Amazing Earth: Trinidad and Tobago

I’m not one to say that colonialism was a good thing, historically and culturally speaking, but in the case of Trinidad and Tobago, I’m tempted to change my opinion just a little bit. After all, this island paradise would not have existed as we know it without the influence of the Spanish, British and French colonialists. The twin nation of Trinidad and Tobago embraces an amazing cultural diversity, which makes it unique even among its sister Caribbean states with whom it shares a similar history.

Trinidad and Tobago are the birthplace of the calypso and soca music, and of the limbo dance, and the spring Carnival could easily compete with the likes of the Rio Carnival. Discover Trinidad and Tobago, one of the most amazing places on earth.

Trinidad and Tobago, like the name suggests, is made up of two major islands off the coast of Venezuela. The official language of the country is English, but you won’t have any trouble making yourself understood in French or Spanish either. The majority of the population is made up of the descendants of the indentured workers brought from India to replace the freed African slaves, the ancestors of the other major ethnic group on the islands.

Obviously, Trinidad and Tobago had a troubled history, but there haven’t been any major disruptions in the recent past.

The two islands, Trinidad and Tobago, have in common their astounding natural beauty, but other than that, they have distinct personalities. Trinidad, the larger island, is where most of the country’s cities can be found, and naturally it is the economic and industrial hub. Tobago, much smaller than Trinidad, is focused almost exclusively on tourism. That is not to say that Trinidad is less visit-worthy than Tobago.

On the contrary, there are amazing places to see on both islands. They both have some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, although Tobago’s beaches tend to be more crowded. If you like diving, you have an entire coral reef, the Buccoo Reef, at your disposal to wonder at the islands’ aquatic life.

Of course, there is more to Trinidad and Tobago than pretty beaches. There are several unique species of plants and animals living on the islands, and sometimes you will happen to see some of them by chance if you take a walk in the wild. Leatherback turtles can be seen on the beach in spring, and if you are not in the mood to go exploring abandoned beaches on your own, you can book a tour from a conservation group. Bird-watchers will love the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, home to several indigenous species.

If you are in for something unusual, you should visit Pitch Lake, the world’s largest asphalt lake. While it’s not exactly a place of great natural beauty, it is certainly interesting enough to warrant a visit.

Trinidad is home to several mud-volcanoes, another natural wonder that is a sight so see (besides, they are not nearly as dangerous as regular volcanoes). And if you’d like a change of scenery from Tobago’s sandy beaches, go further inland to see Argyle Falls, a breath-taking three-tiered waterfall, the highest on the island.

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