El Cerro del Aripo
Mountain Trinidad's highest mountain and biodiverse cloud forest summit
Rising in Trinidad’s Northern Range, El Cerro del Aripo is the island’s highest peak with cloud-forested slopes and panoramic ridgelines. Hikers seek steep trails, birdwatching and cooler highland vegetation uncommon elsewhere on the island.
El Cerro del Aripo is the highest mountain in Trinidad and Tobago, rising to about 940 metres above sea level. It forms part of the island’s Northern Range and is the country’s principal highland summit.
The slopes host montane and cloud forest habitats with species adapted to cooler, wetter conditions than the lowlands, and several trails provide routes to the summit for day hikes. Weather can change rapidly and parts of the route cross steep and vegetated terrain.
The mountain is located in the Northern Range on the main island of Trinidad, near ridge lines that overlook both the Caribbean coast to the north and interior valleys to the south. Access is typically from local trailheads reached by road from nearby northern towns and villages.
- Highest point: at 940 metres above sea level it is the highest peak in Trinidad and Tobago and is often paired with nearby El Tucuche by hikers visiting the Northern Range.
Tips for Visiting El Cerro del Aripo #
- Start the hike very early to reach the summit before afternoon cloud and rain build in the Northern Range; morning summit views are usually clearest.
- Use a reputable local guide or join a known hiking group-routes can be steep, wet and slippery, and guides know the safest trails and current conditions.
- Plan your trip on a dry-weather day and allow time for river crossings and muddy sections; the peak sits in cloud forest, so conditions change quickly and go beyond a typical day hike.
Best Time to Visit El Cerro del Aripo #
Hike El Cerro del Aripo in the dry season (roughly December-May) for the best trail conditions and visibility.
Weather & Climate near El Cerro del Aripo #
El Cerro del Aripo's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1755 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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May
May is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (210 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (234 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
