Saint Joseph brings together striking scenery, religious heritage and nature watching. Maracas Waterfall represents the Valley of Maracas; historic churches give the area a second focus. At Yerettê, the focus is on hummingbirds. These places offer different themes to consider when planning a stay in Saint Joseph.

Maracas Waterfall: Scenery and Water Flow

Maracas Waterfall is in the Valley of Maracas in Saint Joseph. At 298 feet (91.5 metres) high, it is considered the tallest waterfall in Trinidad and Tobago. Its water originates in the southern foothills of Mount El Tucuche, Trinidad’s second-highest peak. The source of its water and its height give this waterfall a clear connection to the region’s landscape.

The valley is secluded, and high, vegetation-covered cliffs surround the waterfall. Large boulders lie at its base, and there is no pool. Maracas Waterfall is suited to hikers, nature lovers and outdoor excursions. Anyone expecting a pool at a waterfall should bear this difference in mind when choosing an outing.

During the rainy season, the waterfall carries more water and its spray is more pronounced. It can become dangerous in heavy rain. Its seasonal flow and this warning about heavy rainfall are therefore important considerations if the waterfall is to be the main focus of a visit.

Churches and Religious Heritage

St. Joseph R.C. Church offers a distinct perspective on the area’s architectural history. Its present-day façade has retained much of the character of the original 1815 building. The simple Gothic Revival design features buttresses and large lancet windows. The church cemetery is known for Trinidad’s oldest gravestone. Public access to the church grounds is restricted.

The interior also has several notable features: a Gothic altar engraved with scenes depicting key events in Christian teaching, and stained-glass windows dating from 1900. The high altar is made from fourteen types of Italian marble and was imported from Dublin. These details contrast markedly with the simple design of the façade and add to the picture of the church as a place with several architectural layers.

Another religious building in Saint Joseph is the Jinnah Memorial Mosque, completed in 1954. The National Trust has conducted a virtual tour of the mosque. Together with St. Joseph R.C. Church, it is one of the area’s named religious landmarks, while its history and design each offer their own points of interest.

Hummingbird Watching at Yerettê

Yerettê is in Maracas, Saint Joseph. There, visitors can observe several hummingbird species found in Trinidad and Tobago at close range. Visits are by appointment only; tour times are listed as 8:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Confirm your appointment and time in advance, as these operational details may change.

The differences are practical when choosing between the nature experiences: at Maracas Waterfall, the valley, rocky landscape and stronger seasonal water flow shape the visit. At Yerettê, the focus is on hummingbirds and the need to make an appointment. This lets you choose what interests you most without overlooking the different visiting requirements.

More to Discover in the Wider Tunapuna-Piarco Travel Area

Mount St. Benedict, home to Benedictine monks, is part of the wider Tunapuna-Piarco travel area. In 1912, three monks from the Benedictine monastery of San Sebastien in Bahia, Brazil, settled there. They were led by Abbot Dom Mayeul de Caigny. People visit Mount St. Benedict to seek blessings, pray or spend a quiet moment. Its history and religious use add a distinct regional perspective to the architectural history of the churches in Saint Joseph.

Caura Valley is also part of the wider Tunapuna-Piarco travel area. It is accessible via Caura Royal Road, which branches off Eastern Main Road. Along the winding approach road through the valley, visitors can picnic or swim in the clear waters of the Caura River. Pool Number 1 and Pool Number 2 at the abandoned pumping station are described as popular spots for a “river lime.” These regional landscape and recreation features stand on their own and should be distinguished from the local focus on Saint Joseph.

Discover more destinations: Piarco, Tacarigua, Saint Augustine, Arouca, Kelly Village, Trincity.

Back to the wider travel guide: Tunapuna-Piarco.