Travel guide to planning a vacation in Trinidad, including top tourist attractions.
Trinidad is located in the south-east Caribbean, near the coast of Venezuela. It's climate is warm and tropical. The average temperature is 83ยบ. The vast majority of Trinidad's 1.3 million people are English speaking, although the language is peppered with local dialect.
The island offers its visitors a wide variety of interesting things to do and places to explore. Choose several from the options, below. Don't forget your camera! (These options have not been listed, in order, of popularity.)
If visiting Trinidad in February, you must attend Carnival. Dating back to the late 1700's this celebration began as a string of elegant masquerade balls and has evolved into a huge island festival. During this 2-day event, calypso and steel pan music fill the air. Watch stage shows, play in a local band, attend parades and mud rituals, sample the local cuisine, and much more!
Caroni Bird Sanctuary - Caroni is the home of the scarlet ibis, the national bird of Trinidad. It is also the roosting site of many other birds such as egrets and herons. Take the 2.5 hour guided boat trip through sanctuary swamps to learn more about various, native plants and animals. Be sure to bring binoculars which will aid you in watching Caroni's nightly roosting rituals, as the birds flock to the tops of the mangrove trees.
Chacachacare - (pronounced sha-KAH-shah-kah-ree) Tour this uninhabited island, full of mystery. This village, originally a whaling community, was eventually, turned into a leper colony, run by a group of caring nuns.
National Museum and Art Gallery - This building, originally a science and art museum, was opened in 1892, and dubbed the Royal Victoria Institute. Currently, it is used by many local artists to display their works. A wonderful way to learn about the culture of Trinidad
Devil's Woodyard - Trinidad's most popular mud volcano. Although it does not erupt as often as some of the other island volcano's, it is said to be the most spectacular.
Maracas Bay - Trinidad's most popular stretch of beach. It is located 2.5 miles from Port of Spain, and is the longest beach on the island, as well. A swimmers paradise.
Trinidad Dance Theater - This theater offers dance lessons to those who wish to learn traditional dances, such as the calypso. Tickets to the performance held by the local dance group are also available.
Queen's Park Savannah - Located in Port of Spain these old mansions date back to Spanish colonial times, Visit the many stores and street vendors in the area, where you will find unique items which reflect the culture, of the area.
Asa Wright Nature Center - This former cocoa plantation is now home to 108 mammals, 400 birds, over 600 butterflies and 55 reptiles. Comprised of 197 acres many of which are part of the tropical rain forest. It is the oldest nature preserve in the Caribbean.
Brian Lara Promenade - This is the center of Port of Spain, also called Independence Square. Newly refurbished, it's the "hang out" for tourists and locals, alike. Free concerts, street vendors, and much more!
