Guide to Trinidad and Tobago
Whether you are seeking adventure, culture or nightlife, Trinidad and Tobago is waiting to amaze you. From the cosmopolitan streets of Port-of-Spain to the tranquil beaches of Tobago, there is something here for everyone. Whether you are an international visitor seeking a relaxing vacation or a resident looking for a weekend getaway, there are resources on the internet to help you plan the perfect trip. Trinidad and Tobago is a diverse, multicultural country where just about everything is celebrated. Our world-famous Carnival is the highlight for many, but there are festivals, concerts and special events going on all year long. The diverse landscape — including pristine beaches, untouched rainforests and vibrant cities — also provides the setting for a wide range of activities. Trinidad and Tobago is home to a breathtaking range of natural, cultural, historic and architectural sites. Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is the highlight for many, but there are festivals, concerts and special events going on all year long.
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the southernmost island in the Caribbean archipelago. Located just off the north-eastern coast of the South America mainland, the twin island Republic is home to international greats such as Miss Universe 1998, Wendy Fitzwilliam; Cricket Legend, Brian Charles Lara; and Carnival, the Greatest Show on Earth. The larger of the two islands, Trinidad, has a boot-like shape, measures 37 miles (80km) by 50 miles (60 km), and is noted for having an ecological and geographical diversity that is unmatched in the region. The capital city, Port of Spain, is the business center of the Caribbean, housing the headquarters for a number of local businesses, a myriad of restaurants and nightlife entertainment like no other. The sister isle of Tobago is a stark contrast to Trinidad. Considerably smaller in size, Tobago is well-known for its coral reefs, pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches, the smaller island is perfect for leisure activities and an immersive experience with nature. An abundance of natural reserves in oil and natural gas has made significant contributions to the strength of the Trinidad & Tobago economy—making it one of the strongest economies in the region. Although the economy has benefited from low inflation and a growing trade surplus, the tourism industry continues to grow and shows great potential for creating sustainable jobs and generating foreign exchange.
Climate and Geography
The climate is tropical. There are two seasons annually: the dry season for the first five months of the year, and the rainy season in the remaining seven of the year. Winds are predominantly from the northeast and are dominated by the northeast trade winds. Unlike most of the other Caribbean islands, both Trinidad and Tobago have frequently escaped the wrath of major devastating hurricanes, including Hurricane Ivan, the most powerful storm to have passed close to the islands in recent history, in September 2004. In the Northern Range, the climate is often different in contrast to the sweltering heat of the plains below. With constant cloud and mist cover, and heavy rains in the mountains, the temperature is much cooler. Record temperatures for Trinidad and Tobago are 39 °C (102 °F) for the high in Port of Spain, and a low of 12 °C (54 °F).
Trinidad and Tobago are islands situated between 10° 2' and 11° 12' N latitude and 60° 30' and 61° 56' W longitude. At the closest point, Trinidad is just 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) from Venezuelan territory. Covering an area of 5,128 km2 (1,980 sq. mi), the country consists of the two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and numerous smaller landforms, including Chacachacare, Monos, Huevos, Gaspar Grande (or Gasparee), Little Tobago, and St. Giles Island. Trinidad is 4,768 km2 (1,841 sq. mi) in area (comprising 93.0% of the country's total area) with an average length of 80 kilometers (50 mi) and an average width of 59 kilometers (37 mi). Tobago has an area of about 300 km2 (120 sq. mi), or 5.8% of the country's area, is 41 km (25 mi) long and 12 km (7.5 mi) at its greatest width. Trinidad and Tobago lie on the continental shelf of South America, and are thus geologically considered to lie entirely in South America.
The terrain of the islands is a mixture of mountains and plains. The highest point in the country is found on the Northern Range at El Cerro del Aripo, which is 940 metres (3,080 ft.) above sea level. As the majority of the population live in the island of Trinidad, this is the location of most major towns and cities. There are four major municipalities in Trinidad: Port of Spain, the capital, San Fernando, Arima and Chaguanas. The main town in Tobago is Scarborough. Trinidad is made up of a variety of soil types, the majority being fine sands and heavy clays. The alluvial valleys of the Northern Range and the soils of the East–West Corridor are the most fertile.
things to do in Trinidad and Tobago
Visit Trinidad's highlights on this comprehensive, half-day guided tour. You'll pass by the lighthouse, the striking Parliament building known as the Red House as well as the Magnificent Seven, a row of imposing colonial houses originally built at the turn of the century as private residences. Continuing around the Queens Park Savannah, you'll make a brief stop at the tropical Botanical Gardens, a cool shady enclave of exotic trees and tropical flowers. Then, it's a short drive to Lady Young Lookout for an excellent panoramic view of Port of Spain. Departing, you'll head for Santa Cruz Valley with its endless cocoa and coffee plantations. Continue along the scenic North Coast Road, where you will take in a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea at Maracas Lookout. On reaching Maracas Beach, Trinidad's most beautiful and popular attraction, you can swim, sunbathe or relax before returning to the hotel.
Heading south out of Port of Spain and down the west coast, your circle island journey begins. You'll see the spectacular scenery of places such as the Gulf of Paris, Mayaro Beach, and Manzanilla. You will also visit the town of San Fernando, the second largest city of Trinidad. This tour gives all passengers the opportunity to truly understand the lifestyle in Trinidad and Tobago while visiting many of the famous landmarks. A great and educational way to view the best the island has to offer, including the agricultural belt, rapid industry and stunning nature. Heading south out of Port of Spain and down the west coast, your circle island journey begins. You'll see the spectacular scenery of places such as the Gulf of Paris, Mayaro Beach, and Manzanilla. You will also visit the town of San Fernando, the second largest city of Trinidad. The journey then takes you eastward, into areas overlooking the lush coconut palms which fringe the 14 mile (22.5 km) Mayaro Beach. On the return, travel through Manzanilla, cocoa plantations and Virgin Forest all on the East Coast of the island. Leaving Manzanilla, you will pass through the picturesque towns of Sangre Grande and Arima before traveling through the east-west corridor and back to the Port of Spain.
You will be taken on a beautiful ride along the northern coast through lush, green, breathtaking scenery. Take fantastic pictures at the lookout, and then travel down on to the beach where you can surf, swim or just relax. Maracas Beach is the most popular beach in the North of Trinidad. The drive to Maracas is spectacular, looking at scenic mountain views until descending down to Maracas Bay. On the route, you will stop at the lookout to see breathtaking views of the beach and the Caribbean Sea. Once at the beach you can surf, take a swim or just simply sunbathe and have a great time under the palm trees. The most popular activity on the beach is tasting the world famous "bake and shark." It is a local delicacy and is mouthwatering. Once on the beach, if you want to explore more of the North Coast, your guide would be very happy to accommodate your every need. There are several daily departure times for this tour.
