Exploring bat caves in Trinidad
2010-11-10
Fearless travelers with a need for adventure can visit Trinidad, where tour companies like Paria Springs will take visitors to the summit of Mount Tamana and into the island's cave system.
According to the New York Times, the hike to the 1,000-foot peak takes about half an hour of arduous climbing. At the conclusion of the climb, travelers are rewarded with a stunning view of the island's mountain ranges and a chance to descend into part of the island's cave system.
According to Courtenay Rooks, the owner of Paria Springs, over 500,000 bats belonging to more than 12 different species live in this cave system.
"When you look at the faces of the people on the tour, they’re usually a mix of excitement and fear," he described.
Travelers then have the option of entering a second, deeper chamber, where the bats reportedly have a wingspan of up to one foot.
The expedition offered by Paria Springs is an all-day trip that costs $85 per person, including the cost of transportation, food and drinks.
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