Trinidad & Tobago sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

Trinidad and Tobago have all signature aspects of the Caribbean region with its breath-taking nature and top class beach rest. However, these two islands have much more to offer in terms of the number of interesting attractions. Tobago is a calm, mostly relaxed island that is famous for its beach resorts. Many cruise ships arrive to the island so their passengers can enjoy the beautiful bay. Trinidad, in its turn, is an energetic place that is well-known as the location of the largest carnival in the Caribbean. During the carnival, which is similar to the famous carnival in Brazil, it’s possible to see the local invention – the steel drum.

Trinidad and Tobago is a country that consists of 21 islands. The largest two form the name of the country, and other significant islands include Chacachacare, Little Tobago, Monos, Gasparee, St. Giles Island and Huevos. Trinidad is the largest and most populous island; the capital of the country, Port of Spain, is also located there. Only 4% of the country’s population lives in Tobago.

Just like other popular destinations of the region, Trinidad and Tobago offers great beach rest. The northern coast of Trinidad is the location of beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal blue water. The most popular beaches here are Maracas, Chagville, Tyrico, Toco, Los Iros, Las Cuevas, Mayaro and Quinam. The most famous and beautiful beaches of Tobago are Pigeon Point, MT Irvine, Englishman's Bay, Store Bay, Canoe Bay, Bucco and Grange. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Fans of bird watching will be excited to visit Caroni Bird Sanctuary, which is located in the Caroni Swamp. The national bird of the islands, the Scarlet Ibis, can also be found in the bird sanctuary. The Mathura Beach on the Trinidad Island is home to the leatherback sea turtles, a rare species that returns to the island every spring to lay eggs. It’s also possible to do voluntary work and help to save the marine creature. If you seek undeveloped places, head to Toco village at the North East of Trinidad as the area around it is completely unspoilt.

The town of La Brea is known because of the largest deposit of natural asphalt in the world. Travellers are also recommended to visit Tobago Rain Forest, the oldest rain forest in whole North America. Finally, don’t miss Argyle Falls, the highest falls of Tobago Island. The falls can be reached after an easy 15-minute long walk.

History and Entertainment

Before the European colonization, the islands were populated by Indian tribes. The first settlements in the islands appeared in the 7th century BC. The colonial times for the archipelago began in 1498. The discoverer of the islands is Christopher Columbus. The first colonial settlements were formed in the islands in the 16th century. There were almost no conflicts between colonizers and indigenous people, as not so many new inhabitants came to the islands. The islands had been under Spanish colonizers till the end of the 18th century. In 1797, they were conquered by Great Britain. The island country gained independence from Great Britain in 1962.

At present, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most popular places for ecotourism in the world. The main value of the archipelago is its unique nature. There are over 600 species of butterflies, over 100 mammals and almost 400 birds. Travelers usually visit local resorts in February and March. At this time, there are a lot of interesting holidays and festivals organized in the islands. The best time for calm recreation in a peaceful atmosphere is summer.