People sometimes are aware of and
visit only one attraction at a particular location and never visit the other attractions
or activities that are available at that location. There are times when parents are
planning a vacation, their children complain, by asking, "What is there to do or
see?". Our Area Summary Page provides a quick summary of the recreational activities,
attractions, places of interest, in various areas of Trinidad, particularly those
locations that are often used for vacations. The listing of locations is organised in
alphabetical order and to get more information on any recreational activity or attraction
in that location, simply click on the activity. The listing also provides the meaning of
the various place names in Trinidad. In addition to the initial listing there is another
listing lower on this page that gives other non-english places names in Trinidad,
particularly East Indian, Amerindian, Spanish and French place names.
If you are looking
for places to stay, visit our Accommodations Page.
In the early part of Trinidad history, the Amerindian tribe, the Kalinago had a
settlement in this area. The name, Salybia, is thought to be derived from Chaleibe, their
name for Trinidad.
The city of San Fernando got its name when Governor Chacon named it San Fernando de
Naparima in honour of the infant Prince Ferdinand of Asturias, who later became King
Ferdinand VII of Spain
Other non-english Place Names in Trinidad on this web site
Arouca
An Amerindian name that was originally Arauca
Anglais Road
Anglais is the French word for "English" and it is believed that
this area in Cumana Toco is named after the English who attempted to create a settlement
in the area in 1631, while Trinidad was still a Spanish colony.
Barrackpore
The name arose from the East Indian individuals who settled in the area
Bonasse
Believed to have been named after the French word meaning
"nice".
Buenos Ayres
A Spanish name meaning Good Air
California
Although in other parts of the world, the name
California is usually associated with areas of Spanish influence, it is believed that in
Trinidad the name arose because of the Amerindian sub-tribe, the Kalipuna,who settled in
that area. To learn more about the amerindian sub-tribes see the section on Cleaver Woods Museum.
Carapichaima
Formed from two amerindian words. Chaima was the name of an Amerindian
tribe while their settlement was called Carapa
Carenage
Named by the French because of the careening of boats in the bay to clean
their bottoms
Chandernagore
This place name has East Indian roots
Chaguanas
This area derived its name from the Amerindian tribe, known as the
Chaguanese, which inhabited the area.
Cocorite
Named after the Cocorite trees that were in the area
Couva
An Amerindian place name
Cumoto
An Amerindian place name
Cunupia
An Amerindian place name
D'Abadie
A french place name
Galera
A Spanish word for a type of sailing ship called a Galley
Galeota
A Spanish word for a type of galley
Guapo
A Spanish name after the river in the area which they called Beautiful River
Guayamare
An Amerindian place name
Guanapo
An Amerindian place name
Hindustan
This place name was given because of the East Indian inhabitants
Icacos
An Amerindian name after the shrub icaco which is today known as fat pork
Las Cuevas
A Spanish name arising from The Caves in the area
La Lune
A Spanish name meaning the moon because of the beauty of the moonlight on
the water in this area.
La Tinta
A Spanish name meaning inky.
Laventille
A French name given to the area because it was considered The Vent (La Ventaille) through which the winds blew
Los Iros
A Spanish name meaning The Rocks
Maracas
A Spanish name arising from the musical instruments, The
Maracs
Macqueripe
An Amerindian name
Mucurapo
An Amerindian place name that according to Anthony De Verteuil was
originally Camocorabo and the Spanish changed to Cumucurape and meant The Place of
the Silk Cotton Tree
Oropouche
An Amerindian word
Palo Seco
A Spanish name meaning Dry
Rancho Quemado
A Spanish name meaning burnt land
Rio Claro
A Spanish name meaning clear river
San Juan
A Spanish name given by Governor Chacon after St John the Baptist
San Raphael
A Spanish place name
Sangre Grande
A Spanish name meaning big blood because of a battle between spanish
colonists and amerindians
Sangre Chiquito
A Spanish name meaning little blood
Santa Cruz
A Spanish name meaning Holy Cross
Tabaquite
An Amerindian name
Tacarigua
An Amerindian place name
Tamana
An Amerindian place name
Tompire
An Amerindian place name
Tumpuna
An Amerindian place name
Turure
An Amerindian place name
Valencia
A modification of a Spanish place name arising from a planter, Valentia,
who had an estate in the area
Vessigny
A French name as a result of the Corsican settler Simon Paul Vessiny who
opened a sugar estate in the area
Yarra
An Amerindian place name
If the information you are seeking is not on this page, use the search
box below to search this site. When searching, you do not need to enter the word
"Trinidad" in your search.
All photographs (unless otherwise stated) are the property of Brian Ramsey. None
of the photographs may be reproduced without the express written consent of Outdoor Business Group Limited and Brian Ramsey.
