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Trinidad for a couple of days?
Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 6:37 pm
by Chris, UK
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 27 November 2002
Hi, Three weeks & I'll be in Tobago
but a friend has told me about ASA Wright nature reserve & Caroni Swamp in Trinidad. Does anyone know if these 2 sites are readily accessible to an independent traveller on a budget?
Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 6:38 pm
by Tanja Mohammed
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 27 November 2002
Dear Chris, we would definitely recommend a trip to Trinidad. Asa Wright Centre and Caroni Bird Sanctuary are both worth a visit. However, we would not advise to do it on your own. Both areas are not directly accessible by bus and some taxi operators are not reliable. They will take you there but might not wait for you to take you back. Both sights can be visited within a day. To get a good impression of Trinidad in a few days is almost impossible without a guide: the island is simply too big. A variety of day trips or longer stays in Trinidad can be easily arranged. Please contact us directly for further information at
[email protected]. If you should prefer to go on your own, a rental car is highly recommended. Regards
Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 6:39 pm
by Pauline, UK
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 27 November 2002
We were fortunate to visit Trinidad 2 years ago on business. We took the opportunity to visit Asa Wright and the Caroni Nature Reserve on a day off. These were both superb. I would suggest hiring a car from the airport for the day, phoning Asa Wright beforehand to book a guided tour in the morning (10.30 am), followed by lunch on the verandah. You do need to book. Unforgettable. The colours of the humming birds were amazing. After lunch, at around 2.30 we left for the Caroni Reserve (about an hour's drive). This was also unmissable. You take a boat trip on the swamp, with very knowledgable guide, I think they leave around 4.30 pm. This is so you can see the Scarlet Ibis returning to the Swamp from S. America at sunset. Video opportunity of a lifetime. You can get details from the Rough Guide to Trinidad & Tobago.
Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 6:40 pm
by Amie
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 28 November 2002
Hi I don't mean to be a vacation wrecker, but I know of some not great instances at the Caroni swamp, just want people to be aware of what you might not want to see, there has been some controversy over this situation. please check the link before, as christmas does not seem to be the best time to go, and something like this would really bother me. cheers.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/letters/car/car_pc.htm#t&t
Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 6:41 pm
by Ian R
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 04 December 2002
When in Tobago each year we usualy spend at least a couple of days in and around Port of Spain shopping in Frederick Street and the malls at Trincity, Valsayn, Grand Bazaar, Grand Circular and Westmoorings and limin' with friends. I note from todays Trinidad Guardian that the T&T government has signed a deal with BWIA and Tobago Express (but not Caribbean Star) to subsidise the airbridge fare down from TT$300 to TT$200 return from 1 January provided you book seven days in advance. Not a really big saving some might think but it will buy a fair few Caribs or a bottle of rum and a few cokes to lubricate the limin'!