Attractions
Tobago
In contrast to its bustling, large neighbor 32 km away, Tobago tends to be laid-back. Still waters, hills and white sandy beaches define the landscape. The capital, Scarborough, has a botanical garden. From the King George Fort (built in 1779) you can enjoy beautiful sunsets. In the nearby town of Plymouth there are old tombstones to see. Some date from the early 18th century.
There are numerous paradise beaches, including Pigeon Point on the southwest coast (beach fee); Store Bay, where brown pelicans can be seen fishing; Man O’War Bay at the other end of the island as well as Mt. Irvin Bay and Bacolet Bay. The large coral reef, Buccoo Reef, is 1 mile from Pigeon Point. Glass-bottom boat trips are popular, and the reef offers excellent snorkeling.
Fort James features a magnificent red brick home, and Whim features a former plantation home. The Arnos Vale Hotel is housed in an old plantation house. On the site is a sugar factory built in 1857 with old mills.
Silhouetted by Pigeon Peak, the island’s highest point, lies the port city of Charlotteville with a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding highlands. In this area you will find good bathing beaches and you can explore the numerous hiking trails of the Tobago Forest Reserve.
On the island’s Atlantic coast are the villages of Mesopotamia, Goldsborough, Roxborough and several picturesque bays. From the beach town of Speyside you can see the islets of Goat Island and Little Tobago, the latter a 400 acre bird sanctuary.
San Fernando is the second largest city on the island. Nearby is the natural phenomenon of Pitch Lake, a 36.4 hectare tar lake that is constantly refilling.
Trinidad
At the foot of the lush green mountains lies the capital Port of Spain, the economic center of the island state. The capital’s diverse architecture ranges from Victorian houses to Stollmeyers Castle, a replica of a typical Rhine castle. A stroll through the city should take in the German Renaissance-style Queen’s Royal College and the neo-Gothic Holy Trinity Cathedral (19C). Frederick Street is ideal for shopping and the Royal Botanic Gardens are home to hundreds of species of orchids. The Colonial Red House is now the seat of government, while the President’s Residence and the Prime Minister’s Office are both built in the Moorish style. The National Museum and Art Gallery are also worth a visit.
Beautiful Queen’s Park Savannah, formerly part of a sugar cane plantation, is just a stroll from downtown at the foot of the Northern Mountain Range. The complex includes a racecourse and sports fields in a charming landscape. The numerous mansions are now mostly used as administrative buildings.
Fort George (built in 1804) on the outskirts of town offers excellent views of Port of Spain and the mountain range of northern Venezuela.
The most popular beaches near Port of Spain are Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas and Chaguaramas.
The Caroni Bird Sanctuary (13km south of the capital) is easily accessible by vehicle or boat. 16 km from Port of Spain is the Diego Mountain Valley with one of the most beautiful water wheels on the island and in the village of Chaguanas you can taste Caribbean specialties. Rare species of birds can be seen at the Asa Wright Nature Center (Blanchisseuse). The Aripo Caves are known for their stalactites.
On the east coast is Valencia, a tropical forest near the Hollis reservoir. cocal and Mayaro are also worth visiting.
Flora and fauna
The variety of birds and flowers, butterflies and fish is
unique. 622 different butterfly and over 700
orchid species can be found on the islands. The orchids are
best seen in Port of Spain’s Botanical Gardens. The Emperor Valley Zoo
also offers a look at the native flora and
fauna, including reptiles and mammals. Bird watchers should look out for the national bird
in Trinidad in the Nariva Swamp, Aripo Savannah and the Asa Wright Nature Centre. The scarlet ibis makes its home at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. The Little Tobago Bird Sanctuary is
also interesting not only for ornithologists. There are 19 different species of hummingbirds
all over Tobago. The Caribbean is
home to numerous species of tropical fish, and magnificent corals
are readily visible beneath the surface of Buccoo Reef.
Shopping
Overview
Rum and angostura, calypso music, straw and sisal crafts, steel drums, summer wear, leather bags, sandals, pottery and wood carvings. Shop opening hours: Mon-Thu and Sat 08.00-16.00, Fri 08.00-18.00. In Port of Spain, some shops are also open later. The shops remain closed on public holidays and especially during the carnival.
Nightlife
Introduction
Trinidad has a few nightclubs and hotels also offer entertainment programs. In addition, calypso and limbo dances, steel band shows or disco music ensure evening entertainment.
Culinary
Overview
Bars and restaurants stay open late and there is a wide choice of local and western food and drink. Chinese, Indian and Caribbean dishes are offered in Trinidad. In Tobago you can taste British, American and Creole dishes. Local specialties include pilau rice and Creole soups, with the most popular being sans coche, calaloo and spicy chickpea soup. Tatoo, manicou, pork brawn, green salad, tum-tum (mashed green plantains), roast venison, lappe (rabbit), quenk (wild boar), wild duck, and pastels (meat in cornmeal pies wrapped in banana leaves) are also on offer. Small oysters, chip-chip (small shellfish, similar to clams), Crab malete and freshwater fish cascadou are delicious. Drinks: The excellent types of rum (e.g. Oak Rum) and the Angostura Aromatic Bitter, a component of numerous Caribbean cocktails, deserve special mention. The Angostura Factory & Rum Factory (website: www.angostura.com) in Laventille, a suburb of Port of Spain, can be visited. The local beers Carib and Stag are best drunk ice-cold. com) in Laventille, a suburb of Port of Spain. The local beers Carib and Stag are best drunk ice-cold. com) in Laventille, a suburb of Port of Spain. The local beers Carib and Stag are best drunk ice-cold.
Accommodation
Hotels
The selection ranges from international chain hotels to smaller private hotels. Prices vary widely, 10% tax and VAT will be added to all invoices. Information is available from the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association, c/o Trinidad & Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (see addresses)
Culture
Religion
26% Catholic, 22.5% Hindu, 7.8% Anglican, 5.8% Muslim and other Christians.
Social Rules of Conduct
Manners: Liming, chatting extensively, is an extremely popular pastime. Above all, people like to talk a lot about cricket. Hospitality is very important and people are often invited to private homes. Dress code: Casual wear is common, and short-sleeved clothing is acceptable for social events and business meetings. However, bathing suits belong on the beach. Tipping: Most hotels and inns charge a 10% service charge, otherwise 10-15% is common.
Climate
Best travel time
Tropical climate moderated by northeast trade winds. The dry season lasts from November to May. It is hottest between June and October, and heavy rain showers can be expected every day.
Country data
Phone prefix
+1 868
Area (sq km)
5128
Population
1,399,488 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
238
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
990
