hiking schedules 2020 March, April, May & overseas tours.

Paria Bay is a remote destination on the North Coast located 8km east of the Spring Bridge in Blanchisseue. It lies in the unchartered region between Matelot and Blanchisseuse and the only means to access there is either by boat or by hiking. A visit to Paria is always a preferred goal among nature-lovers, it is a place so beautiful that every Tribagonian should add to their bucket list. Its captivating waterfall is one of the best in the country and few can resist the temptation to take a dip in its refreshing pool. 

            The walk from the Spring Bridge will take approximately 2 hours. The trail, which meanders up and down the coast, is broad and well defined with rolling hills. On the first part of the journey, the trail is open to the exposure of the sun however on the second half it remains covered by forest growth. Along the way, a beautiful rest spot to re-energise, take selfies and enjoy the cooling sea breeze is Turtle Rock. This is a rocky peninsula surrounded by a seascape of magnificent, coastal sceneries that resembles a turtlehead. The trek continues for a further 20 minutes to descend at the western end of the beach. Most noticeable is the Cathedral Rock, which is a spectacular arch with a protruding piece in the middle that got broken away by sea erosion. Its unique formation surrounded by countless boulders is also a lovely place to take some memorable photos. 

         Paria Bay is approximately 1.5km long. The beach with its silky smooth sand provides ideal conditions for the nesting of the leatherback turtles. During the laying season which ranges between March to July the beach is covered with turtle tracks and buried in the sand are the turtle eggs. It is also a feasting time for the black vultures that patiently wait in the trees for the hackling’s to surface.  The river-mouth situated on the eastern end of the bay is also a favourite recreation spot. At this point, the river has transformed itself into a picturesque lagoon where the water is shallow and calm. During high tide, the backlash of seawater attracts a variety of small marine fish that seize the opportunity to feed in the river. The vegetation at the river’s mouth consists primarily of red mangrove and along the beach towering coconut trees provide a welcoming shade to visitors.

               The walk to the waterfall will take a further 10-15 minutes, it source flows from the Brasso Seco Region. Some vegetation growing alongside its bank are the Maraval Lilies (spathiphyllum cannifolium), Cannonball (couroupita guianensis) and choconia (warszewiczia coccinea). Recently, severe flooding on November 30th, 2017 affected the landscape by rooting up trees and even changing the scenery surrounding the waterfall. However, nature has a way of restoring itself, its wide basin now rejuvenated to its original emerald green colour. The large pool provides fun for everyone and the adventurous can challenge themselves by climbing and jumping off the rocks. Behind the powerful water-drop, there is an overhang to test one skill in swimming against the current.

          Paria is an extraordinary destination to enjoy nature to the fullest, it is one of those must-see places to go. Visitors and weekend campers have a responsibility to protect the environment by not cutting down the valuable forest and leaving their rubbish on the beach. It is critical that we preserve our ecological treasures for future generations to enjoy. Negligence can lead to beach erosion as well as endangerment to wildlife and turtle hatchlings.