Trinidad and Tobago

Part of the Marianne River in Blanchisseuse, the 3 Pools are a great place to visit if you're looking to escape the heat. The three-tiered pools provide something for almost everyone; the water in the first pool is shallow enough to wade in, while the third pool is usually deep enough to be jumped into from the surrounding 15-foot rocks. The first and second pool are connected by a natural rock water slide. The hike to the pools is fairly easy, takes approximately 20 minutes, and can be combined with a hike to the nearby Avocat Waterfall.

Recognized as one of the country's best examples of sustainable ecotourism, the Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve is a working plantation that doubles as a haven for many different species of bird. Situated on 12 acres of land, the plantation engages in sustainable agricultural practices and grows organic lemons and other citrus fruits. However, most people come here to marvel at the hummingbirds, which flock to the main house at feeding time. Visitors can also stretch their legs on one of the short walking trails winding their way through the estate or head to the nearby Arnos Vale Beach to snorkel and swim.

Arnos Vale Rd, Plymouth, Tobago, Phone: +1 868-639-2839

The highest waterfall on Tobago, Argyle Falls is a 175-foot cascade that tumbles down three tiers into a deep pool at the bottom. The walk to the base of the falls takes approximately 15 minutes, but visitors with more time can climb all the way to the third level. The second pool boasts several natural rock pools for hikers to relax in, while the third pool is the best for swimming and is surrounded by vines that make excellent rope swings. A small entrance fee is charged, and guides can be hired for an additional fee.

Conveniently located between the Queen's Park Savannah and the Botanic Gardens, Emperor Valley Zoo is the principal zoo in Trinidad and Tobago. The zoo is home to more than 100 animals, including lions, giraffes, a giant otter, a 12-foot crocodile, and various species of monkey. Guided tours are available for groups of up to 60 people, and discounts are offered for tours booked more than 24 hours in advance. Visitors are not permitted to feed the animals, but at specific times of day they can watch as the zookeepers feed the monkeys, giraffes, reptiles, and big cats.

Zoo Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Phone: +1 868-622-3530

Englishman's Bay isn't as popular as some of the beaches on the western coast of Tobago, but the crescent-shaped beach is arguably the most beautiful in the country. Nestled up against the lush greenery of the rain forest, the beach gently slopes toward the water and is a nesting ground for leatherback turtles. The tranquil blue water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is available for rent. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented by visitors who want to lounge on the beach, and there are usually plenty of vendors selling food and local handicrafts.

Overlooking Great Courland Bay, Fort James was built by the British during the 18th century to defend the former capital of Plymouth, which is now one of the oldest towns on Tobago. The walls of the fort are made of hand-cut blocks of limestone laid together without the use of mortar, and many are still intact today. Another highlight includes the collection of four cannons pointed towards the ocean. Today, the fort sits inside a well-maintained park and is an excellent spot for relaxing or enjoying a picnic while admiring the excellent view of the coastline.

Sitting on top of a hill overlooking Scarborough, Fort King George dates back to the 1770s and is the best-preserved colonial fort on Tobago. While walking around the grounds, visitors will see the prisoner's bell tank, the officers' dining hall, and several cannons overlooking the water. One of the former guard houses is now home to the Tobago Museum, which displays various Amerindian artifacts, military relics, and other items of interest from the colonial period. However, even visitors who aren't interested in the fort's history will appreciate the breathtaking views of the water, particularly at sunset.

84 Fort St, Scarborough, Tobago, Phone: +1 868-639-3970

In the Hindu religion, Hanuman is a warrior god who is believed to protect his devotees from evil. As an important disciple of Lord Rama, the god is often prayed to for protection or for the strength and courage to complete difficult tasks. This Hanuman Statue of the god stands 85 feet tall, making it the highest Hanuman statue found outside of India and the second highest in the world. Located at the Dattatreya yoga center in the village of Carapichaima, the statue was built in the Southern Indian Dravidian architectural style and was consecrated in 2003.

Orange Field Road, Carapichaima, Trinidad

Also known as Little Tobago Drift, Kelleston Drain is a popular dive spot that is home to the largest brain coral in the world. Composed of millions of individual coral animals, the brain coral has been growing undisturbed for centuries and is now approximately 10 by 16 feet. Although the giant coral is the main draw here, the adjacent coral reef is overflowing with various types of colorful corals that are well worth a look as well. Manta rays can be found here during certain times of the year, and lucky divers might even spot a nurse shark.