARACAS BAY CIRCUIT

D Brutal 7:

There is always a feeling of accomplishment to climb, the highest and most challenging peaks.

"D Brutal" is the name given to the ultimate challenge hike which attracts enthusiastic hikers of different ages and fitness. The event organised by Island Hikers and Fitness Walkers is now in its seventh year. It is a fun event to test one’s fitness and should not be considered a race.

The course consists of four legs that will take an estimate of 5 -8 hours to complete. The starting location is at Hobal Trace in the Maracas St. Joseph Valley. The first part of the journey is to ascend the twin peaks of Mt.El Tucuche 936 meters. The trek continues with a steep descend to Maracas Bay and finishes with a gruesome climb over the Lloango Mountain.

At the finish participants rewarded with a commemorative medal, t-shirt, food and refreshments. Upon completion, there is an optional to experience the Ice-Bucket Challenge along with a photo.


Trail Description

Leg 1: Hobal Trace to the summit of Mt.El Tucuche.
Starting at Hobal Trace a 15 minute warm- up to the Morang River, then an agonizing ascend to El Tucuche from the Devil Staircase. Depending on one's fitness the estimated hiking time to the summit 2 hours. Re-Group for the descent to Maracas Bay.


Leg 2: Mt.El Tucuche to the Cross.
From Mt.El Tucuche second peak, a steep descend to a forest 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 2- 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 St.Joseph
From Maracas Bay a climb over the steep Lloango Mountain to return at Hobal Trace. This is the ultimate test for one’s already aching muscles. (Hiking time 2 1/2 hours)