Hiking Cumaca Cave: A must-do Caribbean adventure.

Cumaca Cave, Northern Range, Trinidad. Photo: Husiff.

Hiking through Cumaca Cave: A spelunking adventure awaits

Cumaca Cave, nestled deep in the Northern Range of Trinidad, is a hidden gem that continues to intrigue ecologists, hikers and thrill-seekers alike. Known primarily as the largest habitat of the rare and nocturnal Oilbird, Cumaca Cave offers a unique blend of biodiversity, geological marvels, and challenging hiking trails.

For anyone in search of an off-the-beaten-path spelunking adventure in the Caribbean, this cave delivers an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide explores what makes Cumaca Cave a must-visit, how to prepare for the hike, and the fascinating wildlife that inhabits its depths most notably the elusive Oilbird.

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Where is Cumaca Cave?

Cumaca Cave lies within the Cumaca Valley in the eastern portion of Trinidad’s Northern Range. The valley falls within the boundaries of the Valencia Forest Reserve, close to the village of Cumaca, which is reachable via Sangre Grande.

The cave system is formed from limestone rock and shaped over millennia by underground rivers and rainfall, carving out a dramatic subterranean environment. Its seclusion has preserved both its geological features and its sensitive ecosystem, making it one of the most biologically significant cave systems in the Caribbean.

Accessing the trailhead to Cumaca Cave typically requires a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season. From there, the hiking trail is approximately two hours long, depending on the weather and group pace. The route includes river crossings, muddy ascents, dense forest and narrow paths that demand balance and endurance.

The hiking experience

The hike to Cumaca Cave is not for the faint-hearted. It is a moderately difficult to advanced trek that requires a high level of fitness, good footwear and preparation. The journey begins with forest trails covered by the canopies of Bois Canôt, Wild Cocoa, and the towering Immortelle trees. As hikers progress, they are treated to the sounds of the forest: cicadas, green parrots, and howler monkeys echo in the distance.

River crossings along the Cumaca River are frequent, and depending on recent rainfall, some sections may require careful navigation through strong currents or slick rocks. It is advised that hikers go in groups, preferably with a guide familiar with the terrain, especially given the remoteness of the area and the poor phone reception.

After a rigorous climb, the first visual of the Cumaca Cave is astonishing. A large limestone archway, black with moisture and moss, emerges from the forest like the mouth of a beast. The sound of dripping water and the distant calls of the Oilbirds inside create an eerie yet compelling invitation to explore.

Inside the Cumaca Cave

Once inside, visitors are met with a damp, dark, and humid environment. The cave is a twisting tunnel, roughly 400 metres in length, formed by millions of years of water erosion. Headlamps and waterproof boots are essential, as pools of water, bat guano, and slippery surfaces are common.

The cave features several chambers, with high ceilings that house thousands of Oilbirds. Stalactites and stalagmites decorate the interior, creating a natural cathedral-like ambiance. The deeper one ventures, the quieter it becomes, save for the flapping of wings and high-pitched clicking of the Oilbirds.

Hadco Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre (Ecolodge)

HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre is a sanctuary. Nestled in an ancient rainforest, in the Northern Range of the island of Trinidad, the Asa Wright Nature Centre was established in 1967 with a mission to protect part of the Arima and Aripo valleys for wildlife conservation, education, and scientific research. Home to an easily accessible breeding colony of the rare, nocturnal Oilbird, the Centre covers 1,500 acres of protected rainforest, which houses a rich biota with an outstanding species list that includes native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies, and a variety of flowering plant species.

The Oilbird: Guardian of the Cave

The real stars of Cumaca Cave are the Oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) nocturnal, fruit-eating birds that are rarely seen outside of their nesting sites. They are the only nocturnal, fruit-eating birds in the world and are known for their ability to navigate in complete darkness using echolocation, much like bats. This makes them one of the very few bird species to have evolved this trait.

Measuring up to 50 centimetres in length with large eyes, hooked beaks, and reddish-brown plumage speckled with white, the Oilbird may appear intimidating. However, they are completely harmless to humans. Their name comes from the past practice of rendering their fat into oil for lamps a practice now long banned due to their protected status.

How to hike to Cumaca Cave and see Oilbirds in the wild. — *Oilbird in Cumaca Cave, Northern Range, Trinidad. Photo: Husiff.*

Oilbirds feed primarily on the fruits of oil palms and wild laurels. They forage at night, flying as far as 100 kilometres to find food, and return to the cave to roost during the day. Cumaca Cave is their most important nesting site in Trinidad and is under protection by the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division.

Because of their sensitivity to noise and light, visitors are urged to maintain silence and avoid flashing lights while inside the cave. Disturbing the Oilbirds can disrupt their breeding and feeding behaviours, with negative consequences for the colony’s survival.

Why Cumaca Cave matters

Cumaca Cave is more than a hiking destination; it is an ecological sanctuary. The cave and the surrounding forest support a rich ecosystem that includes bats, amphibians, rare insects, freshwater crabs, and an abundance of plant species. Many scientists and students visit the cave for biological research, especially concerning the behavioural patterns of the Oilbird.

The cave is also a living classroom for geologists, who study the limestone formations and hydrology of the area. Speleologists (cave scientists) regard Cumaca Cave as one of the finest examples of tropical cave systems in the Western Hemisphere.

Due to its ecological importance, Cumaca Cave has been designated as a protected area under the Forests Act. It is crucial that all visitors adhere to the principles of “leave no trace” taking out all trash, avoiding physical contact with wildlife, and not removing natural objects from the site.

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What you need to know before you go

Planning a successful trip to Cumaca Cave requires thorough preparation. The following is a checklist of essentials for any would-be explorer:

Guided tour: Always travel with a guide who knows the terrain and the cave. Many tour groups offer scheduled trips, especially in the dry season.

Gear: Wear long sleeves, waterproof hiking boots, and bring gloves. A helmet and a reliable headlamp with extra batteries are mandatory.

Food and water: Pack light snacks and carry enough water to last the entire journey. There are no facilities along the trail.

First aid: A small first aid kit should be in every hiker’s backpack. Antiseptic, bandages, and medication for insect bites are recommended.

Respect wildlife: Do not feed or try to touch any animals. The ecosystem is fragile and easily disrupted.

Permits: While casual hikers may access the cave informally, researchers and groups should obtain permission from the Forestry Division.

Best time to visit

The dry season, typically from January to May, is the ideal time for hiking to Cumaca Cave. The trail is safer, the river crossings more manageable, and the risk of flash flooding inside the cave is greatly reduced. Birdwatchers may plan their visits during the Oilbird breeding season, usually from March to July, but must exercise greater caution to avoid disturbing nesting colonies.

Weekends often see more groups visiting, so if you prefer solitude and a quieter experience, plan your hike during the week.

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The growing interest in spelunking tourism

Cumaca Cave is rapidly becoming one of Trinidad’s premier destinations for eco-tourism and spelunking tourism, attracting adventurers from across the Caribbean and the Americas. The rise in interest offers opportunities for local tour guides, conservation groups and community-based tourism businesses. However, this also brings increased responsibility to manage the human footprint left behind.

Preserving the Cumaca Cave experience for future generations requires cooperation between hikers, tour operators, environmentalists and the government. With proper education and sustainable practices, Cumaca Cave can remain both a sanctuary for wildlife and a world-class destination for adventure seekers.

A journey worth taking

Hiking through Cumaca Cave is not simply a physical challenge; it is a journey into one of the most remarkable natural environments in Trinidad. The beauty of the trek, the grandeur of the cave, and the mystique of the Oilbirds combine to create an experience that is deeply rewarding and spiritually enriching.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a spelunking enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper connection with the land, Cumaca Cave offers something that few places can authentic, unspoiled adventure. It reminds us of the importance of protecting our natural heritage and the power of the wild to transform us when we step outside our comfort zones.

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