In the Caribbean there are 28 nations and up to 7 thousand different islands, which is why it is not always easy to choose a next destination in which it is one of the most famous, heavenly and warm seas in the world. Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico or Jamaica are some of its most famous islands, but if we pay attention to those other lesser known ones, we may find less crowded paradises such as Trinidad and Tobago, country that we address in this post so that you can immerse yourself in the cradle of what is one of the most famous carnivals in the world.
Trinidad and Tobago are two islands that were united in the 1880s, at which time the demand for labor in cocoa plantations (the chocolate known as "Cocobel" is a national flagship brand) once appropriated by the British attracted people from other Caribbean countries and especially from China and India, making this small nation one of the most cosmopolitan in the Caribbean.
In the XNUMXth century, the country experienced an economic boom as a consequence of the oil and gas industry, so tourism has always been a secondary economic activity with all that this entails: fewer tourists, more empty beaches. However, after the decline of the oil industry, Trinidad and Tobago has begun to further enhance its heritage that seduces anyone looking for the promised paradise: dream beaches (especially in Tobago, the smallest island), nature, nightlife and culture. A country of color, fusion and freshness that we travel through its most important highlights:
Port of Spain
Red House in Port of Spain.
Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago and the most important city in the country. Situated on the northwest coast of the main island, Trinidad, Port of Spain was built on the foundations of the ancient settlement of Cumucarapo. A city whose function is purely administrative, with tall business buildings combined with others of a more colonial character such as the Red House, seat of the national Parliament, or the typical colored houses of its old town. Its Art Gallery or the Botanical Gardens are some of its main attractions, although Port of Spain stands out for its wide nightlife offerBy its proximity to beaches like Maracas or, especially, for its colorful Carnival, which is celebrated every year on Mondays and Tuesdays before Ash Wednesday.
Maracas bay
© neiljs
The aforementioned Maracas beach is an hour's drive from Port of Spain, being one of the most famous inlets in the entire country. Become the biggest attraction of the namesake Maracas bay, this beach with turquoise waters and tropical surroundings dotted by palm huts where they prepare the mythical soup shut up It is considered the most beautiful and closest beach to the capital.
Asa Wright Nature Center
In Trinidad and Tobago, up to 250 different bird species, being one of the largest sanctuaries in bird watching from all over the Caribbean. The Asa Wright, located in an old cocoa plantation north of the island of Trinidad, is recommended to visit first thing in the morning, at which time its hummingbirds (the great attraction in the center), flutter among hundreds of trees and tropical plants.
Pigeon Point
The island of Trinidad is considered a cultural and economic center while Tobago is the most properly touristy for several reasons, especially its beaches, being Pigeon Point the most famous of all. Located in the south of Tobago, the also known as Punta Pigeon is a paradise of turquoise waters crossed by its now famous palm-roofed promenade that has become the island's flagship icon.
Nylon Pool
© quillons
Not far from Pigeon Point we find one of those places that will conquer any nature lover: Nylon Pool, a natural pool abundant in corals and white sands to which different excursions are made to practice snorkeling or get away from the tourist crowds of Pigeon Point.
Englishman's Bay
Unlike Pigeon Point, this beach is somewhat away from the tourist circuits, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in a paradise where palm trees fight to enter the sea and there is only one house, Eula's bar, as a restaurant , in addition to two stands that act as bathrooms for men and women. Located one hour from the fishing village of Castara, in northern Tobago, Englishmans's Bay is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the entire country, deep enough to allow you to put on your scuba gear before watching the sunset.
Scarborough
Despite its beaches, we do not forget that other more cultural aspect of Tobago, and its capital, Scarborough, becomes the best example. A tiny town of just over 25 thousand inhabitants dotted in the middle of the tropics and enveloped by the Fort King George, a fortress commissioned by King George III in the XNUMXth century and today converted into the most famous museum in the city. In turn, Scarborough includes the largest arts complex in the Caribbean, the Shaw Park Cultural Complex.
Trinidad and Tobago is emerging as one of the great Caribbean destinations of the coming years thanks to its unique nature, its postcard beaches and its, until now, camouflaged position among other islands beforehand much more touristy.
Would you like to go to Trinidad and Tobago?