Rincón Waterfall

Rincón is an agricultural community located on the North Coast Road, approximately 2 km from the Las Cuevas Beach Facility. Its history dates back to 1795 when Governor José María Chacón granted 1,250 acres of land to the Spanish Treasurer, José Ramón Muxica, to establish an estate. The Las Cuevas Estate, which included the Rincón Valley, stretched from the sea to the foothills of El Tucuche. The estate was bordered by two rivers: the Curaguate or Rincón River to the northeast and the Quebrada De Hierro to the west. In 1797, the land was sold to Valentín de Basanta, who planted sugarcane. However, following the Slave Amelioration Act of 1824, the estate went bankrupt and was put up for sale. According to English surveyor Frederick Mallet, the estate's population included 2 white men, 2 colored men, 2 colored women, 40 male slaves, 14 female slaves, and 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls). Within a few years, cocoa replaced sugarcane as the dominant crop, and today, unmanaged cacao trees are a testament to the estate's vibrant history.

The name "Rincón," meaning "in a corner" in Spanish, reflects the area's use as a transshipment point between the rugged North Coast and the old capital, San José de Oruña. The Rincón Valley is overshadowed by the prominent peaks of El Tucuche (936m), and within its boundaries are several fascinating waterfalls. The most magnificent is the Rincón Falls, which stands at 76 meters, making it the second-highest waterfall in the country. The highest, the Maracas Waterfall, is 91.5 meters and is located on the southern side of the Tucuche Mountain in the Maracas St. Joseph Valley. The Rincón Falls cascade over a steep cliff, flowing down a series of rock steps into a large basin. It is a refreshing experience to stand under the waterfall for a soothing massage and to plunge into the pool for a revitalizing swim.

The trek to Rincón Falls begins in Rincón Village and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the destination. The expedition can be completed as a circuit, with the return route taking a different path on the left-hand side of the valley. The first 20 minutes of the journey involve an invigorating ascent, which gradually levels off as the trail reaches the top of the hill. Along the way, hikers pass the enchanted Black Pool and continue along gentle curves along the ridge. The trail eventually descends to a junction, where the right path leads further up the mountain to Habio Falls, while the left path descends to Rincón Falls. The forest echoes with the distinct calls of the black and white male bearded bellbird, known locally as Campanero, as he sings to attract a mate and ward off rival males.

Island Hikers will visit Rincón Waterfall on Independence Day Sat 31st August

• Rating: 3/4 Moderate (some uphill walking)
• Hiking time one-way: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Assembly Point 2: 7:30 AM at Sam’s Bar, Maracas Bay
• Suitable for children 7 years and older with a willingness to walk.
• Habio Falls (optional ) moderately challenging
• cost $80

For more information, please contact Mario at 749-2956, Marcia at 490-2421, Samraj 355-7393, Jamal 761-1889, or visit www.islandhikers.com.