visit trinidad

Put the tourists of Trinidad in a room and you’ll have an awkward party: on one side will be wallflower birdwatchers tangled in camera and binocular straps, and on the other – the side with the bar – you’ll have the party-hound Carnival fans turning up the music and trying on their spangly costumes.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Asa Wright Nature Centre

A former cocoa and coffee plantation transformed into an 600-hectare nature reserve, this place blows the minds of birdwatchers. Even if you can’t tell a…

About 25km southwest of San Fernando, and just south of the small town of La Brea, this slowly bubbling black 'lake' is perhaps Trinidad’s greatest oddity…

Queen’s Park Savannah

Port of Spain

Once part of a sugar plantation, formerly home to a racecourse and now the epicenter of the annual Carnival, this public park is encircled by a 3.7km…

Fort George

Get a truly spectacular bird's-eye view of the Port of Spain cityscape and the Gulf of Paria from this colonial-era fort, with stone-built defensive walls…

National Museum & Art Gallery

Housed in a classic colonial building, the rather dry historical exhibits range from the oil industry to Amerindian settlers, the colonial era and…

Botanical Gardens

Resplendent with exotic trees and plants, and networked by paved paths, the Botanical Gardens date from 1818. Take a stroll or relax in one of the…

Nariva Swamp

Inland of the Cocal, the Ramsar-protected Nariva Swamp covers some 60 sq km of freshwater wetland inhabited by anacondas and a small population of elusive…

Rio Seco Waterfall

Just past the bridge over the Rio Seco, a signposted trail leads inland to the Rio Seco Waterfall in Matura National Park. This stunning swimming hole and…

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Nov 15, 2018 • 6 min read

Lounging beachside with a frosty cocktail is a Caribbean essential, but there are lots of adventurous alternatives if you want to get active. Down toward…

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Our 5 (well, more than 5) favourite Tobago beaches for 2023

OK, no matter what else you may have come to Tobago to explore, enjoying its truly stunning beaches is bound to feature high up on your list of things to do! So here are our top five — plus many of our other favourites. One quick tip: the further north you go, the quieter the beaches tend to be. And, of course, if you want the low-down on all Tobago’s beaches, make sure to check out the rest of our Beaches section!

25+ cool & important facts about Trinidad & Tobago

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Watching out for Trinidad & Tobago’s turtles

Your guide to turtle-watching and turtle conservation in both Trinidad and Tobago

Go hiking: popular Trinidad hikes for your bucket list

Of all the out-doorsy things you can do in Trinidad & Tobago , hiking is one of the best. Much like the country, hikes can accommodate almost everyone, from the gentle soul who’s looking for equally gentle terrain to the most intrepid, bring-it-on types. Here are some of Trinidad’s most popular hikes — from easy waterfall hikes, to caves with over a million bats, and the country’s most gruelling climb

Mishael Morgan: Trinidad-born, Emmy-winning history maker

Trinidad-born Mishael Morgan made history in June as the first woman of colour to win the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. A few weeks after her historic win, Caroline Taylor caught up with her for a wide-ranging chat about her career, living a purpose-driven life — and what’s next for her

Tobago sightseeing — and boons for birders!

Our favourite sightseeing spots, day trips , and birdwatching sites

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Tobago achieves two green travel milestones

Northeast Tobago declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve, right after three Tobago beaches achieve Blue Flag Pilot status Earlier today, the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited and the Environmental Research Institute, Charlotteville (ERIC) celebrated the island obtaining the UNESCO Man & the Biosphere (MAB) designation, which TTAL described as an opportunity to develop and promote …

Saving Trinidad’s Asa Wright Nature Centre

The treasured eco centre needs to urgently raise capital in order to stay operational Exactly a month ago, on the 24th of September, the Asa Wright Nature Centre ’s Facebook page put out an SOS for help. “Due to COVID-19, we need your help now!” The post read, explaining that donors had the opportunity to double …

Trinidad Tourism begins to prepare for T&T border re-opening

Trinidad’s tourism stakeholders are one step closer to safely re-opening the sector to international travellers. Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL), in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), hosted a webinar called Train the Trainer: COVID-19 Health Guidelines for Reopening the Tourism Sector & the Tourism Health Information System on 14th October. Over 200 tourism …

Meet the Johnsons | The making of a Trini Payge Turner (part 1)

With roots in a multi-talented and musical Trinidadian family, Paige Roopchan is fruit falling very close to the tree By now, you’ve no doubt seen 28-year-old Payge Turner ‘s stunning performance on the season premiere of The Voice last Monday. If not, you can check it out below. You can also read our full profile on …

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8 Best Things To Do in Trinidad & Tobago

Updated Apr. 24, 2024

Trinidad is popular with nature lovers and bird-watchers, but if you're looking for beach activities, we recommend a ferry ride to Tobago. Resplendent beaches line the island's coast and many remain untouched and desolate. Some of the best

• All Things To Do

Fort George (Trinidad) Fort George (Trinidad) free

Not to be confused with Tobago's  Fort King George in Scarborough, this historic Trinidadian structure provides visitors with a taste of the island's colonial heritage. Fort George was built in 1804 by former British Governor Brigadier-General Sir Thomas Hislop to protect the Port of Spain from any perceived military threats. However, the formidable structure never saw conflict and the military eventually retired it in 1846.

One of Fort George's best known features is its intricate wooden signal station, which provides a stark contrast to the fort's original cannons and dungeons still on display here. Constructed in 1883, this less intimidating, almost quaint structure was designed by Prince Kofi Nti, an Ashanti royal from West Africa who immigrated to Trinidad in 1881.

Store Bay (Tobago) Store Bay (Tobago) free

A cheaper alternative to neighboring Pigeon Point , Store Bay's free beach offers travelers a relaxing place to soak up some sun and cool off in Tobago's famous clear, blue waters. But visitors don't just come for the beach. Beachgoers can watch planes come in and land at nearby Arthur Napolean Raymond Robinson International Airport. Store Bay's other big draw is its array of street food vendors, which serve up affordable, local delicacies like crab and dumpling, bake and shark, and pelau (a mixture of rice, vegetables and meat or crab that’s been browned in sugar). Additionally, this beach is one of two departure points for trips to the area's popular snorkeling spot Buccoo Reef .

The beach at Store Bay is free to enter, but visitors looking to use one of the beachside loungers or changing facilities should expect to pay a small fee. Some recent beachgoers also warn that Store Bay may not be ideal for those who are elderly or in need of handicap accessible ramps since beach access sits at the bottom of several flights of stairs. The beach is open 24 hours daily, but for those looking for an on-duty lifeguard, plan your visit between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Fort King George (Tobago) Fort King George (Tobago) free

Much like Fort George in Trinidad, this mountaintop fort mixes stunning ocean and city views with a dose of Tobago's military and colonial history. Built after the French captured Tobago from the British in 1781, this military compound was controlled by the French until 1793 when it was recaptured by the British. In 1804, it was named Fort King George in honor of King George III, and in 1854 it stopped operating as a military structure.

Within Fort King George, travelers can explore the prison and officers' mess, as well as the quaint Tobago Museum located inside of the former barrack guardhouse. The Tobago Museum features weapons and pre-Columbian artifacts found in Scarborough alongside old Tobago maps and photographs. Outside of the historic buildings, visitors can find several canons and expansive views of Scarborough Bay.

Popular Tours

Trinidad Highlights Tour from Port of Spain

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Pigeon Point (Tobago) Pigeon Point (Tobago)

There is a beach with all of the stereotypical Caribbean amenities — the swaying coconut trees, the bone-white sand, the sparking aquamarine water — and it resides in southwest Tobago. If you haven't picked a resort near Pigeon Point, just about everyone says you need to make a special trip to this beach for at least a couple of hours of beach time.

If there's a drawback, it would be this: Pigeon Point charges a minimal entry fee to enjoy its beautiful shores, and considering there are Tobagonian and Caribbean beaches to visit for free, it could be all too tempting to pass up a day lounging on this one. If you do decide to spend the cash to visit Pigeon Point, also consider taking a snorkel tour of the nearby Buccoo Reef .

Asa Wright Nature Centre (Trinidad) Asa Wright Nature Centre (Trinidad)

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is home to more than 400 species of native birds, plus 55 different reptile species, 25 amphibians, more than 600 butterflies and more than 2,000 types of flowering plants. In short, northern Trinidad's Asa Wright Nature Centre is bursting at the seams; it's the ultimate stop for both novice and experienced bird-watchers and nature lovers.

You could easily spend a day at the expansive park (in fact, the center offers overnight accommodations) but most only took two hours to explore the grounds. Be sure to wear insect repellent and long-sleeved clothes since there are plenty of mosquitos on the property.

Yerette (Trinidad) Yerette (Trinidad)

Nestled within Trinidad's Maracas Valley, this lush sanctuary is home to a variety of native flora and 13 of Trinidad and Tobago's 17 species of hummingbirds. Started accidentally by Dr. Theodore Ferguson and his wife, Gloria, to make it easier to photograph birds (one of the doctor's hobbies), Yerette, which borrows its name from the Amerindian word for "hummingbird," is one of Trinidad's most popular bird-watching spots.

Visitors of Yerette rave about the property's vibrant grounds and unparalleled access to the country's hummingbird population. According to previous travelers, so many hummingbirds visit Yerette that it's easy to hear the buzz of their wings. The property is also a favorite among photographers, who claim that the close proximity provides plenty of opportunities for capturing high quality photos.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary (Trinidad) Caroni Bird Sanctuary (Trinidad)

Located about 9 miles southeast of Port of Spain, Caroni Bird Sanctuary offers many of the same thrills of the Asa Wright Nature Centre without requiring the far pilgrimage to the island's northern rainforest. But the real reason to visit Caroni is to observe the scarlet ibis, the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago that resembles a brilliant blood orange flamingo. The best time to see the ibis is in the late afternoon; arrive a little early and you can enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour of the swampland while you're waiting for the ibis to appear.

Like any swamp, this one has plenty of mosquitoes a-biting and reptiles a-crawling. If you're at odds with nature, you might want to skip this bird sanctuary altogether. Even if you like the great outdoors, be sure to slather on the insect repellant and wear long sleeves and pants.

Buccoo Reef (Tobago) Buccoo Reef (Tobago)

Situated just off the coast of Tobago's Pigeon Point Beach and within 2 miles of Store Bay , Buccoo Reef is highly regarded by locals and visitors as one of Trinidad and Tobago's best areas for snorkeling. Even though parts of this massive reef are starting to die off due to poor conservation efforts, recent travelers said they saw a wide variety of fish and coral while snorkeling. However, more experienced snorkelers may want to skip Buccoo and try out the island's better protected Speyside reefs instead.

To visit Buccoo, visitors will need to sign up for one of several glass-bottom boat tours departing from Pigeon Point and Store Bay. The tours typically last two hours and include snorkeling equipment and a stopover at Nylon Pool, a natural, in-sea coral pool that's located just around the corner from Buccoo Reef. Prior visitors note, though, that the cheaper half-day tours, which start at $20 USD, do not include food or restroom facilities. To avoid an additional beach admission fee, choose a tour that departs from Store Bay. Tours are offered daily throughout the day and can be booked through a hotel concierge, at Pigeon Point or Store Bay, or by contacting one of several glass-bottom boat tour companies. Hew’s Tours and Pops Tours both receive favorable reviews from recent travelers.

Street Food and a Taste of Trinidad Night life

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Tobago Buccoo Reef Glass Bottom Boat Cruise and Island Sightseeing Tour

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Port of Spain Airport (POS) to Port of Spain -Round-Trip Transfer

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By ferry
• 5.3 By cruise ship
• 6.2 Private taxi services
• 6.4 Ride share apps
• 6.5 Public buses
• 6.6 Car hire
• 9.1.1 Doubles
• 10.1 Local drinks
• 11 Stay safe

Trinidad is the larger of the two islands that make up the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago .

Regions [ edit ]

• North Trinidad - Mostly busy and urban, but with some rural and laid-back places, and the north coast beaches and rainforest. Highest peak in the northern mountain range.
• East Trinidad - somewhat suburban, and the University of the West Indies is located there.
• Central Trinidad - Lots of agriculture and heavy industry, central range with rainforest.
• South Trinidad - Centre of petroleum production and the labour movement.
• South East Trinidad - Rural and mostly undeveloped, most business centers around offshore oil drilling

Cities [ edit ]

• Port of Spain - the capital
• Pointe-a-Pierre
• Point Fortin
• San Fernando

Other destinations [ edit ]

• Maracas National Park

Understand [ edit ]

Get in [ edit ], by plane [ edit ].

The closest airport is Piarco International , near the towns of Trincity, Arouca and St Helena. Taxis are available to most destinations. You may also arrive on the sister isle of Tobago at Crown Point International where you can take a 15-minute flight to Piarco or opt to take a ferry from Scarbrough to Port of Spain.

By ferry [ edit ]

The ferry service between Chaguaramas and Güiria has been halted due to the unstable economic situation in Venezuela.

By cruise ship [ edit ]

Ships visit occasionally, docking very close to downtown Port of Spain. Facilities include a modest, indoor vendor mall in a converted warehouse and outdoor kiosks all offering primarily locally-made goods, and a vehicle area supporting tour buses and taxis. Although commercial districts and stores are within fair walking distances, locals recommend against it because of the rough port area, and need to cross wide streets with heavy, high-speed traffic.

Get around [ edit ]

Most of the population (and hence shopping, food and entertainment) is located along the "East-West Corridor" which is the set of cities and towns along the main routes of transport. It starts in the West with the capital Port of Spain and ends at Arima . Transport is easy attained along these routes.

Taxis [ edit ]

Taxis are hired at 'taxi stands' which are located in every major town, and other popular destinations. Legitimate taxi licence plates always start with an 'H' (for 'Hire'). Taxis, for the most part, drive along a fixed route. The exception is for taxis which take passengers into neighbourhoods, in which case you must inform the driver of the destination street. Expect the driver to wait until the taxi is full (usually four passengers) before leaving, so you might have a long wait at quiet hours. Always ask the driver to make sure where the route goes, and if you are in the right taxi stand. There are usually multiple taxi stands to different destinations in close proximity. The route fees are fixed (typically TT$3-5, but going up to TT$20 for long routes), but ask the fare before leaving. If you don't wish to wait, or need to go off-route, negotiate with the driver and you can get the taxi all to yourself. The main advantage of taxis is that there are typically fewer stops (getting there faster) and you can ask the driver to place bulky packages in the trunk. A warning: air conditioning is not mandatory or typical.

Private taxi services [ edit ]

These differ from 'normal' taxis (which are typically individually owned and operated), in that they are owned by a taxi company and driven by hired drivers. You can call them from anywhere and they will come pick you up. These are usually nicer than 'normal' taxis: better maintained, newer and always air-conditioned. The drawback is that it is at a much higher cost (expect to pay at least TT$100).

Maxis [ edit ]

Maxis are the private mini-buses that drive along major routes, and pick up and drop passengers anywhere between. They carry 10-30 passengers. They are always painted white with horizontal stripes on the sides (red, green, yellow,brown and black). The color of the stripe used to identify the route, but this is not strictly enforced. Typically, Maxis that travel the East-West corridor between Arima and Port of Spain have a red stripe, Port of Spain to Chaguanas: green. Maxis typically can be flagged along any 'Main' road (any road with 'Main' in its title: Eastern Main Road, Western Main Road, etc.) as well as the Priority Bus Route (which runs from Arima to Port of Spain). Main road routes are usually congested and slow, but slightly cheaper. The fee depends on distance travelled, but expect to pay TT$3 minimum (also known as a Short Drop). To flag a maxi, extend your arm upwards and indicate using your fingers how many passengers want to board. Ask the driver to make sure they are going where you wish to be. Passengers must press a buzzer located above their seat to indicate that they wish to disembark (if stopping before the end of route). If you don't know the area, ask the driver. Some maxis (particularly the larger ones) employ a conductor. The conductor collects money and indicates where you should sit. They are easily identified by the wad of cash in their hand and their occasional hustling-cry to potential passengers. Air conditioning is not typical.

Ride share apps [ edit ]

• allRiDi App provides on demand transportation throughout Trinidad from their easy to use intuitive mobile app. You can pay with your credit card or by cash.
• Drop taxi app [dead link] provides an indispensable way to get around with transparent pricing and the ability to pay by cash.

Public buses [ edit ]

Buses are a cheap method of transport, but the waits between departures can be long. Tickets can be purchased at terminals, and are usually less than TT$10. They are normally air-conditioned.

Car hire [ edit ]

There are many possibilities for hiring cars in Trinidad, and this can provide a cheap way of getting around, as petrol is so cheap. Aside from the rather erratic driving of many of the locals, the main problem with getting about like this is that the road signs tend to be rather sporadic and inconsistent, and there don't appear to be any good maps available. As a result, you need to be prepared to spend rather a lot of time getting lost.

• Econo Car Rentals Ltd. [1] - they are the cheapest, with cars available from US$30 per day. The service is friendly and reasonably efficient. You must have a valid credit card and be over the age of 25 in order to book with them.
• Guys Autozone Ltd. [2] [dead link] - You can book through online and you can collect the car from many locations such as from Crown Point , Scarborough or Plymouth in Tobago.

See [ edit ]

• Mount Saint Benedict is a Catholic monastery located high in the Northern Range, near the village of Arima. Visitors are warmly welcomed. There is a lovely guest house, Pax Guest House , where a scrumptious tea is served on Sunday afternoons to all visitors. (Meals are also regularly available to overnight guests.) The breads and sweets are baked by the Benetictine monks, so they're fresh and delicious. The cost is minimal for the tea service. The entire complex is peaceful and because it is so high on the mountain, it is wonderfully cool. (You might even require a sweater in the evenings.) For the physically fit, there are stations of the Cross that begin at the bottom of the mountain and end at the church. The stations are along a rather steep road, requiring exercise for the body and soul.
• Asa Wright Nature Center . A birdwatching centre of the world. There are cottages to stay in, but one doesn't need to be an overnight guest to visit. Knowledgable guides will lead you through this former cocoa plantation, pointing out interesting species of birds, lizards, and other animals that you may encounter on the way. Staff put out fresh fruit everyday to attract birds, so that even sitting on the wide and comfortable veranda, a guest will be entertained by the local fauna. The entry cost is TT$60 for foreigners and TT$30 for locals. This is for a day pass.  

• Toco/Matelot/Grand Riviere - superb scenery, some beaches, leatherbacks which come up every night to lay their eggs during nesting season.
• Nature trails - small waterfalls & streams for bathing
• Maracas/Tyrico/Las Cuevas - scenery & sea
• Carnival/Divali celebrations
• Caroni Bird Sanctuary
• Tobago beaches/Bucco reef

Do [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

Trinidad cuisine is influenced by many cultures, but primarily Indian and African (referred to as Creole cuisine). Other influences include Chinese (fast food Chinese places are only outnumbered by bars), and to some extent English and French. Subway, KFC and Pizza Hut are common sights. Most Trinidadians love meats of all kinds, but due to a significant Hindu population, there are many good vegetarian offerings.

Indigenous fast food [ edit ]

Doubles [ edit ].

Doubles are a typical street food. India has some similar street fare, which is its probable origin. Tasty and cheap, many consider doubles a good quick meal or snack. They consist of curried channa (a.k.a. chickpeas or garbanzo beans) sandwiched between two fried 'bara' (a puffy soft fried quickbread) wrapped in wax paper. Extra toppings include mango and other chutneys, as well as pepper sauce. In local lingo, doubles are ordered by referring to how much pepper is desired. One may order a "without", which refers to no pepper, a "slight", a small dab of pepper, while a "blaze" calls for a spoonful of pepper. Doubles vendors usually also sell fried potato pies, called "aloo pies" which can take the same toppings. Prices are around TT$3.

How to eat: Doubles are eaten by first unwrapping, then separating one bara to reveal the channa and sauce sitting on the bottom bara. Then, tear a piece from the top 'free' bara (if you ordered pepper or chutney, now is the time to distribute it evenly) and then use it to scoop up some channa before consumption. The process continues with the 'bottom' bara until all the channa is consumed. Practice will enable you to get some channa with every bite with none left over. This process can be messy, so it is always wise to spot a source of water for washing hands before you start eating. A warning: one grain of channa will almost invariably roll off the wax paper and drop on your shoe.

Drink [ edit ]

Trinidad has a mind-boggling number of bars. In some places, there might be 20 bars in a stretch of less than a mile. This makes bar-hopping easy. Bars constantly blast soca, reggae, dancehall and calypso music to attract customers. Don't expect cocktails in most bars, as most bartenders have little or no mixing skills.

Local drinks [ edit ]

• Beer - Trinidad prides itself on its local beer. Carib is a sweet, nutty lager, probably the most popular. Stag has a slightly deeper flavor. Also try a Shandy Carib: Carib mixed with ginger or sorrel extracts.
• Coconut Water - Straight from the coconut. Coconut vendors typically stack hundreds of coconuts on their trucks, and let you choose your own. Chug, or drink with a straw. When you are done, the vendor will chop your coconut in half, then cut a thin wedge for you to use as a spoon to eat the jelly. Bottled coconut water is almost always stale, flat and diluted.
• Mauby - a brisk, ice-tea like drink made from a bark extract. If made prepared directly from the bark expect a bitter taste. The concentrate form is sweeter and easier on virgin taste buds.
• Peanut Punch - A rich, cold blended milk drink flavored with peanuts, sold in cafes and by road side vendors. A light meal substitute.
• Peardrax - A local soft drink (soda). Partially fermented pear juice, which is pasteurized and carbonated. A unique local favorite.
• Rum - In the Caribbean, rum is the obvious drink of choice. Angostura is the biggest provider on the island, with Royal Oak (very decent, simple rum), 1919 (vanilla escences), and 1824 (dark rum, heavy in molasses, an excellent rum). A local favorite is Royal Oak and coconut water, simply delicious and refreshing! Puncheon is a high-proof rum for serious benders. One combination, called "brass and steel", involves shots of puncheon chased by beer. You may also try babash (bush-rum) which is only available under-the-counter. Babash is also a local cure-all (and solvent). Rum and coke is also a local favourite.
• Seamoss - A thick blended drink made from seamoss (a component of which is agar, which is very gelatinous) and condensed milk. Sold at the same places as peanut punch.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Caution is required in much of Port of Spain. At night avoid walking...take a taxi. Armed guards are often posted at banks and shopping centres. The following areas are known as crime hot-spots and should be avoided both during the day and night:

• Lavantille has frequent gang related murders, almost on a daily basis
• Beetham a den for criminals, mainly thieves
• Maloney & La Horquetta located around Arima

Go next [ edit ]

• Tobago , the sister isle. More touristy than Trinidad but not as congested as islands such as Barbados .
• Guiria, Venezuala - there may or may not be ferries.

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Sitting pretty just off the coast of the South American mainland it was once part of, the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago (often shortened to “T&T”) is one of the Caribbean’s most diverse and underexplored destinations. The islands boast spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, savannahs and reefs, and the endless undeveloped beaches are some of the prettiest in the region, from palm-lined white sand fringed by limpid waters to secluded, wave-whipped outcrops. As the home and heart of West Indian Carnival and the place where calypso, soca and steel pan were invented, T&T is a cultural pacemaker for the Caribbean and a fantastic place to party.

Where to go in Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is the most diversified and industrialized in the English-speaking Caribbean, with an average of 151,000 barrels of oil and 40 billion cubic metres of natural gas produced here each year. Because gas and oil are the main economic earners, both islands remain largely unfettered by the more noxious elements of Caribbean tourism, and are well suited to independent travellers without being fully fledged resorts. Visitors are not generally corralled in all-inclusives or holed-up on private swathes of sand and the beaches are enjoyed by locals and foreigners alike, with visitors often in the minority. Sun and sea are by no means the only draw here, however: no other Caribbean island offers such a variety of wildlife and habitats in so compact an area (roughly half the size of Hawaii Island). In Trinidad, there are tropical rainforests of mahogany and teak patrolled by howler monkeys and ocelots, wetlands harbouring manatees and anacondas, and remote beaches where giant leatherback turtles lay their eggs, while Tobago is best known for its stunning coral reefs, favoured by manta rays and shoals of brightly coloured tropical fish. Both islands also offer some brilliant opportunities for birdwatching; with more than 430 recorded species T&T has one of the richest concentrations of birds per square kilometre in the world.

The crowded and dynamic towns and cities are equally engaging, with fretworked “gingerbread” homes sitting side by side with temples, mosques, Catholic cathedrals and Anglican churches. The many ethnic groups brought to labour in the islands after slaves were freed in 1834 have given rise to a remarkably varied populace, hailing from India, China, Portugal and Syria as well as Africa, England, France and Spain. Though racial tensions are inevitably present, Trinbagonians (as they’re collectively known) generally coexist with good humour, and are proud of the multiculturalism that has so enriched the islands. This easy-going mentality is best expressed in the local propensity for “liming” – taking time out to meet friends and talk, usually over food and a beer or glass of rum.

Both islands share a party-hard ethic, and Trinidad has an electrifying music scene that rivals even that of Jamaica. T&T is the birthplace of calypso and the more fast-paced soca, as well as that quintessential sound of the Caribbean, the steel pan; you’ll hear plenty of all three year-round, but especially during the republic’s most famous party, its annual pre-Lenten Carnival. During this unique and explosive event, the no-holds-barred debauchery of the Jouvert “dirty mas” parades is followed by two days of pure joy as 5000-strong bands of intricately costumed revellers take to the streets in a celebration of life.

Bound together for the convenience of the British Empire, Trinidad and Tobago are vastly different places. Trinidad offers culture, ethnic diversity, music, clubs, great food, pristine rainforest and a wealth of undeveloped beaches. Tobago is more of a conventional Caribbean resort, its southwest replete with busy strips of white sand and hotels of every stripe, as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and places to dance under the stars. The rest of the island is relatively undeveloped, with plenty of fantastic small-scale guesthouses, but nowhere in Tobago will you find the high-rise hotels and slick resort areas of other islands in the region. It’s impossible to get a full picture of T&T without visiting both Trinidad and Tobago, and regular and inexpensive plane and ferry services between the two make it easy to see the best of each even during a short stay.

A visit to Trinidad will inevitably begin in Port of Spain, the vibrant capital which, with its restaurants, nightlife and accommodation, is a natural base from which to explore the rest of the country. To the west, Chaguaramas is the capital’s playground, with a newly redeveloped waterfront at Williams Bay and the zip line, walking and mountain biking trails, golf course and great beach of Tucker Valley. Chaguaramas is also the jumping-off point for boat trips to the rocky, wooded islands of the Bocas. A sweeping curve of powdery sand and powerful waves, Maracas Bay is the first of many lovely beaches along the north coast, some reachable by road, others only on foot. Inland, the densely forested peaks of the Northern Range offer excellent hiking and birdwatching opportunities. South of the hills, the East–West Corridor provides access to caves, swimmable rivers and waterfalls, the Yerette hummingbird centre, and the oldest Benedictine monastery in the Caribbean at Mount St Benedict.

The flat agricultural plains of central Trinidad provide a fascinating contrast to the north. From the ethereal Waterloo Temple in the Sea and the nearby Hanuman Murti statue to the busy market town of Chaguanas, Indian culture predominates; there’s plenty of natural allure too, from the scarlet ibis that inhabit the mangrove labyrinth of Caroni Swamp to the manatees and monkeys in the protected wetlands at Nariva. Endless swathes of fine brown sand lined by groves of coconut palms make Manzanilla and Mayaro favourite spots for some beach time. The burgeoning city of San Fernando is a friendly base from which to explore the largely unvisited “deep south”, where modern oil towns such as Fyzabad contrast with the spectacular coastline and wetlands around Cedros and Icacos.

Most people travelling to Tobago head for the translucent waters, coral reefs and excellent facilities around Crown Point on the low-lying southwestern tip. The vibrant capital, Scarborough, with its market and historic fort, offers a more genuine picture of local life, while the rugged windward (or Atlantic) coast is best known for the waterfall and cocoa estate at Argyle and the island’s finest snorkelling and scuba diving at Speyside. The leeward (or Caribbean) coast promises some superb beaches, kicking off with the clear green waters of Mount Irvine and the wide sweeps of sand at Stonehaven Bay and Turtle Beach; further afield there’s the twin bays at Castara to the palm-lined swathe of Englishman’s Bay. On the northeast tip, the pretty village of Charlotteville has the sublime Pirate’s Bay as well as the none-too-shabby Man O’War Bay.

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Trinidad’s Carnival is all about participation: rather than watching from the sidelines as in Rio – whether young or old, big or small, anyone with a willingness to “wine their waist” and “get on bad” is welcome to sign up with a masquerade band, which gets you a costume and the chance to dance through the streets alongside tens of thousands of fellow revellers. Preceded by weeks of all-night outdoor fetes, as parties here are known, as well as competitions for the best steel bands and calypso and soca singers, the main event starts at 4am on Carnival Sunday with Jouvert (pronounced “jou-vay”). This anarchic and raunchy street party is pure, unadulterated bacchanalia, with generous coatings of mud, chocolate, oil or body paint – and libations of local rum, of course – helping you lose all inhibitions and slip and slide through the streets until morning in an anonymous mass of dirty, drunken, happy humanity, chipping along to steel bands, sound-system trucks or the traditional “rhythm section” percussionists. Once the sun is fully up, and a sluice down with a hose has dispensed with the worst of the mud, the masquerade bands hit the streets, their costumed followers dancing along in the wake of the pounding soca. Monday is a mere warm-up for the main parade the following day, however, when full costumes are worn and the streets are awash with colour. The music trucks are back in earnest and the city reverberates with music, becoming one giant street party, until “las lap” and total exhaustion closes proceedings for another year.

• Standing at about 1.34 million, T&T’s population is around 40 percent Indian, 39 percent black, 18 percent mixed-race, 0.6 percent white and 0.4 percent Chinese. Its population is theologically diverse, too: with 26 percent Roman Catholic, 25 percent Protestant, 23 percent Hindu, 6 percent Muslim, 3 percent Presbyterian and 6 percent adhered to African-based religions such as Spiritual Baptist and Orisha.

• Go into almost any bar in the world and you’ll see a bottle of Angostura bitters , produced in Trinidad and an essential ingredient of many classic cocktails. Its aromatic blend of herbs, spices and alcohol is such a guarded secret that no single person is permitted to know the full recipe.

• Trinidad is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the giant leatherback turtle . Grande Riviere on the north coast sees one of the world’s highest density of nests, with some 500 turtles visiting per night at the height of the season.

• The peculiar Pitch Lake , at La Brea on Trinidad’s southwestern coast, is the world’s largest natural reservoir of asphalt.

• In 2006, T&T became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup , though the Soca Warriors didn’t manage to score a goal in the tournament, drawing one match and losing two more before being knocked out.

• T&T lie outside the region’s hurricane belt, and haven’t suffered a big blast since Flora in 1963, though minor earthquakes occur at an average of one per month.

• Native to southern Trinidad, the Moruga Scorpion is officially the second hottest pepper in the world, notching up two million units on the Scoville heat scale, just a fraction less than the Carolina Reaper.

Travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago

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VISIT TRINIDAD

The City of Trinidad Tourism Board is very pleased to provide this website as a resource for residents and visitors alike, to ensure the availability of information on the diverse array of activities Trinidad has to offer in the way of shopping, dining,  outdoor recreation, and art. Our free trolley tour is a great way to explore our historic downtown with eclectic restaurants to please any palate and discover shops both trendy and vintage; tour museums and learn about our iconic western history; and discover the rich architecture from the 1800s when Trinidad was vying to become Colorado’s state capital. The trolley departs the Colorado Welcome Center at 309 Nevada Ave. Monday – Saturday at the top of the hour beginning at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more info, call 719-846-9512.

Located in the picturesque landscapes of Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, you will find pristine Trinidad Lake State Park, Bear, Blue, Monument and North lakes with outstanding fishing, boating, camping, hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities. Come discover all that the region has to offer in the way out west!

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Halfway between denver and santa fe.

From Denver and the Front Range: Take I-25 South for 190 miles. If your appetite needs satiating, come discover everything from wood-fired pizza, zesty pasta, authentic Mexican, delicious deli-style sandwiches to gourmet coffees. Before you leave town, visit our museums, galleries and boutiques.

From Santa Fe and beyond: Take I-25 North from Santa Fe for 190 miles. Ready to experience a slice of Southern Colorado? Trinidad is the starting point for the Scenic Highway of Legends . This historic drive will take you over passes, through valleys and historic mountain villages.

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