The World Bank recognizes Trinidad and Tobago as a high-income economy. It ranks as the third wealthiest country in the Caribbean and the fifth richest by GDP (PPP) per capita in the Americas. Beyond its economic standing, the country boasts remarkable biodiversity. It is home to 2,200 species of flowering plants, 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, 85 species of reptiles, as well as 30 species of amphibians. This is pretty impressive for a country as big, or rather small, as 5,131 km2, right?
While statistics offer valuable insights, nothing compares to experiencing Trinidad and Tobago in person. Visitors should plan their itineraries carefully to avoid falling into the routine of just lounging on the beach, as tempting as that may be, because this could lead you to miss out on many potentially memorable experiences.
From local cultural experiences to hidden gems in nature, there is so much more than what meets the eye. Here’s a short list of things every first-comer should do.
1. Rent a house and spend some time “down de islands”
In addition to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, the country has several smaller islands which locals refer to as “down de islands” (DDI). These include Monos Island, Huevos Island, Gaspar Grande Island (home to the Gasparee Caves), and Chacachacare Island. They offer a serene escape from civilization, allowing anyone to unwind and relax. Interestingly, channels between these islands are known as the Dragon’s Mouths (Bocas del Dragón), with the Grand Boca separating Trinidad from Venezuela.
Reaching these islands is easy, thanks to boat taxis frequently operating between the main island and the smaller ones. Most taxis depart from the northwestern part of Trinidad, near Chaguaramas Bay, a location with a rich historical heritage. In 1797, while the islands were under Spanish colonial rule, the Spanish colonizers surrendered to a fleet of British ships. Several years later, Great Britain officially took control of the islands.
2. Take a tour of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary
Classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary is another must-visit destination. Located in the Caroni Swamp, on the island’s west coast, it is just a 30-minute drive from Port of Spain. A boat tour offers visitors the chance to navigate the waterways and enjoy close-up views of mangrove trees and local wildlife, including herons, snakes, and even anteaters.
The swamp is the perfect place to visit for nature and bird lovers. It is home to the scarlet ibis, Trinidad’s national bird, and many other bird species like flamingos. Similarly to flamingos, only adult scarlet ibises have the bright scarlet red colour that comes from their diet, which is rich in carotenoids, usually found in shrimp and other crustaceans.
3. Explore Bamboo Cathedral’s hiking trails
Bamboo Cathedral is a spot where high bamboo stalks bend towards each other to form a canopy that looks like a cathedral’s pointed arch. This spot doesn’t only attract nature lovers but also photographers and couples looking for unique photos. The area is home to various birds, green monkeys, and red howler monkeys, which are most active early in the morning (usually before 10 am).
For the adventurous, a trail leads to an abandoned United States satellite tracking station, that was constructed during the Cold War. The station was part of a Ballistic Missile Early Warning System designed to detect Soviet missile attacks. The hike could be a bit tiring because it is uphill, but it is worth it. Also, halfway through, there is the option to stop at the lookout to rest and admire the view of the scenic North Coast.
In this area there is one more place to stop by or hike to. It is a matter of perspective and it is a small plane wreck. The wreck is a Piper PA-23 Aztec aircraft that crashed into the mountain in 1975. The plane was supposed to land at Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain but because of the bad weather conditions, the pilot couldn’t contact the tower. He made a choice to fly lower to see the landscape. Unfortunately, this was done, when the plane was reaching the North Range of the island which caused it to crash in the mountain. The wreckage can still be seen here, after so many years.
4. Try local foods such as “doubles” and “bake and shark”
One essential culinary experience in Trinidad and Tobago is trying “doubles.” They are the best thing you can have there while being really affordable and vegetarian-friendly. “Doubles” consists of two pieces of thin, fried flatbreads served with curried chickpeas and different sauces and chutneys. This street food is loved by locals and tourists alike, who line up in front of the different “doubles” carts for more. They are a popular Sunday breakfast food or a post-party hangover food. Beware if you are asked if you want hot pepper sauce it comes in 3 options – slight, medium, or heavy. The local pepper sauce could be rather formidable for Europeans, so it is recommended to avoid it or begin with “slight”.
Another must-try dish is “bake and shark”, especially at Maracas Beach. There are multiple huts that sell this dish. It consists of a fried flatbread and deep-fried pieces of locally seasoned shark. Moreover, you can add other toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, pineapple, and sauces based on taste and preference. Some of the Trinidadian staples for sauces are Tamarind and Chadon Beni (similar to what is known as culantro – chardon béni in French or long coriander).
5. Take a swim in Avocat Falls
Yet another hiking opportunity leads to a waterfall, and a dip in it is the reward after all the effort made on the trail. Located near the village of Avocat, visiting this waterfall makes for a great family experience, as the trail is not too steep. As with any other waterfall, the water is cold but it is probably worth taking a swim, after the tiring walk up.
People feeling more adventurous can go to the top of the waterfall. However, this is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Climbing to the top can be rather intimidating and nerve-racking but it is quite rewarding once there and admiring the view.
