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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Arima Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
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Suited for
Trinidad and Tobago – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
115 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD) £1 ≈ TTD 9.04 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are accepted in most businesses in Trinidad and Tobago, including credit card payments at larger hotels and restaurants.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Trinidad and Tobago, but small tips for good service in restaurants (10-15%), hotels, and taxis are appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in some areas in Trinidad and Tobago, but it is generally not permitted in public spaces like beaches and parks. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available in some places. |
| Carnival (February/March) |
A world-famous festival with music and parades |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (31 August) |
Celebrates independence from Britain |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 999 (Police), 990 (Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and the world-renowned Carnival festival. The country offers rich history and natural beauty. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Arima, Trinidad and Tobago
Dry season January to May is best for birdwatching and forest trails, wet season runs June to December
Carnival Monday and Tuesday fall between early February and early March, Arima holds its own parades and street parties
Santa Rosa Festival in late August, celebrated by the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Visit the Santa Rosa First Peoples Heritage Village
- 🍍 Sample tropical fruits and local food at Arima market
- 🎭 Attend the spirited Arima Borough Day Carnival celebration
- 🌿 Walk through the lush Asa Wright Nature Centre nearby
- 📸 Photograph historic buildings around Woodford Street
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Arima?
Arima offers a different perspective on Trinidad beyond the beaches and typical Caribbean experiences. The town serves as the gateway to the stunning Northern Range rainforest and is home to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, a world-renowned birdwatching destination. History buffs will appreciate Arima's significance as the only town in Trinidad with a recognized indigenous Carib community, celebrated at the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community. The nearby Cleaver Woods Recreation Park and the soothing waters of the Arima River provide natural retreats, while the town's hot springs are known for their healing properties. However, Arima isn't without its drawbacks. The town lacks the polished tourism infrastructure of more popular destinations and some areas can appear run-down. Public transportation, while available, can be inconsistent and confusing for visitors. During the rainy season (June to December), flooding can occur in parts of the town. Safety concerns exist as in many urban areas of Trinidad, so it's advisable to remain vigilant, especially after dark. Despite these challenges, Arima's authentic character, natural surroundings and cultural significance make it a worthwhile stop for travelers seeking to experience the real Trinidad.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Arima Market
🎈Events
-
Santa Rosa Festival (August)
-
Arima Borough Day (August)
-
Carnival celebrations (February/March)
-
Christmas festivities
-
Carib Smoke Ceremony
Knowledge before you go
- Visit Santa Rosa Carib Community for indigenous culture.
- Explore Asa Wright Nature Centre for hummingbirds and rainforest trails.
- Hike Northern Range trails to waterfalls like Double River Falls nearby.
- Attend Hosay festival in March for vibrant street processions and steelpan music.
How to travel to Arima
Arima is approximately 26 km east of Port of Spain and 15 km from Piarco International Airport. Most visitors arrive via taxi or rental car from the airport (20-30 minutes) or from Port of Spain (40-60 minutes, depending on traffic). Public buses run regularly from Port of Spain's City Gate terminal to Arima. There are no direct international connections to Arima itself.
Access summary
- From Piarco International Airport (POS): Taxi or shuttle, about 10–20 minutes.
- From Port of Spain: Maxi taxi or bus along Priority Bus Route, ~40 minutes.
- From San Fernando: Drive or maxi taxis via highways, usually around 1–1.5 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Arima
Accommodation in Arima is limited compared to coastal areas, consisting mainly of small guesthouses, B&Bs and a few modest hotels. For a unique experience, consider staying at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, which offers rooms in a natural setting with meals included. Many visitors opt to stay in Port of Spain or along the north coast and visit Arima as a day trip. Book in advance during Carnival season and local festivals.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Arima
Arima is compact enough to explore the central areas on foot. For longer distances, local taxis (usually painted white with an 'H' prefix on license plates) are affordable and plentiful. Public buses connect Arima to Port of Spain and other towns, departing from the transit hub near the market. Route taxis (shared taxis that follow fixed routes) are a popular and economical option for locals but can be confusing for visitors unfamiliar with the system.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 32% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to TTD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs (Data for Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago - 19 km away)
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Arima is generally safe during daylight hours, but exercise caution after dark. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis and stay aware of your surroundings. Some neighborhoods outside the town center are best avoided, especially at night.
Health & Medical
Basic medical care is available at the Arima Health Facility, with more comprehensive services at the Arima District Hospital. For serious issues, patients may be transferred to larger hospitals in Port of Spain. Bring insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.
Accessibility
Arima has limited accessibility infrastructure. Sidewalks can be uneven or absent and many buildings lack ramps or elevators. Public transportation is not wheelchair-friendly. Those with mobility challenges should arrange private transportation and check accommodation accessibility in advance.
Tap water
Tap water is generally safe but may taste different than what you're used to. Many visitors and some locals prefer bottled water, which is widely available. During heavy rains, water quality can be affected.
Packing recommendations for Arima
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
especially June–December
🕶️
Sunglasses
☂️
Folding umbrella
especially June–December
🎒
Small rucksack
for day trips
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
for hot springs
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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