Open the left menu trinidad. Trinidad Island: origin of the name, where Trinidad Island is located in honor of the Trinity

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, located on the border between the Atlantic and the Caribbean, next to Venezuela, unites two large islands of the same name and many small ones.

This article will tell you about this amazing country, its geographical location, amazing nature, climate and sights.

Trinidad island: geography

Being part of the Antilles archipelago, Trinadat and Tobago occupy part of the continental shelf of South America and are separated from the mainland only by straits that have traditionally exotic names - Boca del Serpiente and Boca del Dragon. The area of \u200b\u200bTrinidad - a very solid and largest in the archipelago (80 km long and 59 km wide) - is 4768 km 2. An island, a neighbor of Trinidad, located 30 kilometers away, Tobago is the owner of a much smaller size. It occupies about 300 km 2, its length is 41 km and its width is 12 km.

Plain is predominant in Trinidad's relief. It has three mountain ranges, two of which are located in a clear parallel to each other, and the third is a continuation of the Venezuelan Cordilleras. The two rivers that cross the island of Trinidad flow into the Atlantic Ocean.

Tobago is crossed by a 30-kilometer ridge, on both sides of which there are fertile lowlands and forests. Many small rivers and streams on the island contribute to the lush development of vegetation.

Climate

Climatic conditions on the islands are typical for these humid subequatorial latitudes and have a clear distinction between dry and rainy seasons. The dry season, which lasts from January to May, is rather mild, since it does not differ in sweltering heat - it is largely neutralized by tropical trade winds.

The rainy season lasts from June to August. This is the period of visiting the islands with tropical showers, abundant and lingering. The best time for a tourist trip to Trinidad is February and March, bright, warm and full of unforgettable events and entertainment months. Trinidad and Tobago, whose resorts are waiting for tourists, are most attractive at this time.

The nature of the islands

Striking with a riot of colors, evergreen forests are very carefully protected by the state - on such a small territory on a planetary scale, there are many reserves. Tobago is a unique island with superb coastal views, long, narrow beaches of white sand and mighty palm trees. Back in the eighteenth century, the Tobago authorities declared the tropical forests of the island a protected area - the first precedent of this kind. Buccoo Reef with picturesque harbors, amazing fish and corals has been protected by the state since 1973.

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are distinguished by an amazing variety of flora, including not only South American species, but also exclusively in the archipelago. In the northern part of Trinidad, rainforests have survived where up to fifty species of valuable tree species grow. The center and western regions are occupied by evergreen forests. Sandalwood, fustic and cypress are typical of the island forests. In the lowlands and foothills of these areas, there are savannas and cultivated plantations, where coconut and oilseeds are grown for export. Along the coast at the mouths of the rivers, there are thickets with intricately intertwining trunks and roots.

The fauna is extremely diverse: howler monkeys and capuchins, representatives of marsupials (opossums), rodents (agouti), predators (ocelots), bats and reptiles - turtles, alligators, lizards, snakes are found. There are numerous bird colonies with bright multicolored southern plumage.

There are more than 40 species of hummingbirds alone. The waters of the islands are abundant in fish.

Bosom

The island of Trinidad is rich in minerals: in the southern part and on the shelf, oil deposits and reserves of accompanying gas have been found, natural asphalt is mined a little to the west, sulfur and diorites in the north, the Sangre Grande region is famous for deposits of lignite and brown coal. In the north of the island, iron ore, gypsum and limestone are mined.

Tourism

Today the island of Trinidad is a popular ecotourism center. At the disposal of vacationers - a set of all types of beach recreation, the opportunity to go in for water sports, diving, horse riding, yachting, etc. The music festival "Calypso" is held here every year, traditionally gathering a huge audience of fans. Trinidad Island, Brazil is home to this exciting show.

The markets on the islands are overflowing with handicrafts. Here, bamboo crafts, paintings by islanders are in demand. Trade flourishes both in huge supermarkets and on street stalls, where, however, unlike boutiques, you can successfully bargain.

Kitchen

In addition, tourists are always interested in the local cuisine, which is a mixture of Eastern, Caribbean, Spanish and Chinese. The variety of ethnic types of cooking gives rise to unlimited possibilities - you can taste any, the most exotic dish. The recently emerging "New Caribbean" tendency to add local flavor to haute cuisine makes it possible to fully experience the culinary specialties. Visits to small home restaurants specializing in the food of foreign tourists will help to complete the picture. In the reviews of vacationers on the islands, it is precisely such small catering points that are safe, comfortable, with an unforgettable cuisine that are especially noted. A specialty in Trinidad is considered to be cooked over charcoal, and sugar balls dipped in sesame seeds.

Entertainment industry

Trinidad and Tobago is not only the intersection of the culinary traditions of many countries, but also a whole universe of attractions that provide tourists with inexpressible impressions that remain in their memory for a long time: carnival!

To participate in it, the islanders make a kind of drums from empty iron barrels. Musical compositions "calypso", extracted from drums by rhythmic beats, have long been recognized as a symbol of the carnival and the island itself. This kind of local folklore is a small, witty musical piece performed in African style, saturated with local dialectical expressions. A rough analogy is observed in many countries of the world - ditties in Russia or couplets of the times of the French Fronde.

Carnival - unrestrained and noisy - is held shortly before the onset of Lent. This is the most incredible procession for which Trinidad and Tobago is famous. The islands, Brazil and others organize such holidays every year.

The islanders begin preparations for the carnival from the beginning of the New Year - they come up with costumes, create drums. The most amazing action takes place in the Royal Park of the capital. In contrast to the overwhelming majority of world carnival processions, on the islands, from the very first moments, the border between spectators and participants ceases to exist. Nobody stands aside, mulatto mermaids draw tourists into their ranks and everyone dances to the rhythms of "steel" music.

Holidays on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago

The island resorts are renowned for their clean, stunning beaches such as Maracas Bay, Tyrico Bay or Las Cuelvas. The most habitable and most famous Russian tourists are the western part of the coast, overlooking the Gulf of Paria. The capital and the main ports are located here.

There is something to admire in the capital of the Republic of Port of Spain: the Ginderbred House residence, Magnificant Seven Park, the National Museum, the art gallery, the Trinidad and Tobago Historical Museum, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The architecture is noteworthy, dominated by wooden houses with a unique carved gallery along the second floor of the buildings. Most of the buildings, public and private, were built at the beginning of the 19th century in the classicism style prevailing at that time.

Natural complex "Asa Wright" - a former coconut plantation, now turned into a nature reserve, gives the lovers of tropical birds a real delight. And in the Karoni reserve, located not far from the capital, you can watch the life of the ibis, a representative of the ibis family, which is one of the symbols of the republic. The island of Trinidad is also famous for many attractions. A visit to this amazing place will leave a lot of unforgettable impressions.

The small exotic state of Trinidad and Tobago is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on a small archipelago. The bulk of the country lies on the two largest islands, Tobago and Trinidad. The rest of the territory is located on the smaller islands: Monos, Chakachakare, Little Tobago, St. Giles. The largest cities are Chaguanas, San Fernando, Scarborough, Port of Spain - the capital of the state.

The ethnic composition of Trinidad and Tobago is quite diverse. About 60% are Indo- and Afro-Trinidadians, who are the descendants of slaves working for the colonialists. 20% are Trinidadians of Arab, Chinese and European descent, as well as Creoles.

English rule on the territory of these islands had a huge impact on the culture of the local population, in particular on their mastery of the English language. It is this language that is considered the state language today in Trinidad and Tobago. In some parts of the country, you can also find Creole, Spanish and Bhojpuri Indian dialects.

Trinidad and Tobago is considered a multi-faith country. Most of the population considers itself to be the Catholic branch of Christianity - about 26% of the total population. 22% are Hindus. Muslims, Baptists and Pentecostals make up approximately 20% of the population. The rest of the country's inhabitants adhere to other beliefs.

Until 1962, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was a British colony. After gaining independence, this country became part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The economy of Trinidad and Tobago is based on the extraction and processing of petroleum products and natural gas. The chemical and metallurgical industries are widely developed. Successful farming allows the country to become one of the largest importers of cane sugar, citrus fruits and coconuts.

Recently, ecological tourism has become a fairly large sector of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago, which is gaining more and more popularity around the world. After all, the nature of the islands is diverse and unique in its own way. A large number of people prefer to come to Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the famous carnivals and festivals.

In the world of culture, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago started talking about thanks to two famous Nobel laureates - Vidiadhar Surayprasad Naipaul (2001) and Derek Walcott (1992), who made a huge contribution to world literature with their works.

Capital	Port of Spain
Population	1 299 953 people (for 2009)
Population density	215 people / km²
	english
Religion	christianity, Islam, Hinduism
Form of government	parliamentary republic
	trinidad and Tobago dollar
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone
Electricity	115/230 V, 60 Hertz

Climate and weather

The climate of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is subequatorial with weak seasonal differences. The weather in the country is quite hot and very humid. The average air temperature in February (the coldest month) is +23 ° С, and in September - about +28 ° С.

Northeast winds divide the year into two seasons - dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from January to May. At this time, the amount of precipitation is no more than 50 mm. During the rainy season (June to December), the air humidity is about 85%, and the rainfall exceeds 200 mm.

The islands of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are located south of the tropical cyclone zone, so powerful hurricanes do not reach the coast of the country.

The best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago is considered to be only two months of the year - February and March. This period is characterized by a comfortable air temperature for human adaptation and an almost complete absence of rain. If you want to spend time in silence, then you can plan a visit to Trinidad and Tobago for the summer or early fall. At this time, there are few tourists here, and numerous hotels significantly reduce prices for accommodation and meals.

Nature

The nature of Trinidad and Tobago is so unique and diverse that it attracts a large number of fans of ecological tourism to this country. Despite the country's belonging to Lesser Antilles, their origin differs significantly from other islands of this archipelago. For example, the island of Tobago is of volcanic origin, and Trinidad was originally part of the mainland of South America. The mountain ranges on these islands are considered a continuation of the Venezuelan mountain ranges. The islands are separated from the continent by small straits and gulf of Paria.

On the territory of Trinidad, the relief is predominantly flat. Several beautiful blue rivers flow between relatively low mountains - Ortoireand Coroni.

Tobago is dominated by flat terrain with several mountain ranges, the highest point of the island does not exceed 600 m. Almost half of the island's territory is covered with dense tropical forest. Tobago differs from other islands in this archipelago by the presence of numerous rivers and lakes. The splendor of the nature of this state fascinates many people, and they strive to come here again.

sights

The main attractions of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are unparalleled beaches with gentle sun and gentle sand. The most famous of them are considered Tyrico Bay and Maracas Bay, which occupy almost the entire northern coast of Trinidad.

For ecotourism lovers, the Asa Wright Nature Center and Karoni National Park are significant places. These are reserves where numerous species of exotic birds, animals and reptiles are protected. It is here that one of the rarest birds on the planet lives - the scarlet ibis, which is the symbol of the country. Many experts call Trinidad the Island of Birds, since more than 157 species of the rarest birds, as well as insects, snakes and fish, live in local reserves. A large number of observation platforms are equipped on the marshy soil, which provide a unique opportunity to observe the life of the most beautiful representatives of the ornifauna.

The islands of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are famous for cascading waterfalls Sombassonand La Lajaas well as breathtaking gorges. The most famous is considered Guanapo... A large number of tourists come to Trinidad and Tobago to see natural objects that boggle the human imagination.

State capital Port of Spain known for its museums that tell visitors the history of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, from Indian settlement to modern times. The art gallery contains a large number of works by famous artists. Near the town of Chaguanas, there is the famous Waterloo Temple, which is considered one of the most visited Hindu temples in the Caribbean.

On the island of Tobago, the mighty fort King George, which rises more than 45 meters above the city Scarborough, the administrative center of the island. The fort was built by the British in the late 18th century, and its stone walls are still equipped with old cannons facing the strait between Tobago and Trinidad.

The most visited settlement in Tobago is called a small fishing town Charlotteville... The most popular tourist resorts and beautiful sandy beaches are located near this settlement.

Food

Trinidad and Tobago is home to a wide variety of outdoor restaurants and cafes offering great food to visitors. Interestingly, every locality in this country specializes in a certain type of cuisine. A feature of this kind of food organization is its simplicity, extraordinary taste, high quality food preparation, and most importantly, the availability of products.

The national cuisine of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is based on Indian, Creole, European and Chinese traditions. Creole cuisine is represented by famous:

• Callalu - soup made from taro, coconut and caviar;
• "Pigeon-pee" - spicy soup,
• "Palhun" - pancakes with crushed nuts.

A feature of Trinidadian cuisine is the abundance of seafood on the table. The staple of any local restaurant is the famous baked shark with a spicy curry sauce.

Trinidad and Tobago chefs prefer meat dishes that are unusual for tourists. agouti, armadilloand possum... Rabbit and lizard are less often baked. Usually, a delicious sauce with the addition of coconut milk is served with any meat dish.

The most popular non-alcoholic drink in Trinidad and Tobago is considered "Quenther" - it is fortified coconut or mineral water. Locals prefer a rather unusual drink "Mauby". This is the name of the infusion of anise, cloves and the bark of some trees. Hibiscus is also popular among the inhabitants of the island.

Tourists who come to Trinidad and Tobago do not miss the opportunity to taste the famous Black Label rum, brewed according to a special recipe available only to the residents of this country. The male half of the local population loves to spend evenings with friends over a bottle of excellent fresh Makeson and Karib beer.

It is worth noting that food in Trinidad and Tobago is quite expensive. This is due to the fact that almost all of them are imported into the country from abroad - mainly from Venezuela. Only a few types of fruits and vegetables grow on the island. So, a dinner for two in a middle-class restaurant will cost about $ 30. In street cafeterias, you can eat much cheaper - no more than $ 20.

Accommodation

Trinidad and Tobago has a large number of hotels and inns of various levels. Here you can easily find both expensive apartments and more budget options in small family pensions. Local hotels do not have a strict classification, but almost all of them comply with international requirements. On the territory of most hotels, tourists have clean pools, playgrounds with various attractions, tennis courts. As a rule, large hotels have their own beaches (however, umbrellas and sun loungers are provided to customers only for an additional fee).

In Trinidad and Tobago, you can find small family hotels, which are a kind of analogs of European hotels Bed & Breakfast... Usually such hotels are located quite far from the beaches, so the cost of living in them is much lower than in other hotels.

In the administrative centers of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, you can find hotels of such hotel brands as Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt and other world companies.

The average cost of living in the country ranges from $ 80 to $ 150 per day. The final price depends on the "star rating" of the hotel, the services it provides to visitors and the location of the relatively large beaches of the island.

Entertainment and recreation

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are best known for their great festive events. Chief among them is considered the most popular and noisy Carnival in the Caribbean, held at the end of February. In honor of other religious holidays, the locals also organize numerous celebrations.

The main festival of Tobago is the Tobago Heritage Festival, which lasts for two whole weeks. During Easter week, the island hosts traditional boat races and fishing tournaments that bring together participants from all over the country.

Trinidad and Tobago offers interesting excursions to natural attractions - national parks, which are famous for the many species of unique birds and animals that live there. And the waterfalls and cascades captivate everyone who is in the immediate vicinity.

Many foreign tourists come to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago to get new experiences from extreme holidays. Here you can try almost all kinds of water sports, for example, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, paragliding. The magnificent underwater landscapes near the islands attract diving enthusiasts to this country. Such beauty of coral reefs cannot be seen even in the Red Sea. In addition, Trinidad has excellent golf courses, tennis courts, stadiums, which makes it possible to find something to do for absolutely all tourists who come to this country.

Tobago Island is famous for its goat racing. This completely unusual event is one of the most important entertainments during the Easter weekend. For an unprepared viewer, these races can cause a real shock: the goat owners run ahead of their animals, urging them on with special cries. Such amazing competitions will not leave anyone indifferent.

But, of course, most tourists come to this exotic country to soak up the sandy beaches under the gentle tropical sun. Trinidad's stunning beaches are considered the finest in the entire Caribbean. The most famous of them are - Maracas Bay, Las Cuelvasand Tyrico Bay.

Purchases

Trinidad and Tobago is called the cheapest destination in the Caribbean. This is facilitated by the huge currency receipts from oil refining.

Various souvenirs for your family and friends can be purchased in special shops and shops, which are found almost at every step in major cities of the country.

Various turtle shell products are very popular among foreigners. Usually from this unusual material, the locals make beads, bracelets, combs, rosary and brooches. In the Museum of the Indians, you can buy amazing pottery with images of the scarlet ibis and the most beautiful waterfall in the country, Sombasson, applied on them.

Shops in Trinidad and Tobago are open from 8:00 to 16:00. On weekends - from 8:00 to 13:00. In large cities, you can find supermarkets that are open every day from 8:00 to 18:00. In local stores, it is customary to pay in Trinidad and Tobago dollars, but American currency is also freely accepted as a means of payment. In especially large establishments of the country, you can pay for purchases or services by bank transfer.

Transport

Despite the small size of Trinidad and Tobago, the transport infrastructure is well developed here. The length of the roads of the islands is just over 8,300 kilometers. Exactly half of them have an asphalt surface. The country's urban transport is represented by buses and fixed-route taxis. To travel around the city, you need to purchase a special ticket, which can be found at any stopping point. Bus drivers, unfortunately, are not allowed to accept payment for the fare, as is done in many countries around the world. The cost of a bus ticket is approximately $ 0.5 per trip. Route taxis called here "Maxis"Like buses, they follow a specific route.

It is worth noting that all buses in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have a rather attractive appearance, and the service will pleasantly surprise you: the transport has air conditioning and even TVs.

For an individual trip to cities, you can use the services of a private taxi. The trip is paid strictly according to the counter. The cost of one kilometer of the way will cost you about $ 0.6.

The road situation in the country is relatively calm. Local residents are considered to be accurate drivers. Road quality throughout most of Trinidad and Tobago is excellent. However, in some mountainous areas, you can also find ordinary dirt roads.

The republic has a small rail system near San Fernando. Its main purpose is to carry out transportation in agriculture. The rest of the rail service in the country was discontinued in 1968.

Shipping is well developed in Trinidad and Tobago.

The main seaport of the country is the capital of the state - Port of Spain. There is a flawless ferry service between the islands. There are two types of ferries - fast and regular. The first ferry will cost a little more than usual, about $ 16 in both directions. For a trip on a regular ferry, you need to pay only $ 12. Tickets for this type of transport can be purchased directly at the ferry terminal, travel agency or at any post office.

Not far from the capital of the state is the Piarco International Airport, adapted to serve intercontinental airliners. Trinidad and Tobago is connected by air with the neighboring island states of the West Indies. There are only six airports throughout the country. Air travel through the territory of the state will cost a tourist about $ 100.

Communication

Communications in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are provided by a telecommunications corporation that provides a wide range of services to the population. Practically in all localities of the country, there are numerous payphones on the streets, with the help of which you can make calls abroad. Such public vending machines operate on a 25-cent coin for long-distance calls, and to make a call to another country, you need to purchase a separate card sold in the corporation's post offices, large supermarkets, gas stations, street kiosks. On the island of Tobago, the easiest way to make an international call is from the office of the TSTT corporation itself.

The small country of Trinidad and Tobago has several cellular operators that successfully support the roaming of numerous mobile companies worldwide. In this state, cellular communication covers almost the entire territory of the islands, with the exception of some mountainous regions. Interestingly, the phones of most European mobile operators may not work in Trinidad and Tobago without first registering numbers at the official office of the TSTT corporation. The easiest way to make calls via cellular communication is to rent a mobile phone from a local operator. Renting such a device for a week will be about $ 30. Additionally, you must pay for the connection time.

Networking technologies in Trinidad and Tobago are developing quite rapidly. There are small Internet cafes in almost all cities and towns, most of them have their own websites. Many hotels and hotels also provide their clients with Internet access. They often use a wireless connection with high speed and excellent data transfer quality. For one hour of using the Internet, you will have to pay about $ 3.

Security

Trinidad and Tobago has a good reputation for the safety of foreign tourists. However, when traveling around the country, you should not forget about basic precautions. Although serious crimes are extremely rare on the islands of the country, the number of cases of fraud and petty theft is steadily increasing every year. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when you are in crowded places.

The sanitary situation in the country is relatively good. On the streets of large cities, you can safely try all the food products sold there. However, it is worth remembering that when buying vegetables or fruits at local markets, you must thoroughly rinse them with running water, and only then eat them. Tap water in Trinidad can be drunk without additional treatment, but to be sure, it is better to boil it.

Business climate

The main industry in Trinidad and Tobago is the extraction and processing of petroleum products and natural gas. Many foreign investors invest in this particular business, which is the most profitable in the country. The state authorities are taking various additional measures to attract investment in their economy. Such measures include: simplification of taxation of foreign enterprises, amendments to the legislation that controls this area of \u200b\u200bthe economy and other methods.

Thanks to its unique natural beauty, Trinidad and Tobago is gaining popularity among tourists, especially among adherents of the ecological direction. Some businessmen prefer to invest large sums of money in the tourism business, which in this country has one feature - such investments quickly pay off. To attract foreign tourists, the state authorities have significantly simplified the visa regime, which allows more people to visit this stunning exotic country.

The property

Trinidad and Tobago is the southernmost island in the entire Caribbean. The proximity to the continent (only 10 kilometers from the coast of Venezuela), mild climate, picturesque landscapes make buying real estate in this country very, very attractive. In addition, the recent tax reform has had a positive impact on the dynamics of demand for real estate from foreign investment companies.

The cost of apartments and houses in this small state is quite high. So, for an apartment of 100 square meters you need to pay just over $ 130,000. And this apartment will be located in a small settlement. For housing in the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, you will have to pay a larger sum. Before buying a private cottage in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, you must first of all familiarize yourself with the rules for the formation of taxes, which depend not only on the type of housing being purchased, but also on its location.

If it is impossible to buy a home in this country, you can rent an apartment. For a month of residence, the owners will ask for about $ 1100.

Exchange currency only at state exchange offices and avoid all kinds of transactions with strangers on the streets. When buying jewelry, be careful about their choice so as not to give huge sums of money for a worthless fake.

Visa information

If you decide to go on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful country of Trinidad and Tobago, then you should take care of purchasing a special visa in advance, which is issued at the British Embassy representing the interests of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. In this case, it is worth preparing the necessary documents: a foreign passport, which is valid for more than six months from the end of the trip; old passports (if any); copies of passport pages with the applicant's personal data; one color photograph. You also need to submit a certificate from work with the specified income, a copy of the marriage certificate and birth certificates of children, a visa application form completed in English.

All of the above documents are submitted to the consular section of the British Embassy in Moscow, which is located at: 121099, Moscow, st. Smolenskaya embankment, 10.

Trinidad and Tobago is a relatively small island state, located in the Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela. This country is remarkable for the fact that tourism has become its main activity and the main branch of the economy.

Here, nature itself has created literally heavenly conditions for tourists - clean sandy beaches, a favorable climate in which there are no sudden changes in temperature and seasons, lush tropical greenery, and many rare animals. People also did their best by building comfortable hotels and offering travelers an excellent level of service by organizing lush carnivals.

Russian tourists traveling to one of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago do not need visas, but they will have to fly through Europe, for example, or.

The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles / day

What to see in Trinidad and Tobago?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.

This is the largest park area located in the capital of the state - the city of Port of Spain. It occupies about 1.1 square kilometers. At the same time, Queen Savannah Park is also the oldest park area on all the islands of the Caribbean. The park is surrounded by the residence of the President of the country, a zoo and a botanical garden, so there is something to see here. And the walk itself along the beautiful alleys and lawns will be a real pleasure.

The castle is located in the capital of the country - Port of Spain. Thousands of tourists come here every year, attracted by the unusual architecture of Stolmeer and its history. The castle is quite reminiscent of a fortress, which outwardly resembles Scottish defensive structures, however, with a wooden floor and a roof. You can visit the castle as part of a walk through Queen Savannah Park - it is located in the western side of this park area.

3. National Academy of Theater Arts

The building, built only in 2009, is distinguished by a very peculiar, very modern architecture. The National Academy of Performing Arts is the pride of Port of Spain. The area of \u200b\u200bthe building is 40 thousand square meters, the central place is reserved for a hall that can accommodate up to 1.5 thousand spectators. Performances are regularly held here, as well as practical theater lessons.

This is the number one entertainment complex in the entire Caribbean. For the first time on the planet, it was here that a cinema with ten screens was equipped at once! In addition, MovieTowne is a great place for shopping, family holidays, dining out, or just a pleasant pastime. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants, as well as a variety of boutiques, so it's better to set aside a whole day for a hike in MovieTowne. Trust me, you won't get bored!

5. Empower Valley Zoo

This zoo is located in the northern part of Queen Savannah Park. Empower Valley was discovered in 1947 and has collected a huge number of rare animals found in the Caribbean. When developing the zoo, all the features of the landscape were taken into account, and conditions for the animals were created as close as possible to natural ones. It seems that you are not at the zoo at all, but really in the middle of a rainforest or savannah.

6. Parliament building (Red House)

Unlike White, Trinidad and Tobago has its own Red House, the seat of the local parliament is located here. The building was built in the style of the Greek Revival and became the decoration of Port of Spain. The facade of the building is indeed red, so the name is justified. Some of the decorations and decorations were brought from Great Britain, and the panels on the ceilings were installed by Italian craftsmen. There is a fountain inside the building.

7. National Museum and Art Gallery

The complex is located opposite the Port of Spain Memorial Park, was created back in 1892 and is now the main museum of Trinidad and Tobago. The collection of the National Museum and Art Gallery exceeds 10 thousand exhibits. The complex includes seven main galleries, where you can see artifacts of the first settlers, objects related to the art of carnivals, as well as exhibitions of artists, both famous and emerging.

8. Museum of money of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago

This is the youngest, but very interesting museum in the country. Founded in 2004, it has collected absolutely all banknotes and coins that have ever been used on the islands as a means of payment. The Trinidad and Tobago Central Bank Museum of Money includes three rooms - History of State Money, The Role of the Central Bank and Money of the World. It is interesting that among the exhibits there are cowrie shells, gold bars, and Katanga crosses, which were used by the first inhabitants of the islands as money.

9. Peach Lake

This lake is located near the city of La Brie and is one of the unique natural phenomena. Peach Lake is unique in that, under the influence of tectonic factors, oil-bearing layers here are transformed into excellent quality asphalt, which is used in road construction around the world, including in London. Tourists can watch the finished asphalt being mined. Near the lake is one of the country's business centers - the city of Point Photin.

10. Royal Botanic Gardens

Queen Savannah Park is home to the most beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens with a gorgeous collection of plants from all over the planet. The gardens began to be created back in 1818, now they occupy 25 hectares, so the walk can take too long. The Botanical Garden is open to visitors from 6 am to 6 pm. In the gardens there is also an old cemetery, founded in 1819 and well preserved to this day.

11. Maracas Bay

A forty-minute drive from the capital of Trinidad is the island's most popular beach area, Maracas Bay. It is a picturesque arc with a length of 1.85 thousand meters with unusual beaches of soft cream sand. The beaches are lined with palm groves and offer excellent conditions for relaxation. There are especially many tourists here in February and March, when Trinidad is dry season and you can sunbathe all day.

12. Caroni Swamp National Park

Trinidad and Tobago places particular emphasis on eco-tourism, which is gaining popularity. The islands are home to thousands of species of birds, butterflies, animals, reptiles and insects. Many of them can be found in the Karoni Swamp National Park, which is located near the capital of the country. You can get there by rented car or by bus, as part of an organized tour. The park is known for its large population of ibises.

13. Pigeon Point Beach

This beach is very often seen in advertising brochures, postcards and magazines. Pigeon Point is a truly stunning place, a paragon of exactly what a chic Caribbean beach should be. It is located in the Gulf of Bakku, on the island of Tobago. Tourists come here not only to swim and lie on the sand, but also to do kiter and freeride, or just watch how more experienced athletes do it. Pigeon Point is great for families.

There are many reasons to spend a vacation in Trinidad, but three will suffice. The first is the extraordinary beauty of the seascapes, the second is the chic conditions created for visitors. And third - a voyage to this Caribbean island is considered one of the most profitable in terms of financial costs, which does not affect the quality of a classy vacation.

Trinidad on world map (with hotel prices)

Trinidad Island on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-). Caribbean on the map

To head towards Trinidad, head towards the Lesser Caribbean Islands. The land, located off the northeastern coast of South America, is washed by the gentle waters of the Caribbean Sea. Trinidad is the largest (4,821 km²) of all the islands belonging to the state of Trinidad and Tobago. Its width is slightly less than 60 km, its length is 80 km. The capital of the friendly republic, Port of Spain, also flourishes here.

There are two straits between the mainland and the island: Boca de la Sierpe and Bocas del Dragon (the first is translated from Spanish as the mouth of the snake, the second is the mouth of the dragon), as well as the bay of Paria. Tobago island is 30 km away, to Venezuela about 11 km.

Holidays in Trinidad (tours)

As with most of the islands for which the magnificent Caribbean is famous, a vacation in Trinidad is mega-comfortable, diverse and vibrant. Conventionally, you can, of course, divide it into ecological, active, sightseeing, beach, extreme, wellness, but in fact, all directions are mixed. It is not surprising, because, studying only the ancient monuments or basking day after day on the beach, you will not be able to experience all the chic of a real exotic vacation. Therefore, tourists gladly accept the organizers' proposals, thought out to the smallest nuances, having fun on mini-cruises, having fun in disco clubs, visiting attractions, sinking to the bottom, buying souvenirs, walking through the tropical forests, chasing a ball around the court, etc.

The American dollar is easily accepted everywhere, even tariffs are often indicated in the most popular currency. It is advisable to have small bills with you, since in small retail outlets, unlike large hypermarkets, change is not always available. Gratuities (5-10%) are usually included in the bill. A strong recommendation to leave military-style clothes at home, since even for a camouflage T-shirt it is possible to get a taboo on entry.

Trinidad nature and fauna

The northern coast of Trinidad is bordered by coral reefs, the southern - by tropical evergreen forests, called mangroves. The famous mud volcanoes are also located here. The landscape of the marshy eastern part is mostly flat, two small ridges running parallel to each other, at the highest points do not exceed 300 meters. The northern territory boasts larger hills, the same Mount Aripo has a height of 940 m.

The Caribbean island is like a fantasy dream come true thanks to the incredibly bright colors. The protection of natural heritage is at the highest level here. Lush vegetation that can exist in salty soils in the tidal zones, balsa, cactus, sandalwood, zest, vanilla, cypress, the rarest butterfly orchid, coconut groves, cocoa plantations - it is problematic to list all Trinidad plants. Over the flowering bushes, hummingbirds flutter, of which there are more than forty species on the island, caimans, bats, possums, agouti, capuchins, iguanas are found. But no matter how rich the terrestrial world of the island is, it pales before the fabulous splendor of the underwater kingdom of the Caribbean.

Trinidad landmarks

In Port of Spain you can spend more than one day discovering and exploring the city. The original architectural layout mixed eras and styles: global skyscrapers, bustling bazaars, mosques and Catholic cathedrals, colonial buildings, business districts and cozy park alleys. Popular places in the capital: Independence Square, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the shopping area simply referred to as the Center, Town Hall Librari in Woodford Green Zone, Immaculite Concepcion Cathedral, Queen Savannah Park, National Museum, Art Gallery, Zoo Empower Valley.

The sights of Trinidad are not limited to the capital, a lot of impressions remain from visits:

1. River Estain - an old plantation with preserved wooden buildings;
2. blue Bassin waterfall;
3. shaggerarmas Park;
4. the only Museum of Military History and Aviation in the Caribbean;
5. the oldest settlement of Chaguanas;
6. the area of \u200b\u200bthe best beaches and waterfalls of the North Range;
7. the town of Arima;
8. the first capital of the island of St. Joseph.
9. maracas Bay;
10. the city of San Fernando - the commercial center of the south of Trinidad;
11. pitch Lake lakes.

These and many other stunning places await guests of the island all year round, and spectacular shows, enchanting carnivals, music festivals and tasting events will only increase the delight of the trip.

When is the best time to go to Trinidad

The average temperature on the island is pretty flat in any season - plus 26˚. During the hot, dry season from February to May, when the sun warms the air to 31˚, fresh trade winds keep the heat from swelling. The rainy period is the summer months and autumn. Another plus - Trinidad is outside the zone of destructive hurricanes.

You just have to visit this island to fully experience the tropical beauty and exotic flavor of the chic atmosphere. The magical Caribbean Sea, merging with the azure sky, high-quality service and many attractions will make even a short stay in Trinidad unforgettable.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation in the southern Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela. It consists of two large islands - Trinidad and Tobago, as well as a large number of small islands. The country is located 10.6 kilometers north of Venezuela and slightly south of Grenada.

Trinidad is dominated by a low-lying plain, but there are three mountain ranges. In the north, there is another mountain range, which is a continuation of the Coastal Cordillera of Venezuela. Its main peak is Mount Aripo (940 m) - the highest point in the country.

Tobago is dominated by a large mountain range that runs through most of the island (29 km long) and reaches a height of 640 meters. To the north and south of the ridge are fertile plains.

The state

State structure

Trinidad and Tobago is a parliamentary republic that is part of the British Commonwealth. The head of state is the president. Legislative power is vested in a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Executive power is exercised by the government, headed by the prime minister.

Language

State language: English

The Indo-Aryan language Bhojpuri, spoken by many Indotrinidadians, is quite widespread. Commonly spoken is Trinidadian Creole based on English.

Religion

7 religious confessions are widely represented: Catholics (26% of the population consider themselves to be among them); Hindus (22%); Anglicans (8%); Baptists, Pentecostals (7% each); Muslims (6%); Seventh-day Adventists (4%). The rest of the inhabitants of Trinidad and Tobago profess other religions or are atheists.

Currency

International name: TTD

Trinidad and Tobago dollar is sibdivided into 100 cents. Banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 100 TTD and coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents are in circulation.

You can also pay in US dollars.

Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, in almost all hotels and in many stores (Eurocard, MasterCard, Visa International, American Express, etc.) Travel checks can be cashed almost everywhere - in bank offices, in hotels and large stores (in many banks for service of checks is charged a certain percentage, in each institution it is different).

Trinidad and Tobago Map

Popular attractions

Trinidad and Tobago Tourism

Popular hotels

Tip

Tipping is 5-10% of the cost of services, it is better to give them in local currency. In most hotels and guesthouses, the cost of service is included in the bill, otherwise a tip of 10% is usual.

Opening hours of institutions

From Monday to Thursday, banks are usually open from 08.00-9.30 to 14.00-17.00, on Fridays from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00. Some major banks are open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Purchases

Shops are usually open from 8.00 to 16.00, on Saturday from 8.00 to 13.00. Some supermarkets are open from Monday to Thursday from 08.00 to 16.00, on Fridays from 08.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays from 08.00 to 13.00.

The medicine

Increased precautions against hepatitis B, tropical fever (especially when visiting the Caroni area or Nariva Swamp Nature Reserve in Trinidad) and rabies are imperative.

Security

It is not recommended to carry large amounts of cash; instead, it is wiser to use travel checks, as well as debit or credit cards. It is not necessary to show expensive dresses, jewelry and expensive photo or video equipment outside the appropriate institutions. "Deals" offered by strangers on the street should be avoided in every possible way. It is not recommended to use ATMs at night or exchange money with strangers.

Women traveling alone should expect increased attention from local men. Usually this is expressed in various oral comments and rarely turns into threatening forms, but the usual caution here clearly does not hurt.

Despite the fact that on the islands you can often hear almost undisguised offers to buy marijuana and even more "hard" drugs, the sale, purchase or possession of any amount of drug-containing substances is punished by local legislation rather harshly.

Emergency phones

Unified rescue service (fire service, police, ambulance) - 990.
Police - 999.
Ambulance - 900 (general) or 639-25-52 (Tobago only), 624-43-43 (Port of Spain), 653-43-43 (San Fernando).
Coast Guard - 634-44-40, 634-21-31.