Trinidad / Things to do

Some of the attractions and things to do in Trinidad include:

Asa Wright Nature Centre, Arima Valley - Former coffee and citrus estate metamorphosed into one of the best birding spots on the planet. Residential research station, excellent informative guided tours, nature trails and educational centre.

Caroni Swamp and Bird Sanctuary - Protected area of wetland not far from the capital, well worth a late afternoon boat trip (apply the insect repellent).

Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain  -  for the Academy for the Performing Arts building opened by the Queen - The National Museum & Art Gallery with sections on natural history and carnival, and a wonderful tribute to Trinidad’s celebrated artists both old and new - Emperor Valley Zoo - Botanical Gardens - President’s House.  

Woodford Square and Downtown Port of Spain - Independence Square and the Brian Lara Promenade  - the Breakfast Shed, a collection of very reasonably priced local eating houses - the impressive new Waterfront Walkway.

MovieTowne, Port of Spain - with its shops, restaurants and multi-screen cinema on the Audrey Jeffers Highway opposite the stadium is well worth a visit, should you get a wet day in Port of Spain.

Chaguaramas National Park - The western peninsular outside Port of Spain is a good place for escaping city life. A rainforested interior with distinctive wildlife, coastline with marinas, sailing, watersports and a few restaurants and clubs. A traditional out of town recreational area for Trinis, it has a separate maritime feel and is the departure point too for trips ’down the Islands’ and a favourite weekend lime to the offshore islands and Gasparee Caves.

Mud Volcanoes - A slight misnomer for the low-key features scattered around southern Trinidad but best seen at the Devil’s Woodyard near Princes Town. A series of bubbling grey sulphuric mud extrusions no more than three feet high, with a children’s playground and changing facilities. A popular Sunday liming spot. Very occasionally a larger eruption or tremors will occur like the one at Piparo in 1997, which obliterated half the village cemetery and led to the displacement of several families.

Lopinot Complex - A strangely atmospheric former cocoa estate tucked beneath the mountains in a beautiful manicured hamlet, five miles off the Eastern Main Road north of Arouca.

Nariva Swamp & Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary - In the east is a more dramatic landscape, pristine rainforest and mangrove with an even greater variety of wildlife and it’s possible to kayak through certain areas (with a well versed guide in attendance of course).

See separate sections on Hiking, Nature, Flowers & Gardens, and Culture & Heritage for more information.