Matura National Park
Matura National Park is an environmentally sensitive area in Trinidad, in the Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago.
Understand
The park is bounded by three villages: the eponymous 🌍 Matura, 🌍 Salybia on the east coast, and 🌍 Grande Riviere on the north coast. It is best known for its hikes, waterfalls, and nature viewing, particularly of sea turtles.
History
Landscape
The park is mountainous, constituting part of a mountain range that crosses northern Trinidad from west to east.
Flora and fauna
Climate
Tropical, with the wet season occurring during the second half of the year. Temperatures are consistent (and warm) year-round, but reduce slightly at higher elevations.
Get in
Fees and permits
Get around
See
A popular hiking spot accessible via the Rio Seco Trail at the Bajnath Estate is 🌍 Rio Seco Waterfall. It's about an hour's hike each way coming from the estate, but come during the dry season.
- 🌍 Bajnath's Estate Hummingbird Sanctuary, Salybia Matura Trace, ☏ +1 868 728-7386, [email protected]. 8AM-5PM; by appointment. A privately-owned estate within the park, at Rio Seco near the waterfall. You can (and should) book tours or passes through their website for four or eight hours, with the full-day excursion going to the falls. Food is provided at the sanctuary.
- Turtle Village Trust, ☏ +1 868 667-8471, [email protected]. The Trust supports turtle watching sites in Matura, Grande Riviere, and Toco.
Do
Buy
Hummingbird-themed mugs can be purchased at Bajnath's Estate or through their website.
Eat
Full meals, drinks, and buffets are available at Bajnath's Estate on their tour packages.
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
- 🌍 Acajou Hotel, 209 Paria Main Road, Grande Riviere, ☏ +1 868 670-3771, [email protected]. Country cottages just north of the park border in Grande Riviere, with a restaurant and easy beach access. Good starting point for hiking or turtle watching.
- 🌍 Queen's Beach Salybia Nature Resort, Toco Main Rd, Salybia, ☏ +1 868 226-1456, [email protected]. A beachfront hotel in Salybia, a village at the junction of the Toco Main Road and Salybia Matura Trace, the road to the Estate and the national park. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, lounge, and shop.
Camping
- Friday's Riverside Retreat, Matura, ☏ +1 868 322-5608, [email protected]. A campsite. You can rent tents ranging in size and cost, or bring them to camp here.
Backcountry
Stay safe
Go next
- Arima is a major town to the southwest of the park