Hike to Aripo Waterfall & Pot Pools – Easy

hat better way to close off 2023 that with a hike!
DESTINATION: Aripo Waterfall

EVENT DESCRIPTION:
The Village of Aripo is located North East of the town of Arima and nestled in one of the valleys of the Northern Range, Trinidad. Join us as we take a drive along the meandering roadway and through the montane forests. Enjoy the refreshing air and cool temperature as we navigate through the lush, green trees and make our way to the Aripo River.

Hike Info
• Location of start of hike: Outskirts of Aripo village
• Approximate start time of hike: 7:30 am
• Approximate end of hike: 12 noon
• Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 10 (1= very easy, 10 = very strenuous)
• Intensity: Easy
• Hike Duration:
o Time going: 20 mins
o Time at destination: 1 – 2 hours
o Time returning: 20 mins

Terrain Description: We begin our trek by a short, paved road walk (10 mins), then a descent of moderate but short incline off the road and onto the hiking trail which leads us to the Aripo river where another waterfall and large deep pool is located. Trail is shaded throughout, but pool and waterfall is exposed to full sun from around 11am.

All quoted times are based on average driving & hiking times and can vary based on traffic, the fitness of the group and how fast we move, the amount of rest stops taken, any unforeseen variations in the terrain (e.g. fallen trees), the weather etc.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION:
Assembly area: Carpark of the Food Basket Compound Arima (We do not park here, we assemble so that all parties are together before heading to the start of the hike)

Assembly Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time from Assembly Point: 7:00 am

When you arrive at the assembly point, please locate our hike leaders, attired in red, black and orange Palance868 T-shirts. Here you must sign our attendance register with an emergency contact included, get a wristband and a vehicle ribbon tag. The group will then be briefed on the drive to the start of the hike. We depart as a group and drive in convoy style to the start of the hike, where we will park our vehicles and do any official briefing to commence the hike.

COST:
TT $75.00 per hiker (This DOES NOT include transportation. Palance868 does not provide transportation unless specifically requested by groups of 4 or more persons)
All payments are made through Republic Bank, either online transfer or in bank deposits (at the Teller or using the Fast Deposit option)

Vehicle security contribution: $30 per vehicle to have someone from the village stay with our vehicles while we are away. This is payable in cash on the morning. Please walk with exact change to facilitate this.

HOW TO BOOK:
A booking is required for all Palance868 events for safety and group size control.
To book Whatsapp us at (868) 7479655
Please provide the following for EACH attendee:
1. Full name (age if under 18 yrs) & cell contact
2. Emergency name and contact info
3. List of any major medical issues, these include allergies, asthma, heart issues, bone, joint or muscle injuries
4. Any medication taken, name and dosage
5. Is attendee a swimmer or non-swimmer?
Most hikes are not suitable for children under the age of 3 years. No babies in arms/baby backpacks or strollers will be allowed. Exceptions will be made for our very experienced and fit hikers, who have navigated similar trails with their kids and have proper hiking carriers. Some medical conditions may hamper your ability to participate in certain hikes and as such, please discuss this when making your booking.

PREPARATION GUIDELINES:
If you are a first-time hiker, please use this list of recommended hiking essentials for your personal preparation
1. At least 2L of potable water (refilling in rivers and streams along the way is not recommended)
2. Juice/energy drinks, snacks, sandwiches (ensure packaging is watertight if hike is water based)
3. Small garbage bag for your personal trash
4. Sun Protection: Sunblock/ Hat/ Sunglasses
5. Short or Long pants/tights and loose tops recommended, bathing suits can be worn underneath, if you choose to wear short pants, please opt for a long socks to protect skin from scrapes and bruises
6. Comfortable footwear, sneakers with good grips or hiking boots are a MUST! (Check for any signs of it unsticking or dry rotting)
7. Insect Repellent – OFF, Citronella Oil or Odomos
8. Personal Medication
9. A comfortable backpack (with 2 straps) leaving your hands free to navigate trail help or a friend
10. Waterproof protection for cell phone/camera & anything that cannot get wet (if you are using Ziploc bags, please double or triple up on them)
11. Towel, change of clothing and footwear (e.g. slippers) to be left in the vehicles
12. Plastic bag for your wet clothes
13. Some fresh water left in vehicles to rinse off after hike (mud is to be expected at all hikes)

SAFETY CHECKLIST:
We take every precaution to ensure that you and your loved ones are taken good care of at any of our events. The Palance868 Adventures Safety/Hiking Checklist includes:
> All Covid-19 protocols observed
> Lifejackets for all attendees
> Ropes (will be placed where needed)
> First Aid Kits
> First Aid Trained Hike Leaders
> Trained & certified First Responder
> Medical Doctor on team’s committee
> PADI certified rescue diver
> Rescue Can
> Machetes
> Rope ladder

DISCLAIMER:
Palance868 Adventures reserves to right to cancel or postpone any event due to adverse weather or any other conditions we deem to be unsafe for our hikers. In the event that an event is cancelled before the day of its execution, full refunds will be issued. While we take every reasonable precaution to ensure your safety, each person who participates in any Palance868 Adventures Club event accepts full responsibility for making their own decisions and determinations for their own safety, health conditions, conduct and well-being. Each person who participates in any Palance868 Adventures Club event recognizes that possible health and safety hazards exist when attending any outdoor and/or indoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. We reserve the right to refuse admittance to any person for any reason.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
> Cancellations made more than 5 days before the event are entitled to a full refund
> Cancellations made 5-3 days before will have 50% fee attached
> There is a no refund policy for cancellations made less than 3 days before the event