Rio Seco Waterfall & Pool Adventure – Easy to Fair Hike

DESTINATION: Rio Seco Waterfall
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
Situated in NE Trinidad, the Matura National Park was designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area in 2004 under the EMA’s Environmentally Sensitive Area Rules. It is home to several Environmentally Sensitive Species including the Ocelot and Trinidad Piping-Guan, as well as the orchid Oncidium citrinum which is also highly vulnerable. These are all under threat from squatting, pollution, poaching and over-hunting. A mountainous area of the Matura National Park also comprises many small streams which flow into adjoining rivers such as the Shark River and the Rio Seco River.

Rio Seco waterfall is located within this national Park. Rio Seco is Spanish for “dry river” but this picturesque waterfall with its wide emerald green swimming pool is everything but dry. How then can this river be once called dry? If one were to follow the river far and long enough upstream, there are points where the river “disappears’ beneath its bed of porous limestone and the riverbed appears to be dry. Rio Seco is thought to be one of the largest natural river pool in T&T and possibly the deepest so life jackets are provided for those non swimmers wishing to take a dip. The trail to this exquisite spectacle of nature is mapped alongside and atop the river’s bank for the most part and is nestled in a canopy of approximately 3000 hectares of mostly Montane rainforest, Evergreen Seasonal and Lower Montane forests.

HIKE INFORMATION:
• Location of start of hike: Salybia
• Approximate start time of hike: 8 am
• Approximate end of hike: 3 pm
• Difficulty Rating: 3.5 out of 10 (1= very easy, 10 = very strenuous)
• Intensity: Easy to Fair
• Hike Duration:
o Time going: 1 hour
o Time at destinations: 1 – 2 hours
o Time returning: 1 hour

Terrain Description: The trek takes us along a short road walk from where we are parked then through picturesque Mora forests that beautifully shade both sides of the trail making the walk cool and enjoyable. In recent times a few trees have fallen so there will be some areas where you will have to walk around or over tree trunks. The trail has a few areas that are also very muddy so sneakers that lace up and cannot slip off and that have good grips are recommended. We wade across two small streams along the way so shoes will get wet. For the more adventurous hiker, there is the option to climb to various levels of the waterfall and take the feet-first plunge into the pool below.

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: Arima (Exact location provided upon booking for safety reasons)

Assembly Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time from Assembly Point: 7 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
All payments are made through Republic Bank, either online transfer or in bank deposits (at the Teller or using the Fast Deposit option)

These costs do NOT include transportation.
Vehicle security contribution: $30 per vehicle to have someone stay with the 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. 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