Arima Travel Guide
City City in Trinidad and Tobago, known for its culture
Market stalls and religious festivals punctuate Arima; visitors come for the Santa Rosa celebrations, local crafts, Saturday markets and hikes into the Northern Range.
Why Visit Arima? #
Arima appeals to travelers drawn to cultural festivals, birding and lively street food, anchored by the Santa Rosa Festival and the nearby Asa Wright Nature Centre in the Arima Valley. Local markets sell doubles, roti and other Trinidadian specialties, and the town’s colonial sites and community events showcase Amerindian heritage alongside calypso and steelpan rhythms. Its mix of natural trails and seasonal pageantry makes Arima a compact window into Trinidadian life.
Top Things to Do in Arima
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- Asa Wright Nature Centre (nearby Arima Valley) - Renowned birdwatching reserve with guided walks and abundant tropical bird species.
- Santa Rosa Carib Community - Cultural center preserving indigenous heritage with traditional performances and craft demonstrations.
- Arima Borough Market - Bustling market selling local produce, street food, and Trinidadian artisan goods.
- Local cocoa and chocolate producers - Small producers offering guided tastings and demonstrations of traditional chocolate-making methods.
- Arima Velodrome events - Occasional cycling and community sporting events providing lively local atmosphere and food stalls.
- Scenic Arima Valley drives - Short scenic routes through hills, farmland, and lookout points over the valley floor.
- Caroni Bird Sanctuary - Boat trips through mangroves to witness large flocks of scarlet ibis at dusk.
- Nariva Swamp - Eastern lowland wetland with unique wildlife, rustic village visits, and guided boat tours.
Best Time to Visit Arima #
Arima is most pleasant in the dry months (January-April) for outdoor events and hiking. The wet season (June-November) brings heavy rain and lush green landscapes, with brief transitional months.
Best Time to Visit Arima #
Arima's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1396 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (151 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (177 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (257 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Arima
How to Get Around Arima #
Arima’s town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot; streets are lined with shops and markets. Public transport includes maxi-taxis (shared minibuses) and buses linking Arima with Port of Spain and surrounding towns. Taxis are available for short trips; services can be irregular on weekends and holidays, so plan transfers in advance for early or late travel.
Where to Stay in Arima #
- Local guesthouses and B&Bs (Arima) - Small family-run options in town
- Hyatt Regency Trinidad (Port of Spain) - Budget travellers may find deals here
- Capital Plaza Hotel (Port of Spain) - Comfortable mid-range in the capital
- Selected boutique guesthouses (Arima) - Local comfortable stays with character
- Hyatt Regency Trinidad (Port of Spain) - Full-service international hotel
- Select luxury hotels in Port of Spain - High-end options a short drive away
Where to Eat in Arima #
- Arima Borough Market - Busy market with local snacks and produce.
- Local Doubles Stalls - Handy roadside doubles and chutney vendors.
- Neighborhood Roti Shops - Casual spots for curry-filled flatbreads.
- Local Cafés - Small cafés offering coffee and light bites.
- Bakeries & Pastry Stalls - Morning patties, sweet breads and snacks.
- Street BBQ & Grill Stalls - Evening grills serving skewers and sides.
Nightlife in Arima #
Nightlife in Arima is low-key, mostly local bars and eateries and occasional community events. Cultural events like the Santa Rosa celebrations bring larger festivities at certain times of year.
Shopping in Arima #
Arima Market is the focal point for shopping - a busy municipal market where locals buy produce, provisions and household goods. Small shops along Main Street sell clothing, hardware and everyday items. For larger malls and a wider retail selection, most people travel into Port of Spain or other larger towns.
- Arima Market - Busy municipal market selling produce, provisions and local crafts.
