Discovering Mt El Tucuche
Mt. El Tucuche with an altitude of 937metres (3075 feet) is the 3rd tallest peak in Trinidad and Tobago. It is just 10 feet shorter than the highest mountain El Cerro Del Aripo and 3 feet shorter than the newly discovered El Pico Es Condido. Among hikers, it is the preferred mountain to climb mainly because of its easily accessible location of latitude 10.7333 and longitude 61.4166. It is recognisable by its two altitudinous peaks and two places to look at its grandeur are Luengo Village in the Maracas St.Joseph Valley and Rincon Village on the North Coast Road. Located at the summit, there is a geodetic survey marker to show its altitude. Recently the National Flag was positioned there along with a concrete base and flag pole. At the top, there is an open space to relax and recover from the strenuous climb. Visible through the bushes on Peak#1 is Las Cuevas while on peak #2 one can see distinct views of Maracas Bay.
Tucuche is an Amerindian word that refers to the hummingbird, and living around its slopes there are many as 13 species. Some common names frequently found there are the Copper-rumped, Black-throated mango, Tufted Coquette, White-chested Emerald, White-neck Jacobin, Blue-chinned Sapphire, Long-billed star throat, Ruby-topaz, Brown Violetear, little hermit, green hermit and Rufous-breasted Hermit. A familiar place to get an educational tour of the hummingbirds is Yerettes in the Maracas St Joseph Valley. Also found on El Tucuche is the indigenous Golden Tree Frog (Phyllodytes Auratus). They live inside the water brackets of the giant bromeliad plant at high elevations of over 700 metres. This frog is endemic to Trinidad however its survival is threatened by forest destruction and man's intervention. Other popular wildlife on El Tucuche is the Red Brocket Deer, the white-bearded Manakin, the Bearded Bellbird, Blue-capped tanager, the Emperor Morpho Butterfly and the mapepire Balsain or the Fer-de-lance (Bothrops atrox).
El Tucuche can be accessed from several routes however the preferred and shortest one is from Hobal Trace in the Maracas St.Joseph Valley. Other optional routes are from Bancal Road in Acono, St Joseph and over-grown trails diverting from the top of Maracas Falls.
The trek to the summit is always a memorable and gratifying experience. Some do it for exercise, the joy of adventure, the satisfaction of accomplishment, and the determination to keep climbing despite one's tiredness. It is a test of one's endurance, and the climb can take between 11/2 -2 1/2 hours depending on one’s fitness. The most difficult part of the climb is the Devil’s Staircase it is so steep that there are ropes to assist. It is located just after the half-way point and is the most perilous part to ascend.
On El Tucuche at elevations over 700 metres, the vegetation is mainly Elfin Woodland, which consists of tree ferns, bromeliads, epiphytes and anare palms. The forest is always wet and the trees grow too short heights of just 25 metres. Because of its constant dampness green moss and fungi grow on the roots and the bark of the trees.
Access to the Second Peak could be sometimes difficult, due to the muddy terrain and fallen trees. The elevation there is 870m or 2854 feet which is much lower than the first peak. However, the once-in-a-lifetime view of Maracas Bay is well worth the effort. Located on the Second Peak is a colourful flower called Psammisia Urichiana with red trumpet-like petals with white and yellow tips. From Second Peak there is a steep and rugged path that descends into the valley in a landmark area known as “The Cross”. However, to venture there requires a competent guide who is familiar with the terrain.
On the return, there is the option to divert from the main track and visit the Morang Pools for a refreshing dip. This route passes through an abandoned cocoa estate and growing abundantly are the tonka bean trees. Lying on the Foot-hills of El Tucuche is T&T’s highest waterfall, Maracas Falls at 91.5 m or 300feet high. A climb to the summit of El Tucuche is a must on many adventurers’ bucket lists and Raymond Banfield now deceased climbed it on his 90th birthday.