<< QUICK INFO
Following are some helpful information, recommendations and suggestions for your tour to TRINIDAD & TOBAGO. Additional and detailed information will be sent within three weeks before your tour departure date.
FLORA & FAUNA
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the biodiversity hot spots of the Caribbean. Plant life is extremely varied and luxuriant and includes 2,500 species, of which 110 are endemic. These islands are similar in ecological characteristics of equatorial region of South America, instead that of the Lesser Antilles, where endemic species are more abundant.
Four main types of vegetation exist: coastal woodland, seasonal deciduous woodland, rainforest (prevalent), and swamp forests. Common tree species found in rainforests are crabwood, kapok, and hog plum. Woody vines, orchids,
bromeliads, and ferns, are common.
There are more than 480 bird species, most of them are Passeriforms. Mammals are represented by about 100 species, mostly bats and rodents, but armadillos, monkeys, deers, and few others, can be found. Trinidad has 67 bat species, that include vampire bats, fruit-eating bats, insectivorous bats, and the largest greater spare-nosed bat in the New World. Reptiles species present are 40 snakes and 25 lizards. Thirty amphibian species exist, including the Trinidad endemic Golden Tree Frog.
Four main types of vegetation exist: coastal woodland, seasonal deciduous woodland, rainforest (prevalent), and swamp forests. Common tree species found in rainforests are crabwood, kapok, and hog plum. Woody vines, orchids,
bromeliads, and ferns, are common.
There are more than 480 bird species, most of them are Passeriforms. Mammals are represented by about 100 species, mostly bats and rodents, but armadillos, monkeys, deers, and few others, can be found. Trinidad has 67 bat species, that include vampire bats, fruit-eating bats, insectivorous bats, and the largest greater spare-nosed bat in the New World. Reptiles species present are 40 snakes and 25 lizards. Thirty amphibian species exist, including the Trinidad endemic Golden Tree Frog.
PRE-TRIP INFORMATION
When you decide to participate in our Trinidad and Tobago birding tour, check with your doctor regarding any pre-and/or post-trip treatment that may be necessary. As on other Caribbean islands, domestic animals and wildlife in Trinidad and Tobago can transmit diseases, especially to persons traveling to wild regions. Please check the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION website for the most current information about COVID-19, recommendations and vaccinations for travelers to Trinidad and Tobago (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/ traveler/none/trinidad-and-tobago). Also on this website is a Healthy Travel Packing List (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ destinations/trinidad-and-tobago/traveler/packing-list) and information about other diseases that currently can be found in that country. For complete information on how to prevent insect bites go to: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/ travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
Canadian travelers can check information at "travel health" in the website of the PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php).
For complete entry and exit information (about restrictions, passport, etc.) please visit the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/TrinidadandTobago.html).
Canadian travelers can check information at "travel health" in the website of the PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php).
For complete entry and exit information (about restrictions, passport, etc.) please visit the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/TrinidadandTobago.html).
ARRIVING IN TRINIDAD
Once you arrive in the island of Trinidad (POS), we will meet you at the airport and will transport you from there to the first hotel of the tour.
ACCOMMODATIONS
During the tour to Trinidad and Tobago you will stay in 4 standard hotels located in cities, including Piarco (1), Couva (1), Arima (1), and Moriah (1), respectively. Exact hotel information during the trip is provided in a detailed itinerary, along with other complementary tour package materials that you will receive before departure. Also included will be specific information about emergency contacts for the places you will stay. Laundry and Internet services are available at the hotels and lodge we will occupy in Trinidad & Tobago. In remote localities internet access can be limited to some specific areas of the facility.
FOOD & DRINKS
Local cuisine is available throughout Trinidad and Tobago, where typical dishes include "Pelau", "Callaloo", "Curry Crab", "Roti", "Doubles", and more. Other kinds of food, such as Italian and Chinese, can be found in the capital city of Port of Spain and other populated places. Seafood is available throughout the coastal regions, where local fresh fish is usually present. Our lunches and dinners in Trinidad and Tobago will always be in restaurants. We will provide cold bottles of water and soft drinks for each participant in the vehicle(s) and during all birding sessions.
TRANSPORTATION
Our on-land movements through Trinidad and Tobago and its natural areas will be in a comfortable van(s). Our longest ride will be for about 2 hours. Most of our driving will be on paved roads, except sections of road when traveling to Nariva Swamp. Please check that your baggage is of a reasonable size for such transportation, as we will be carrying your bags from one point to another during the tour. Your consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Our birding activities in Trinidad and Tobago are not very physically demanding but some roads may have uneven terrain and can be an uncomfortable ride. Walks are typically short distances from the vehicle and on level paved roads.
