Trinidad and Tobago Hiking Matelot River Exploration

Matelot River Exploration
Matelot is a French word that means sailor and on the North Eastern Coast it is the last village where the pitched road ends. The main attraction to the village is the river where two lovely places to picnic are at the Matelot Falls and the River’s Mouth. Beyond the falls, the river continues for miles into some of the most remote regions of the Northern Range a place referred too as Mars. It is always a fascination to explore a river to wander into the unknown and locate the hidden treasures of this gorgeous country-side. Its natural beauty remains untouched with crystal clear basins, magnificent waterfalls and captivating gorges.

The journey up the Matelot River can take at least six hours one-way and should start early in the morning. The river bed is full of challenges with slippery rocks and numerous boulders to climb over. It likes being in adventure land where one has to swim through long gorges and ascend swift flowing waterfalls. Despite the challenges, the trip is worth it since the place is remarkable and unbelievable. Villagers rumor that located upstream there is a mind-blowing fifty foot water-fall that few people have ever gotten the opportunity.

Note: Given the late start from the time taken to reach Matelot; 3hrs + we started the hike late around 10.00 am. Unfortunately it allowed only 3 3/4 hrs to explore the river before turning back. We did not reach the 50 foot waterfalls but based on the data from the GPS and the terrain and topography we had reached, I believe we were within 1 mile of the falls. Due to the heavy rains the preceding night going upriver against the heavy current was quite a task. All in all it was a beautiful expedition and one I hope to finish another time.