Trinidad Travel Guide - Budget Itinerary & Costs
Travel Details & Logistics
Flight & Entry Requirements
- Flight Cost: $151 per person (direct from JFK to Port of Spain)
- Visa: Not required for Americans
- Passport Requirements: 6 months validity, 2 blank pages
- Immigration: Form provided on plane
Transportation
- Car Rental: $18/day with H. Renner car
- Driving: Left-hand side (former British colony)
- Road Conditions: Multi-lane paved highways (excellent quality in main areas, thanks to abundant natural asphalt from Pitch Lake); gravel roads in remote areas
Accommodation
- Cost: $35/night
- Features: Gated community with designated parking, large bed, air conditioning, separate bathroom with multi-setting shower, private closet
- Safety: Secure and well-maintained
Day 1: Southwest Trinidad & Port of Spain
Pitch Lake (LaBray)
- Location: Southeastern part of island
- Description: World's largest natural asphalt deposit; one of only four pitch lakes in the world
- What It Is: Natural tar/asphalt phenomenon (not swimmable water)
- History: Called "black gold" due to its value; asphalt exported to England
- Best Time: Sunset
- Note: Tours available (arrived too late for formal tour but locals provided information)
Breakfast: Shana's Doubles
- Location: Roadside stand en route to Port of Spain
- Dish: Doubles (traditional Trinidadian breakfast)
- Description: Fried dough with chickpeas, cucumbers, tamarind, sweetness, and customizable pepper sauce levels
- Also Available: Beef version
- Warning: Pepper sauce is very hot!
Fort George
- Purpose: Historic fort with strategic mountain views overlooking the sea
- Views: Amazing panoramic views of Port of Spain and coastline
- Historical Significance: Signal station built by Prince Kofi (prince of the Santes in West Africa, 1800s)
- Cultural Note: Demonstrates African-Caribbean diaspora connection
Day 2: Waterfall Adventures
Café Pools (Guantapo Area)
- Entry Fee: 40 Trinidadian dollars
- Access: Remote location with gravel road access; short hike/climb down
- Features: Natural river pools, waterfall, crystal-clear deep water
- Activities: Swimming, cliff jumping (from top of waterfall)
- Experience: Often empty/secluded, perfect for solo exploration
- Tip: Get directions from locals
Heights of Aripo
- Type: Waterfall and basin
- Access: Challenging path (climbing over rocks)
- Atmosphere: Popular local swimming spot (especially weekends)
- Activities: Cliff jumping with locals of all ages
- Vibe: Generational gathering spot, authentic local experience
- Note: Can be crowded, but worth the uphill hike back
Food & Dining
Hossein's Roti Shop
- Best For: Sunday dining (many places closed)
- Highly Recommended Dishes:
- Bus Up Shot: Paratha-style roti torn/ripped up for dipping
- Curry Chicken with sides: chana (chickpeas), potato, pumpkin, tamarind, spinach
- Pholourie: Deep-fried split pea balls (side dish with mango chutney)
- Vegetarian Roti
- Experience: Mix of flavors, authentic Trinidadian cuisine
Snacks & Refreshments
- Sour Sap Guava Sea Moss Punch: Natural juice drink (highly recommended)
- Blue Raspberry/Strawberry snow cone: Available at lookout points
Scenic Viewpoints
Lady Young Lookout Point
- Location: ~15 minutes from airport
- Best For: Sunset views
- Views: Port of Spain cityscape, ocean, mountains
- Amenities: Local vendor shops selling snacks and drinks
- Perfect For: Last-minute sunset viewing
Shopping & Modern Amenities
Eastgate Mall
- Stores: Americanized chains (Starbucks, Cinnabon, etc.)
- Atmosphere: Upscale, modern mall
- Note: Fewer local shops than expected; feels similar to US malls
General Observations
- Trinidad has large Caribbean economy
- American chains present: KFC, Walmart, Target
Travel Tips
Driving
- Get comfortable with left-hand driving
- Main highways are excellent quality
- Remote areas may have challenging gravel roads
- Small cars recommended (good on gas, easy to maneuver)
Cultural Notes
- Locals are friendly and helpful with directions
- Sunday closures are common (plan accordingly)
- Authentic local experiences available at waterfall swimming holes
- Strong African-Caribbean cultural heritage visible in historic sites
Customs & Airport
- Arrival customs relatively quick
- Departure/connection customs can take 2+ hours (plan accordingly)
Day 3 Preview: Tobago Ferry
- Departure Time: 6:30 AM
- Arrival Recommendation: Before 6 AM (especially with car)
- Requirements: Insurance change needed for bringing car to Tobago
- Ferry Location: Port of Spain area
Budget Summary
- Flight: $151 per person
- Car rental: $18/day
- Accommodation: $35/night
- Waterfall entry: 40 TTD
- Food: Very affordable (street food and local restaurants)
Overall Experience
Trinidad offers diverse landscapes (mountains, waterfalls, beaches), rich history, excellent infrastructure, authentic local food, natural phenomena (Pitch Lake), and genuine cultural experiences while remaining budget-friendly for travelers.