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Trinidad and Tobago🇹🇹 | villagesIcacosSouthwest tip, fishing pirogues, Venezuelan coastline, Soldado Rock | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Icacos
👌 Worth visitingvillage ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Icacos is where Trinidad’s road network gives up, and on a clear day the Venezuelan coast sits across the water like a neighbor leaning over the fence. You’ll find it at the far southwestern tip of Trinidad, in Trinidad and Tobago, among coconut groves and fishing boats. Public transport thins out here because few people live at the end of the line, so experienced travelers book a taxi for the round trip instead of trusting a maxi to appear at dusk. Shops and eateries are scarce, so they stock up on water and snacks in a larger town first. Evenings are silent apart from frogs and outboard motors, and meeting other backpackers is unlikely. Icacos is smaller and rawer than nearby Cedros, which has the shops and the bus stand. Icacos has the view.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Trinidad and Tobago Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 village in Trinidad and TobagoThe unique appeal for travelers

Icacos suits the backpacker who has already done Maracas and the Port of Spain circuit and wants to see where the island simply runs out. The draw is the Columbus Channel shoreline: fishermen hauling pirogues up the sand, coconut palms leaning over the road, and the Venezuelan hills on the horizon. Nobody comes for nightlife. Most people stay an afternoon, and almost nobody lingers overnight because lodging is thin. The village works best as a pause on a south-western loop, between the oil-and-asphalt towns up the coast and the mud-volcano country inland. It rewards solo travelers and couples who like empty beaches, long quiet stretches and conversations with whoever happens to be mending a net. Hikers will find no trails, and anyone wanting a hostel scene should look elsewhere.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Icacos

  1. Icacos Beach and shoreline: The long, quiet coconut-backed shore is the village’s main attraction, with the Venezuelan coast visible on clear days. Go in the morning, when the light is soft and fishermen are launching boats. Free, and an hour or two is enough for a walk and a swim.
  2. The Icacos fishing landing: Pirogues come in here with the catch, and you can watch the sorting, gutting and haggling at close range. Late morning to early afternoon is the best time. Free to watch, 30 to 60 minutes, and fresh fish is sometimes sold for roughly US$3 to 8 depending on the size.
  3. Soldado Rock viewpoint: This small rocky islet about 10 kilometers offshore is a protected seabird nesting site, visible from the point on a clear day.
From Icacos, day trips head to nearby Cedros and the Pitch Lake at La Brea. … read more 👉
  1. Icacos Beach and shoreline: The long, quiet coconut-backed shore is the village’s main attraction, with the Venezuelan coast visible on clear days. Go in the morning, when the light is soft and fishermen are launching boats. Free, and an hour or two is enough for a walk and a swim.
  2. The Icacos fishing landing: Pirogues come in here with the catch, and you can watch the sorting, gutting and haggling at close range. Late morning to early afternoon is the best time. Free to watch, 30 to 60 minutes, and fresh fish is sometimes sold for roughly US$3 to 8 depending on the size.
  3. Soldado Rock viewpoint: This small rocky islet about 10 kilometers offshore is a protected seabird nesting site, visible from the point on a clear day.
From Icacos, day trips head to nearby Cedros and the Pitch Lake at La Brea. The beach and the fishing landing cost nothing, while the boat trip is the only item that needs a budget.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Icacos

The Grand Circle 12-Hour All-Inclusive Island Experience

The Grand Circle 12-Hour All-Inclusive Island Experience

5.0(397)
From €363
per personViator
Hidden Gem: Avocat Waterfall Hike & Beach Stop in Trinidad

Hidden Gem: Avocat Waterfall Hike & Beach Stop in Trinidad

5.0(51) 8h
From €124
per personViator
Fun Fishing Tour (Snacks & Light Refreshments Offered)

Fun Fishing Tour (Snacks & Light Refreshments Offered)

5.0(29) 3h 30m
From €136
per personViator
Snorkel, Spearfish & Seafood Adventure, Trinidad

Snorkel, Spearfish & Seafood Adventure, Trinidad

5.0(28) 6h
From €91
per personViator
Saturday Markets & Brunch Tour

Saturday Markets & Brunch Tour

5.0(21) 3h
From €58
per personViator
Around the Island

Around the Island

5.0(15) 8h
From €118
per personViator
Mountain Village Adventure

Mountain Village Adventure

5.0(14) 4h
From €80
per personViator
The Grand Circle 24-Hour All-Inclusive Island Experience

The Grand Circle 24-Hour All-Inclusive Island Experience

5.0(12) 24h
From €354
per personViator
Trinidad Airport Transfer To Port of Spain hotel's or AirB&B

Trinidad Airport Transfer To Port of Spain hotel's or AirB&B

5.0(10) 1h
From €35
per personViator
Fishing Experience in Buccoo

Fishing Experience in Buccoo

5.0(8) 3h 30m
From €263
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Dry Season (January to May): Icacos gets its steadiest weather now, with highs of 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F) and cooler nights near 22°C (72°F). Roads and the coastal track are firmest, and the sea is calmest for fishing boats and the Venezuela-facing shoreline. Days run about 11.5 to 12.5 hours of light.
  • Rainy Season (June to December): Afternoon downpours are common, humidity sits high, and temperatures stay around 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F). Mosquitoes and sandflies get worse, and low-lying roads around the southwest peninsula can flood. September and October are the muddiest months.
  • Carnival and Holidays: Around Carnival in February or March, Christmas and Easter, Trinidad transport fills and lodging in nearby Cedros and Fyzabad areas may rise by 10 to 25 percent. Icacos itself stays quiet, with
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (January to May): Icacos gets its steadiest weather now, with highs of 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F) and cooler nights near 22°C (72°F). Roads and the coastal track are firmest, and the sea is calmest for fishing boats and the Venezuela-facing shoreline. Days run about 11.5 to 12.5 hours of light.
  • Rainy Season (June to December): Afternoon downpours are common, humidity sits high, and temperatures stay around 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F). Mosquitoes and sandflies get worse, and low-lying roads around the southwest peninsula can flood. September and October are the muddiest months.
  • Carnival and Holidays: Around Carnival in February or March, Christmas and Easter, Trinidad transport fills and lodging in nearby Cedros and Fyzabad areas may rise by 10 to 25 percent. Icacos itself stays quiet, with a few lime parties at weekends.
  • Fishing Season: Boat activity and fresh catch are best in the drier months.
For the easiest trip, aim for February to April and avoid the Carnival weekend.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutTrinidad and Tobago Travel Guide

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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Icacos has almost no formal lodging, so most backpackers sleep in nearby Cedros or in the larger town of Fyzabad or San Fernando and come down for the day. Cedros, about 10 minutes by car from Icacos, has a handful of small guesthouses and family-run rooms, usually US$35 to 70 a night for a simple double with fan or air conditioning. Book by phone or through a booking app, as many places have no website and prefer a call or WhatsApp message. San Fernando, roughly 1.5 hours away by road, has the widest choice, including business hotels and guesthouses from about US$45 to 90, plus shops, ATMs and … read more 👉
Icacos has almost no formal lodging, so most backpackers sleep in nearby Cedros or in the larger town of Fyzabad or San Fernando and come down for the day. Cedros, about 10 minutes by car from Icacos, has a handful of small guesthouses and family-run rooms, usually US$35 to 70 a night for a simple double with fan or air conditioning. Book by phone or through a booking app, as many places have no website and prefer a call or WhatsApp message. San Fernando, roughly 1.5 hours away by road, has the widest choice, including business hotels and guesthouses from about US$45 to 90, plus shops, ATMs and restaurants that the far southwest lacks. Port of Spain offers a few hostels and budget rooms from about US$25 to 40 for a dorm bed, but it is a long haul from Icacos at 3 hours or more. Camping is not set up, and wild camping on the shoreline is not advisable because of isolation and sandflies. Bring cash, groceries and water, since evening food options are thin. I would sleep in Cedros and treat Icacos as a day stop, because it keeps you near food and taxis.
Best hostels in Trinidad and Tobago


Best quality hotels in Trinidad and Tobago

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

Icacos works as a day-trip base only if you have a car or a driver, because public transport in the far southwest is sparse and ends early in the afternoon.
Cedros Fishing Village:
The next village up the peninsula, about 10 minutes by car, is where boats unload and small snackettes sell fried fish and bake and shark, often at US$3 to 6 a plate. Go in the morning when the catch comes in. First-timers often arrive after lunch and find the boats already quiet.
👉 Explore Cedros
Soldado Rock Viewpoint:
The small islet of Soldado Rock sits about 10 kilometers offshore from the peninsula tip. It has been a seabird sanctuary since 1934, and no regular boats run there.

La Brea Pitch Lake:
The world’s largest natural asphalt lake is about 1.5 hours by road. Entry is roughly US$5 to 10 for a guided walk, … read more 👉
Icacos works as a day-trip base only if you have a car or a driver, because public transport in the far southwest is sparse and ends early in the afternoon.
Cedros Fishing Village:
The next village up the peninsula, about 10 minutes by car, is where boats unload and small snackettes sell fried fish and bake and shark, often at US$3 to 6 a plate. Go in the morning when the catch comes in. First-timers often arrive after lunch and find the boats already quiet.
👉 Explore Cedros
Soldado Rock Viewpoint:
The small islet of Soldado Rock sits about 10 kilometers offshore from the peninsula tip. It has been a seabird sanctuary since 1934, and no regular boats run there.

La Brea Pitch Lake:
The world’s largest natural asphalt lake is about 1.5 hours by road. Entry is roughly US$5 to 10 for a guided walk, and a taxi round trip from the south can cost US$60 to 100. Wear shoes you do not mind ruining, and go in the dry season when the surface is firmer.
👉 Explore Pitch Lake

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Reaching Icacos means driving to the far southwestern tip of Trinidad, about 2 to 2.5 hours from San Fernando on the Southern Main Road through Fyzabad and Cedros. Maxi taxis run from San Fernando to Cedros for about US$2 to 4, and a private taxi onward to Icacos costs roughly US$10 to 20. Port of Spain is around 3.5 hours away by road, so most travelers rent a car for flexibility.
Icacos is worth the trip if you like quiet, remote coastline, fishing boats and the sight of Venezuela across the water, but it is not a place for sights or nightlife. You can see it in 1 to 2 hours, and it pairs well with Cedros for fresh seafood at US$3 to 8 a plate. Skip it if you have only a short stay in Trinidad and want beaches or nightlife.
Icacos works well as a day trip from San Fernando, which is about 2 hours away by road, or from Cedros, only 10 minutes away. Plan a full day with a car or hired driver, since public transport thins out in the afternoon and can leave you stranded. Budget US$30 to 80 for fuel or a private taxi, plus food, and bring water and insect repellent.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Trinidadian and Tobagonian villages near Icacos

Explore more nearby:

  • Maracas Bay Village—Lifeguarded bay, bake and shark stalls, fishing depot| 93 km away
  • Blanchisseuse—Paria Waterfall trailhead, river mouth, end-of-road guesthouses| 105 km away
  • Grande Riviere—Leatherback nesting nights, river swims, rain forest guesthouses| 127 km away

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Icacos deserves half a day, a full day at most, unless you have arranged a bed in advance. Arrive by late morning, walk the shore, watch the boats come in, and leave before dark when rides become scarce. Bring cash, water and snacks.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Trinidad and Tobago. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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