Trinidad Island: origin of the name, where it is located. Open left menu Trinidad Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

- a state in the Caribbean Sea, located on the islands of Trinidad, Tobago and several adjacent small islands.

The name comes from the Spanish "Trinidad", which means "Trinity", since Christopher Columbus discovered the island on the feast of Whitsun, and the local word "Tobago", which later entered the languages ​​as "tobacco".

Official name: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Capital: Port of Spain

The area of ​​the land: 5.128 thousand sq. km

Total Population: 1.2 million people

Administrative division: The state is divided into 9 counties.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: The president.

Population composition: 69% are Africans, mulattoes and moles, 30% are Indo-Pakistanis, 1% are Chinese.

Official language: English, but the Indo-Aryan language Bhojpuri is quite widely spoken, and Spanish is also used.

Religion: 32% are Catholics, 28% are Protestants (mostly Anglicans), 24% are Hindus, 6% are Muslims.

Internet domain: .tt

Mains voltage: ~115 V, 60 Hz

Country dialing code: +1-868

Climate

The climate of the islands is subequatorial, hot and humid, trade wind, with mild seasonal differences. The average temperature in February is 24° C, in September (the hottest month) - 27° C. The islands are located in the area of ​​trade wind circulation of air masses, where northeast winds predominate.

The amount of precipitation depends largely on the nature of the terrain. More than 3,600 mm of precipitation falls annually on the windward eastern slopes of the Northern Range, up to 3,800 mm on the slopes of the Sierra Tobago, and less than 1,500 mm on the leeward western slopes. The relatively dry season is from January to May, and the relatively wet season is from June to December.

Hurricanes sometimes hit the islands between June and December. Strong storm winds often blow, accompanied by tropical downpours of destructive force.

Geography

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is located on the islands of the same name in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, opposite the Orinoco delta (the southernmost part of the Lesser Antilles group). The southern coast of Trinidad lies just 10 km from the coast of Venezuela, and the island of Tobago is located 20 km northeast of Trinidad. The total area of ​​the islands is 5.128 thousand square meters. km (Trinidad - 4,828 sq. km, Tobago - 300 sq. km).

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

The vegetation of Trinidad and Tobago is very diverse compared to neighboring islands, which is explained by its continental origin. Evergreen forests predominate; in the center of the island of Trinidad and on the leeward northwestern slopes there is secondary savanna and woodlands. Plants are represented by both South American species and those specific to the Antilles.

The forests contain more than 50 species of valuable tree species, including zedrela, balsa (harewood), sandalwood, cypress, and vanilla pompona (V. pompona Schiede). Large areas are occupied by plantations of cocoa and other cultivated plants. Tobago is included in the habitat of Melocactus broadwayi, and other species of Melocactus are also common on the islands. Trinidad is also home to the rare butterfly orchid (Oncidium papilio Ldl.), which is declining due to commercial collection.

Animal world

The animals are similar to the fauna of South America. In Trinidad and Tobago you can find the red ibis (Eudocimus ruber), which is the national bird of the republic; caimans, ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), agoutis, iguanas, opossums, capuchins, as well as more than 40 species of hummingbirds (hummingbirds are also depicted on the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago).

Many bird species nest in Tobago, such as the Caribbean swallow and the white-tailed nightjar. There is a wide variety of bats, including representatives of the families Furipteridae (smoky bats), Natalidae (Funnel-eared bats), Phyllostomidae (leaf-nosed bats), Mormoopidae (chin-leaved bats).

Endemic to Trinidad is the lizard Proctoporus shrevei, the only reptile with the property of bioluminescence. The northern mountain range of Trinidad is the only place in the world where this species occurs.

Banks and currency

Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD or TT$), equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 20, 10, 5 and 1 dollars, as well as coins in denominations of 1 dollar, 50, 25, 10, 5 cents.

US dollars also have free circulation.

From Monday to Thursday, banks are usually open from 08.00-9.30 to 14.00-17.00, on Fridays - from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00. Some large banks are open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Most large bank offices on the main streets of the capital of Trinidad open and close slightly later than others (usually from 9.00 to 19.00) and work without interruption.

Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks and some hotels, as well as in cambios or bureaus de change currency exchange offices (open daily from 9.00 to 18.00, except Sundays), on weekends, currency can be exchanged at the airport (exchange office open from 6.00 to 22.00) and in some establishments in tourist areas (hotels, shops, restaurants, etc.). The exchange rate at exchange offices is usually slightly worse than at banks in Port of Spain, but conditions vary from place to place. Changing currency on the street is not recommended.

Credit cards of major payment systems (Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted for payment in almost all hotels, large restaurants and most stores. Many retail outlets charge an additional 5% of the amount when servicing credit cards. ATM machines (usually marked with the TIDCO banner) that accept debit and credit cards can be found everywhere (in Tobago, only in Scarborough).

Travel checks can be cashed almost everywhere - in bank offices, in hotels and large stores (many banks charge a certain percentage for servicing checks, which varies for each institution). To avoid additional conversion costs, it is recommended to use traveler's checks in US dollars or pounds sterling.

Useful information for tourists

Active tourism is quite well developed on the islands - any of the magnificent beaches of the coast offer windsurfing, water skiing and sailing, paragliding, snorkeling and “serious” diving, golf and tennis at numerous sites of hotels and small private guesthouses.

It is prohibited to export items of historical value, rare animals and tropical birds from the islands.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela. It consists of two large islands - Trinidad and Tobago, as well as a large number of small islands. The country is located 10.6 kilometers north of Venezuela and slightly south of Grenada.

Trinidad is predominantly low-lying, but has three mountain ranges. In the north there is another mountain range, which is a continuation of the Coastal Cordillera of Venezuela. Its main peak is Mount Aripo (940 m) - the highest point in the country.

Tobago is dominated by a large mountain range that runs through most of the island (length - 29 km) and reaches a height of up to 640 meters. To the north and south of the ridge are fertile plains.

State

State structure

Trinidad and Tobago is a parliamentary republic and part of the British Commonwealth. The head of state is the president. Legislative power belongs to a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Executive power is exercised by the government headed by the Prime Minister.

Language

Official language: English

The Indo-Aryan language Bhojpuri is quite widespread and is spoken by many Indo-Trinidadians. The spoken language is primarily Trinidadian Creole, based on English.

Religion

7 religious denominations are widely represented: Catholics (26% of the population consider themselves to be one of them); Hindus (22%); Anglicans (8%); Baptists, Pentecostals (7% each); Muslims (6%); Seventh-day Adventists (4%). The remaining residents of Trinidad and Tobago follow other religions or are atheists.

Currency

International name: TTD

The Trinidad and Tobago dollar is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 100 TTD and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents are in circulation.

You can also pay in American dollars.

Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, almost all hotels and many stores (Eurocard, MasterCard, Visa International, American Express, etc.) Travel checks can be cashed almost everywhere - in bank offices, hotels and large stores (in many banks for servicing checks is charged a certain percentage, different for each establishment).

Map of Trinidad and Tobago

Popular attractions

Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago

Popular hotels

Tips

Tips are 5-10% of the cost of services; it is better to give them in local currency. In most hotels and guesthouses the cost of service is included in the bill, otherwise a tip of 10% is usual.

Office hours

From Monday to Thursday, banks are usually open from 08.00-9.30 to 14.00-17.00, on Fridays - from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00. Some large banks are open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Purchases

Shops are usually open from 8.00 to 16.00, on Saturday from 8.00 to 13.00. Some supermarkets are open from Monday to Thursday from 08.00 to 16.00, on Fridays from 08.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays from 08.00 to 13.00.

Medicine

Increased precautions against hepatitis B, dengue (especially when visiting the Caroni region or Nariva Swamp Game Reserve in Trinidad) and rabies are required.

Safety

It is not recommended to carry large amounts of cash; instead, it is wiser to use travel checks, as well as debit or credit cards. You should not display expensive dresses, jewelry or expensive photo or video equipment outside the relevant establishments. "Deals" offered by strangers on the street should be avoided at all costs. It is not recommended to use ATMs at night or exchange money with strangers.

Women traveling alone should expect increased attention from local men. This is usually expressed in various verbal comments and rarely turns into threatening forms, but ordinary caution obviously won’t hurt here.

Despite the fact that on the islands you can often hear almost undisguised offers to buy marijuana and even “harder” drugs, the sale, purchase or possession of any amount of narcotic substances is punished quite harshly by local legislation.

Emergency numbers

Unified rescue service (fire department, police, ambulance) - 990.
Police - 999.
Ambulance - 900 (general) or 639-25-52 (Tobago only), 624-43-43 (Port of Spain), 653-43-43 (San Fernando).
Coast Guard - 634-44-40, 634-21-31.

Trinidad and Tobago is a relatively small island state located in the Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela. This country is notable for the fact that it has made tourism its main activity and the main sector of the economy.

Here, nature itself has created literally heavenly conditions for tourists - clean sandy beaches, a favorable climate in which there are no sudden changes in temperature and seasons, lush tropical greenery, and many rare animals. People also did their best, building comfortable hotels and offering travelers an excellent level of service, organizing lush carnivals.

Russian tourists traveling to one of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago do not need visas, but they will have to fly through Europe, for example, or.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Trinidad and Tobago?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

This is the largest park area located in the capital of the state - the city of Port of Spain. It occupies about 1.1 square kilometers. At the same time, Queen Savannah Park is also the oldest park area on all the islands of the Caribbean. The park is surrounded by the residence of the country's president, a zoo and a botanical garden, so there is a lot to see. And the walk itself along the beautiful alleys and lawns will be a real pleasure.

The castle is located in the capital of the country - Port of Spain. Every year thousands of tourists come here, attracted by the unusual architecture of Stollmeer and its history. The castle is quite reminiscent of a fortress, which is similar in appearance to Scottish defensive structures, although with a wooden floor and roof. You can visit the castle as part of a walk through Queen Savannah Park - it is located on the western side of this park area.

3. National Academy of Theater Arts

The building, built only in 2009, has a very distinctive, very modern architecture. The National Academy of Theater Arts is the pride of Port of Spain. The area of ​​the building is 40 thousand square meters, the central place is given to a hall that can accommodate up to 1.5 thousand spectators. Performances are regularly held here, as well as practical classes in theater skills.

This is the number one entertainment complex in the entire Caribbean. For the first time on the planet, a cinema with ten screens at once was equipped here! In addition, MovieTowne is a great place for shopping, family fun, going to a restaurant, or just having a good time. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants here, as well as a variety of boutiques, so it’s better to set aside a whole day for a trip to MovieTowne. Believe me, you won't get bored!

5. Empower Valley Zoo

This zoo is located in the northern part of Queen Savannah Park. Empower Valley was opened in 1947 and has collected a huge number of rare animals living in the Caribbean. When developing the zoo, all the features of the landscape were taken into account, and conditions were created for the animals that were as close to natural as possible. It seems that you are not in a zoo at all, but really in the middle of a tropical forest or savannah.

6. Parliament Building (Red House)

Unlike the White House, Trinidad and Tobago has its own Red House; the seat of the local parliament is located here. The building was built in the Greek Revival style and became the decoration of Port of Spain. The façade of the building is really red, so the name is justified. Some of the decorations and decorations were brought from Great Britain, and the panels on the ceilings were installed by Italian craftsmen. There is a fountain inside the building.

7. National Museum and Art Gallery

The complex is located opposite the Port of Spain Memorial Park, was created back in 1892 and is now the main museum of Trinidad and Tobago. The collection of the National Museum and Art Gallery exceeds 10 thousand exhibits. The complex includes seven main galleries, where you can see artifacts from the early settlers, items related to the art of carnival, and exhibitions of artists, both established and emerging.

8. Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Money Museum

This is the youngest, but very interesting museum in the country. Founded in 2004, it has collected absolutely all banknotes and coins that have ever been used on the islands as a means of payment. The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Money Museum includes three halls - The History of Government Money, The Role of the Central Bank and Money of the World. Interestingly, among the exhibits there are cowrie shells, gold bars, and Katanga crosses, which were used by the first inhabitants of the islands as money.

9. Peach Lake

This lake is located near the town of La Brie and is one of the unique natural phenomena. Peach Lake is unique in that, under the influence of tectonic factors, oil-bearing layers here are transformed into excellent quality asphalt, which is used in the construction of roads around the world, including in London. Tourists can watch how finished asphalt is mined. Near the lake is one of the business centers of the country - the city of Point Fotin.

10. Royal Botanic Gardens

Queen Savannah Park is home to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens with a gorgeous collection of plants from all over the planet. The gardens began to be created back in 1818, now they occupy 25 hectares, so the walk can take a long time. The botanical garden is open to visitors from six in the morning until six in the evening. In the gardens there is also an ancient cemetery, founded in 1819 and well preserved to this day.

11. Maracas Bay

Forty minutes' drive from the capital of Trinidad is the island's most popular beach area - Maracas Bay. It is a picturesque arc 1.85 thousand meters long with unusual beaches of soft cream-colored sand. The beaches are framed by palm groves and offer excellent conditions for relaxation. There are especially many tourists here in February and March, when Trinidad has a dry season and you can sunbathe all day long.

12. Caroni Swamp National Park

In Trinidad and Tobago, special attention is paid to eco-tourism, which is gaining popularity. The islands preserve thousands of species of birds, butterflies, animals, reptiles and insects. Many of them can be found in the Karoni Swamp National Park, which is located not far from the capital of the country. You can get there by rented car or by bus, as part of an organized excursion. The park is known for its large population of ibises.

13. Pigeon Point Beach

This beach is very often featured on advertising brochures, postcards and magazines. Pigeon Point is truly a stunning place, an example of exactly what a chic Caribbean beach should be. It is located in Bakku Bay, on the island of Tobago. Tourists come here not only to swim and lie on the sand, but also to go kiteboarding and freeride, or just watch how more experienced athletes do it. Pigeon Point is great for families.

The island of Trinidad was discovered in 1498 by Columbus, who christened it La Isla de La Trinidad in honor of the Holy Trinity. The Spaniards, following in the footsteps of Columbus, enslaved the Arawak Indians who inhabited the islands at that time or resettled them to other South American colonies. But the complete absence of mineral resources and relatively poor soils led to the fact that the conquistadors quickly lost all interest in this land. As a result, the first European settlement on the island (José de Oruna, modern Saint Joseph) appeared only in 1592. Over the next two centuries, the colonialists made two unsuccessful attempts to develop the island, but the tobacco and cocoa they planted categorically did not want to grow on the local soil. As a result, the Spaniards almost abandoned all attempts to develop this colony, and in 1797 the island came under the jurisdiction of the British crown. After the abolition of slavery in 1830, thousands of workers from India began to arrive on the islands, as well as people from poor areas of Spain, Portugal, England, France and China, who were the main consolidators of the people known today as Trinbagonians (Trinidadians).

Attractions

Surrounded by the lush green hills of the North Range, the city has been the capital and main business center of oil-rich Trinidad since 1757.

Western Peninsula

To the west of the outskirts of Port of Spain begins a narrow strip of fishing villages, marinas, parks and the island's most accessible national park. Here you can see a small local history museum, housed in a restored wooden building of the old River Estate Plantations, Blue Basin Falls(one of the most easily accessible and one of the smallest waterfalls on the island), Shaggerarmas National Park(Chaguaramas, www.chagdev.com), protecting the ancient rainforest of the western tip of the North Range, Museum of Military History and Aviation(the only museum of its kind in the entire Caribbean, open daily from 9.00 to 17.00; admission for adults - TT$10, for children - TT$7; telephone - 868/634-4391), delightful Makeripe Beach Bay, as well as excellent diving sites around the numerous rocky islets of Bocas or in the winding straits separating them from the coast, which locals call Bocas del Dragon ("Dragon's Mouth").

Town Chaguanas, lying south of the marshy area of ​​Caroni, is one of the oldest settlements on the island, where people from various European countries settled long before the arrival of the Spanish colonists. The town got its name from the Chaguanes Indian tribe and for a long time was one of the centers of sugar cane cultivation. It is now well known as a major agricultural center with excellent markets and as the birthplace of Nobel laureate in literature Sir Vidyadhar Surajprasad Naipaul. Here you can see the Hanuman House, which inspired his work, as well as the picturesque mansions of Felicite, Woodford House or the snow-white Waterloo Temple (1947), around which lies the area known as the “Trinidad Ganges” (here, on the shores of the Gulf of Paria, rituals take place cremation rites according to all the canons of Hinduism).

The north of Trinidad lies within North Range mountain range, which contains the highest peaks of the island, including El Cerro del Aripo (940 m) and El Tucuche (936 m). Along the northern coast of the region stretches a series of the best banks of Trinidad, in the mountains there are many rivers with dozens of rapids, including the best waterfalls in the country - La Laja and Sombasson, and the ridges themselves are covered with lush tropical forests inhabited by myriads of living creatures.

The third largest city in Trinidad, Arima was founded by Capuchin monks in 1757, making it one of the oldest settlements on the island. Situated in the idyllic foothills of the North Range, the city has long been a religious center of the country, which has escaped many of the turmoil of local history, so it retains many old buildings and historical traditions from the colonial era. After the construction of the first railway on the island in these places, the economy of Arima reoriented from the processing of agricultural products to industrial sectors, gradually acquiring factories and residential areas. But its main “trump card” is the large Indian community, which has preserved almost all the traditions of its distant ancestors, but easily fits into the rhythm of modern life. That's why the Santa Rosa Festival (last week of August), along with its host Museum of the Indian at Cleaver Woods Recreation Center in the west of the city, is the largest celebration of the cultures of pre-Columbian America in the Caribbean islands. It was the Indians who gave the city its name (however, in the Carib language it sounded slightly different - Naparima), and they were the authors of the most popular local souvenirs - wicker baskets or carved decorations made from dried pumpkins.

Starts from Arima Guanapo road- a fantastically beautiful route through the surrounding mountains and valleys to the breathtaking Guanapo Gorge and the cascades of the La Laja (20 m) and Sombasson (50 m) waterfalls. This is where the Arima-Blanchisso highway begins, passing through the North Range ridges, rising to the misty peaks of the low local highlands and descending to green tunnels of overhanging mahogany, teak or cedar branches. 13 km north of Arima is located Asa-Wright Nature Center(www.asawright.org, area 80 hectares) - the most popular bird sanctuary in Trinidad. About 40 species of exotic tropical birds live here, and Dunston Cave is the most accessible colony of guajaro (Steatornis caripensis) on the planet.

Running along the southern spurs of the North Range, the East-West Corridor Highway intersects with a dozen local roads (many of them are more similar to our “dirt roads”) and goes to Mount St. Benedict Monastery. Visible even from the central plains, Monastery of St. Benedict surrounded by a white wall, from behind which the picturesque tiled roofs of the internal buildings can be seen. Founded in 1912 by Benedictine monks fleeing religious persecution in Brazil, it is considered the island's most beautiful religious complex, and the nearby Caura Valley is one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas. To the east of the monastery complex there is a village Arouca, in which there is another point of attraction of the region - the Lopino complex, which is an old cocoa plantation (founded by the Haitian planter Comte de Lopino in 1791), the carefully restored buildings of which now house a small museum dedicated to the culture of the local residents.

The oldest European city and the first capital of Trinidad, the city Saint Joseph is considered the most colorful settlement in the southern part of the North Range chain. There are about a hundred buildings of French and Spanish colonial architecture concentrated here, but its main landmark is the impressive minaret of the Mohammed Al-Jinnah Memorial Mosque with its star-crowned main dome. The strikingly beautiful Abercrombie Street runs up the hill to Maracas Royal Road, which opens to the north into the lush Maracas St. Joseph Valley (the spectacular 90-metre Maracas Falls, 8 km from the city, is the valley's crowning glory).

North coast

The north coast of the island is one of the most popular holiday areas in Trinidad. Sloping headlands here border the vast horseshoe-shaped bay of Las Cuevas, providing protection from the wind and surf. On both sides of it stretch slightly smaller bays, also excellent for relaxing by the sea, and the adjacent coast is full of various natural and cultural monuments.

The main attractions of this region are the isolated One Southend Steps Beach, beautiful Rincon Falls And Angel plus walking towards them through green bushes Rincon Trail. The final destination of the road is a picturesque village Blanchisso (Blancheschers) with nearby Three Pools reservoirs, Maryann River Lagoon, Paria beach And Avokat waterfall.

Also interesting are the wild coastlines north of Blanchisso with Matelot Nature Reserve, a beautiful and secluded peninsula with an unassuming name North East, quiet city Valencia and "a city with one street" - Matura, numerous turtle beaches between Matura and the tiny village of Salibia, Rio Seco Falls on the river of the same name (often this eight-meter cascade is simply called Salibia Waterfall).

The largest city in the region is Toko, famous for the People's Museum.

Tourists also visit lighthouse at the easternmost point of the island - Galera Point, rock Phishing Rock, near which the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic collide (the rock has its own tragic history - it was from its top in 1699 that the last Indians, who did not want to surrender to the colonialists, jumped into the swirling whirlpools). You can visit Aripo caves, lush a tropical forest near Hollis Reservoir, Cocale and Mayaro, one of the most attractive villages on the coast - Grand Riviere(the only settlement in the region with a developed tourist infrastructure), environmental Grand Riviere Nature Reserve(leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beach adjacent to the village), as well as the village Sans Souci, considered the best place on the island for surfing.

South of Sangre Grande- the largest city in the east of the island, stretches the coast Kokal- A 24-kilometer strip of virtually untouched coastline with small groves of coconut palms. The air here rings with the sounds of parrots and other birds, while the pristine Manzanilla Beach and protected Nariva marshland attract eco-tourists.

In the northwestern part of Trinidad's coast, just 40 minutes' drive from the capital, lies the island's most popular beach area - the Bay Maracas Bay. The nearly 1,850-metre arc of fine creamy sand is lined with palm groves and various tourist attractions, bounded on the west by Maracas Bay Village and on the east by the fishing village of Uncle Sam. The recreation infrastructure here is excellently developed (not surprising, given the popularity of the bay among residents of the capital), so sometimes it can get quite crowded. However, a little to the east begins the quieter Bay of Tairico, more suitable for families with children, and even further away stretch the good shores of Las Cuevas (only 8 km to the east).

South of the island

Geographically, the southern part of Trinidad is almost a mirror image of the north - in contrast, there is only one mountain range - the dry forests of the South Range, which continues in the form of a long and narrow peninsula that juts out towards Venezuela. Apart from the country's second largest city, San Fernando, the region is the most sparsely populated area of ​​the island. Although many of the southern residents still make their living from agriculture, the region's economy is based on the oil refining industries. But oddly enough, this has not had a negative impact on the ecology of the area, and vast expanses of forest remain largely untouched by human activity. Tourists rarely visit the southern regions, therefore, the tourist infrastructure is relatively poorly developed and the transport system is quite limited (especially on the southernmost coast). However, it is home to amazing areas such as Pitch Lake, the scenic areas of Cedros and Erin, and the stunning beach area of ​​Mayaro on the south-east coast. This part of Trinidad is best visited during the dry season (December-May), as from June to November many of the open banks suffer from an abundance of debris carried by currents and the Orinoco River.

The second largest city of the island and the main commercial center of the southern regions of Trinidad, is located in the northwesternmost part of the region, in the southern part of the Gulf of Paria.

One of Trinidad's amazing natural phenomena, Pitch Lake, is located near the town of La Brie, 25 km southwest of San Fernando. The uniqueness of this place lies in the fact that here, under the influence of tectonic factors, oil-bearing layers communicate through several underground faults with the mouth of an ancient volcano, and their “contents” are transformed under the influence of temperature and pressure into first-class asphalt (there are only two such objects in the world - Rancho La Bree in Los Angeles (USA) and the Venezuelan asphalt basin of Guanaco). Asphalt extracted from the lake is used to build the best roads on the planet; it is also used to pave the Pall Mall Alley leading to Buckingham Palace in London. And this natural phenomenon itself, with a total area of ​​36.4 hectares, where you can observe the formation and development of asphalt in a natural environment, attracts thousands of guests.

23 km southwest of San Fernando, on the northern shore of a long peninsula, is the town of Point Fotin, known since 1783. This is the most fashionable settlement in the country, entirely dependent on the oil business, as well as the most business region of the country - since geologist Arthur Beebe-Thompson discovered oil-bearing formations in the Guayaguayare region in 1906, this profitable business began to develop from here.

Southeast of the oil-bearing areas of the region, in the low spurs of the South Range, there are primeval forests Cedros reserves And Erin, plus almost 14 km of beach area Mayaro, whose opening to the tourism industry is just beginning.

Beach holiday

Trinidad is not rich in luxurious beaches and kilometers of white sands, but here you can find almost any marine area suitable for certain conditions. The main beach areas of the island usually include Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas, Blanchisso, Grand Riviere and Toco Bay north of Port of Spain; the beaches of Carenage Bay, Makeripe Beach and Scottland Bay on the north-west coast; the bays of Balandra and Salibia in the northeast and Manzanilla and Mayaro in the southern part of the island. A large number of hotels and resorts of all levels are concentrated in the beach areas, and numerous sea clubs and sports centers offer all conditions for recreation. Excellent snorkeling spots can be found around Chacachacare and off the island of Sout d'O.

The small exotic state of Trinidad and Tobago is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on a small archipelago. The main part of the country lies on the two largest islands, Tobago and Trinidad. The rest of the territory is located on smaller islands: Monos, Chacachacare, Little Tobago, St. Giles. The largest cities are Chaguanas, San Fernando, Scarborough, and Port of Spain - the capital of the state.

The ethnic composition of Trinidad and Tobago is quite diverse. About 60% are Indo- and Afro-Trinidadians, descendants of slaves working for the colonialists. 20% are Trinidadians of Arab, Chinese and European descent, as well as Creoles.

English rule on the territory of these islands had a huge impact on the culture of the local population, in particular on their mastery of the English language. It is this language that is today considered the official language in Trinidad and Tobago. In some areas of the country you can also speak Creole, Spanish and the Indian Bhojpuri dialect.

Trinidad and Tobago is considered a multi-religious country. The majority of the population considers itself to be of the Catholic branch of Christianity - approximately 26% of the total population. 22% are Hindus. Muslims, Baptists and Pentecostals make up approximately 20% of the population. The rest of the country's inhabitants adhere to other beliefs.

Until 1962, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was a British colony. After gaining independence, this country became part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The basis of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is the production and processing of petroleum products and natural gas. The chemical and metallurgical industries are widely developed. Successful farming allows the country to become one of the largest importers of cane sugar, citrus fruits and coconuts.

Recently, eco-tourism has become a fairly large sector of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago, which is becoming increasingly popular around the world. After all, the nature of the islands is diverse and unique in its own way. A large number of people choose to come to Trinidad and Tobago to take part in the famous carnivals and festivals.

In the world of culture, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago started talking about thanks to two famous Nobel laureates - Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul (2001) and Derek Walcott (1992), who made a huge contribution to world literature with their works.

Climate and weather

The climate of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is subequatorial in nature with slight differences between seasons. The weather in the country is quite hot and very humid. The average air temperature in February (the coldest month) is +23 °C, and in September - about +28 °C.

Northeast winds divide the year into two seasons - dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from January to May. At this time, the amount of precipitation is no more than 50 mm. During the rainy season (June to December), air humidity is about 85% and precipitation exceeds 200 mm.

The islands of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are located south of the tropical cyclone zone, so powerful hurricanes do not reach the country's shores.

The best time to come to Trinidad and Tobago are considered to be only two months of the year - February and March. This period is characterized by comfortable air temperatures for human adaptation and an almost complete absence of rain. If you want to spend time in silence, you can plan a visit to Trinidad and Tobago in the summer or early autumn. At this time there are few tourists here, and numerous hotels significantly reduce prices for accommodation and food.

Nature

The nature of Trinidad and Tobago is so unique and diverse that it attracts a large number of fans of eco-tourism to this country. Despite the country's belonging to Lesser Antilles, their origin differs significantly from other islands of this archipelago. For example, the island of Tobago is of volcanic origin, and Trinidad was originally part of the South American mainland. The mountain ranges on these islands are considered to be an extension of the mountain ranges of Venezuela. The islands are separated from the continent by small straits and Gulf of Paria.

In Trinidad, the terrain is predominantly flat. Several beautiful blue rivers flow between relatively low mountains - Ortoire And Coroni.

Tobago is dominated by flat terrain with several mountain ranges; the highest point of the island does not exceed 600 m. Almost half of the island's territory is covered with dense tropical forest. Tobago differs from other islands in this archipelago by the presence of numerous rivers and lakes. The splendor of the nature of this state fascinates many people, and they strive to come here again.

Attractions

The main attractions of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are the incomparable beaches with gentle sun and soft sand. The most famous of them are considered Tyriko Bay And Maracas Bay, which occupy almost the entire northern coast of Trinidad.

For ecotourism enthusiasts, Asa Wright Nature Center and Karoni National Park are significant destinations. These are nature reserves where numerous species of exotic birds, animals and reptiles are protected. It is here that one of the rarest birds on the planet lives - the scarlet ibis, which is the symbol of the country. Many experts call Trinidad the Island of Birds, since local reserves are home to more than 157 species of rare birds, as well as insects, snakes and fish. The marshy soil is equipped with a large number of observation platforms, which provide a unique opportunity to observe the life of the most beautiful representatives of avifauna.

The islands of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are famous for their cascading waterfalls Sombasson And La Laha, as well as breathtaking gorges. The most famous is considered Guanapo. A large number of tourists come to Trinidad and Tobago to see natural sites that capture the human imagination.

State capital Port of Spain Known for its museums, which tell visitors the history of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, from Indian settlement to modern times. The art gallery contains a large number of works by famous artists. Near the city of Chaguanas is the famous Waterloo Temple, which is considered one of the most visited Hindu temples in the Caribbean.

On the island of Tobago, the mighty fort king george, which rises more than 45 meters above the city Scarborough, the administrative center of the island. The fort was built by the British in the late 18th century and its stone walls are still lined with old cannons facing the channel between the islands of Tobago and Trinidad.

A small fishing town is called the most visited tourist settlement in Tobago. Charlotteville. Near this settlement are the most popular tourist resorts and beautiful sandy beaches.

Nutrition

In Trinidad and Tobago, you can find many different street restaurants and cafes offering delicious treats to visitors. Interestingly, each locality in this country specializes in a certain type of cuisine. The peculiarity of this unique catering arrangement is its simplicity, extraordinary taste, high quality of food preparation, and most importantly, the availability of products.

The national cuisine of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is based on Indian, Creole, European and Chinese traditions. Creole cuisine is represented by the famous:

• "callaloo"- soup made from colocasia, coconut and caviar;
• "pigeon-pi"- Hot soup,
• "palkhun"- pancakes with crushed nuts.

A feature of Trinidadian cuisine is the abundance of seafood on the table. The main treat in any local restaurant is the famous baked shark with spicy curry sauce.

Cooks in Trinidad and Tobago, when preparing meat dishes, prefer recipes that are unusual for tourists and use meat. agouti, armadillo And possum. Rarely, rabbit and lizard are baked. Usually, any meat dish is served with a delicious sauce with the addition of coconut milk.

The most popular soft drink in Trinidad and Tobago is considered "Quentscher"- This is fortified coconut or mineral water. Locals prefer a rather unusual drink "mawbi". This is the name of an infusion of anise, cloves and the bark of some trees. Hibiscus is also popular among the island's residents.

Tourists coming to Trinidad and Tobago do not miss the opportunity to try the famous Black Label rum, brewed according to a special recipe available only to residents of this country. The male half of the local population loves to spend evenings in the company of friends over a bottle of excellent, fresh Mackeson and Carib beer.

It is worth noting that food in Trinidad and Tobago is quite expensive. This is explained by the fact that almost all of them are imported into the country from abroad - mainly from Venezuela. Only a few types of fruits and vegetables grow on the island. So, lunch for two people in a middle-class restaurant will cost about $30. In street cafes you can eat much cheaper - for no more than $20.

Accommodation

Trinidad and Tobago has a large number of hotels and inns of various levels. Here you can easily find both expensive apartments and more budget options in small family pensions. Local hotels do not have a strict classification, but almost all of them meet international requirements. Most hotels offer tourists clean swimming pools, playgrounds with various attractions, and tennis courts. As a rule, large hotels have their own beaches (although umbrellas and sun loungers are provided to clients only for an additional fee).

In Trinidad and Tobago you can find small family hotels, which are original analogues of European hotels Bed & Breakfast. Typically, such hotels are located quite far from the beaches, so the cost of living in them is much lower than in other hotels.

In the administrative centers of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago you can find hotels of such hotel brands as Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt and other global companies.

The average cost of living across the country ranges from $80 to $150 per night. The final price depends on the star rating of the hotel, the services it provides to visitors and the location of the island’s relatively large beaches.

Entertainment and relaxation

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are best known for their fabulous holiday events. The main one is considered to be the most popular and noisiest Carnival in the Caribbean, which is held at the end of February. In honor of other religious holidays, local residents also organize numerous festive events.

The main holiday of Tobago is the Tobago Heritage Festival, which lasts for two whole weeks. During Easter week, the island hosts traditional boat races and fishing tournaments, which attract participants from all over the country.

Trinidad and Tobago offers interesting excursions to natural attractions - national parks, which are famous for the numerous species of unique birds and animals that live there. And the waterfalls and cascades enchant everyone who finds themselves in the immediate vicinity.

Many foreign tourists come to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago to get new experiences from extreme holidays. Here you can try almost all types of water sports, for example, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, paragliding. Magnificent underwater landscapes near the islands attract diving enthusiasts to this country. You won’t see such beauty of coral reefs even in the Red Sea. In addition, Trinidad has excellent golf courses, tennis courts, and stadiums, which allows absolutely all tourists who come to this country to find something to do.

The island of Tobago is famous for its goat racing. This completely unusual event is one of the main attractions during the Easter weekend. For an unprepared spectator, these races can cause a real shock: the owners of the goats run ahead of their animals, urging them on with special cries. Such amazing competitions will not leave anyone indifferent.

But, of course, most tourists come to this exotic country to soak up the sandy beaches under the gentle tropical sun. The magnificent beaches of Trinidad are considered the best in the entire Caribbean. The most famous of them are Maracas Bay, Las Cuelvas And Tyriko Bay.

Purchases

Trinidad and Tobago is called the most inexpensive place in the Caribbean. This is facilitated by huge foreign exchange earnings from oil refining.

You can buy various souvenirs for your family and friends in special stores and shops that can be found at almost every turn in major cities of the country.

Various products made from tortoise shell are very popular among foreigners. Local residents usually make beads, bracelets, combs, rosaries and brooches from this unusual material. At the Indian Museum you can buy amazing ceramic products with images of a scarlet ibis and the most beautiful waterfall in the country - Sombasson.

Stores in Trinidad and Tobago are open from 8:00 to 16:00. On weekends - from 8:00 to 13:00. In large cities you can find supermarkets open every day from 8:00 to 18:00. In local shops it is customary to pay in Trinidad and Tobago dollars, but American currency is also freely accepted as a means of payment. In particularly large establishments in the country, you can pay for purchases or services by bank transfer.

Transport

Despite the small size of Trinidad and Tobago, the transport infrastructure is well developed. The length of the islands' roads is just over 8,300 kilometers. Exactly half of them have an asphalt surface. The country's urban transport is represented by buses and minibuses. To travel around the city, you must purchase a special ticket, which can be found at any stop. Bus drivers, unfortunately, do not have the right to accept payment for travel, as is done in many countries around the world. The price of a bus ticket is approximately $0.5 per trip. Minibus taxis, called here "maxis", like buses, run along a specific route.

It is worth noting that all buses of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have a rather attractive appearance, and the service will pleasantly surprise you: the transport has air conditioning and even TVs.

For an individual trip around the cities, you can use the services of a private taxi. The trip is paid strictly according to the meter. The cost of one kilometer of travel will cost you approximately $0.6.

The road situation in the country is relatively calm. Local residents are considered careful drivers. The quality of roads throughout much of Trinidad and Tobago is excellent. However, in some mountainous areas you can also find ordinary dirt roads.

The Republic has a small railway system near San Fernando. Its main purpose is transportation in agriculture. The rest of the country's rail services were discontinued in 1968.

Trinidad and Tobago has excellent shipping.

The main seaport of the country is the capital of the state - Port of Spain. There is an excellent ferry service between the islands. There are two types of ferries - high-speed and regular. The first ferry will cost a little more than usual, about $16 each way. To travel on a regular ferry you only need to pay $12. Tickets for this type of transport can be purchased directly at the ferry terminal, travel agency or any post office.

Not far from the capital of the state there is Piarco International Airport, adapted to serve intercontinental airliners. Trinidad and Tobago is connected by air to the neighboring West Indies island states. There are only six airports throughout the country. Air travel across the state will cost a tourist about $100.

Connection

Communications in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are provided by a telecommunications corporation that provides the population with a wide range of services. In almost all settlements of the country there are numerous payphones on the streets, with the help of which you can make calls abroad. Such public machines operate on a 25-cent coin for long-distance calls, and to make a call to another country you need to purchase a separate card, sold at corporate post offices, large supermarkets, gas stations, and street kiosks. On the island of Tobago, the easiest way to make an international call is from the TSTT corporation office itself.

The small country of Trinidad and Tobago has several mobile operators that successfully support roaming services for numerous global mobile phone companies. In this state, cellular communications cover almost the entire territory of the islands, with the exception of some mountainous areas. Interestingly, the phones of most European mobile operators may not work in Trinidad and Tobago without first registering the numbers with the official office of the TSTT Corporation. The easiest way to talk on a cell phone is to rent a mobile phone from a local operator. Renting such a device for a week will cost about $30. Additionally, you need to pay for the connection time.

Network technologies in Trinidad and Tobago are developing quite rapidly. Almost all cities and towns have small Internet cafes, most of them have their own websites. Many hotels also provide their clients with Internet access. They often use a wireless connection, which is characterized by high speed and excellent data transfer quality. For one hour of Internet use you will have to pay about $3.

Safety

Trinidad and Tobago has a good reputation for the safety of foreign tourists. However, when moving around the country, do not forget about basic precautions. Although serious crimes are extremely rare on the country's islands, the number of cases of fraud and petty theft is steadily increasing every year. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when you are in crowded places.

The sanitary situation in the country is relatively good. On the streets of large cities you can try all the food products sold there without fear. However, it is worth remembering that when purchasing vegetables or fruits at local markets, you must rinse them thoroughly with running water and only then eat them. Tap water in Trinidad can be drunk without additional treatment, but to be sure, it is still better to boil it.

Business climate

The main sector of the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is the extraction and processing of petroleum products and natural gas. Many foreign investors invest their money in this business, which is the most profitable in the country. State authorities are taking various additional measures to attract investment into their economy. Such measures include: simplification of taxation of foreign enterprises, amendments to legislation controlling this area of ​​the economy and other methods.

Thanks to its unique natural beauty, Trinidad and Tobago is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, especially among environmentalists. Some businessmen prefer to invest large sums of money in the tourism business, which in this country has one peculiarity - such investments pay off fairly quickly. To attract foreign tourists, the state authorities have significantly simplified the visa regime, which allows more people to visit this stunning exotic country.

Real estate

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost in the entire Caribbean. The proximity to the continent (only 10 kilometers from the coast of Venezuela), mild climate, and picturesque landscapes make buying real estate in this country very, very attractive. In addition, the recently implemented tax reform has had a positive effect on the dynamics of demand for real estate from foreign investment companies.

The cost of apartments and houses in this small state is quite high. So, for an apartment of 100 square meters you need to pay a little more than $130,000. And this apartment will be located in a small settlement. For housing in the capital of Trinidad and Tobago you will have to pay a larger sum. Before purchasing a private cottage in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, it is necessary, first of all, to familiarize yourself with the rules for the formation of taxes, which depend not only on the type of housing purchased, but also on its location.

If it is impossible to buy a home in this country, you can rent an apartment. For a month's stay, the owners will ask about $1,100.

Exchange currency only at government exchange offices and avoid any kind of transactions with strangers on the streets. When buying jewelry, carefully consider their choice so as not to give huge sums of money for a worthless fake.

Visa information

If you decide to go on an unforgettable trip to the beautiful country of Trinidad and Tobago, then you should take care in advance of purchasing a special visa, which is issued at the British Embassy, ​​which represents the interests of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. In this case, it is worth preparing the necessary documents: a foreign passport, which is valid for more than six months from the end of the trip; old passports (if available); copies of passport pages with the applicant’s personal data; one color photograph. You must also provide a certificate from work with the indicated income, a copy of the marriage certificate and birth certificates of children, and a visa application form completed in English.

All of the above documents are submitted to the consular section of the British Embassy in Moscow, which is located at: 121099, Moscow, st. Smolenskaya embankment, 10.