Island Hikers

Chacachacare is the largest Island in the Western Isle of Trinidad and Tobago ,located just seven miles from Venezuela.

In 1924 a leper colony was established by Dominican Nuns known as The Hansenian Settlement to house 500 patients.The island was busting with activity ,there were wards for male and female patients,workmen,a doctors and nurses quarters ,a chapel,a cinema and a nunnery.

In 1984 the island was abandon and all is left to day are the leprosarium ruins.The Island has been left to the grace of nature, the beds and hospital equipment still remain in the same spot,untouched after 37 years..

.The history that surrounds the island will remain forever in our hearts.Many of the nuns who devoted their lives to taking care of the sick ,contracted and died from hansen disease.To be sent to Chacachacare was like a death sentence, as patients had to spend the rest of their lives separated from their loved ones.Males and females were restricted from communicating with each other in fear of unwanted pregnancy.

Is it the island unique horseshoe shape or the splendid views of the South American Coastline or could it be the dolphins swimming across the bay but their is a magical sensation of serenity that radiates across the horizon.

.On Sunday 19th June Island Hikers will take you on a short hike to Bandu Su Bay (a pebbly beach on the south western end of the island ) ,a tour of the Nunnery and a visit to the Salt Pond. For more information call Mario 749-2956 or islandhikers.com.

 

 

 Island Hikers upcoming

 

Sun19th June'11................Chacachacare Island (Bandu Su Bay ) Family Hike 

 

Assembly :7.00 AM KFC Carpark West Mall

 

Rating :3 fair

 

Return time :3pm

 

Hiking time 45 mins one-way

 

Cost $120.00

Additional secure parking at Island Home $ 20.00

Kids under 11 years $90.00