It’s not possible to see everything that Trinidad and Tobago have to offer in one trip – and we don’t suggest you try. What follows gives a taste of the islands’ highlights: gorgeous beaches, thrilling nightlife, fine food and exotic wildlife. All highlights are colour-coded by chapter and have a page reference to take you into the Guide, where you can find out more.
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The drive along Trinidad’s northern coastline provides glimpses of innumerable rainforest-smothered headlands, and stopoffs at fantastic beaches such as Las Cuevas.
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2 HIKING IN THE NORTHERN RANGE
Trinidad’s Northern Range hills offer excellent hiking, with hundreds of trails through the lush forest.
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Carapichaima provides a great introduction to Indo-Trinidadian culture, from the Temple in the Sea at Waterloo to the gigantic Hanuman Murti statue at Sri Dattatreya Temple.
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4 CARNIVAL
Whether you’re watching the parade go by or joining a mas band, Carnival is T&T’s ultimate party.
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This standout nature centre is one of the best places in T&T for a spot of birdwatching.
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Close to swimmable rivers and rainforest hikes, this remote and unspoiled coastal village is a fabulous place escape the crowds any time of the year.
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With intricate reefs patrolled by shoals of colourful fish, the waters offshore of Speyside are a delight.
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Visit Trinidad’s Matura and Grand Riviere beaches and Turtle Beach on Tobago in season and you can watch leatherback turtles lay their eggs in the sand or see the hatchlings make their way to the sea.
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From the emerald waters of Mount Irvine to the often-deserted Englishman’s Bay, Tobago’s beaches offer plenty of variety beyond the palm-trees-and-white-sand scene.
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Witness these magical little birds up close as they flit around the sugar-water feeders at Trinidad’s Yerettê and Tobago’s Adventure Farm.
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Enjoy some Trini-style beach time, drive through the coconut groves of the Cocal or explore the fantastically diverse forests and wetlands of Nariva Swamp.
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12 CRUISING ALONG TOBAGO’S COAST
A boat ride along the island’s Caribbean coast provides a spectacularly different perspective on Tobago’s scenery.
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From jumping up at an outdoor fete to dancing the night away at a club or bar, there are few reasons to go to bed early in the nation’s capital.
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14 PANYARDS
Take a pre-Carnival tour of Port of Spain’s panyards to hear practice sessions for the coveted Panorama prize; most bands practise throughout the year, too.
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From delicious doubles from a Port of Spain street cart (pictured) and curry crab and dumpling at Store Bay to gourmet Creole dishes at Chaud, T&Ts rich potpourri of influences has created a delicious and unique cuisine.