La Brea Pitch Lake in south Trinidad covers about forty hectares, and it is described by the national tourism site as the largest lake of its kind in the world. Liquid bitumen rises from below and cools into natural asphalt, so the surface looks like cracked black pavement with pools of water in the gaps. Local guides lead visitors across it, explaining how the pitch has been dug for commercial use for generations, pointing out gas bubbling up through the pools and, if you ask, showing how it bends under your hand. Tradition holds that the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh used the pitch to repair his ships in the 1590s. A visit is short, typically an hour or so, which is why most people see it as part of a day tour of south Trinidad, and we recommend the Down South tour that includes Pitch Lake along with temples and cultural stops on the way. It is a strange, memorable place and a good counterpoint to the beach and rainforest of the north.
Think of the visit in two parts: the lake, and the road to get there. South Trinidad is a long drive from Port of Spain, and a guided day tour handles the logistics and fills the day with stops that give context to the south, including Hindu temples and the culture of the region. The Down South tour we recommend is built for this, with the lake as its headline.
On the lake itself, wear closed shoes that you do not mind marking, and expect a guide to set the pace. The surface varies, with firm areas and soft patches, so follow your guide's route rather than wandering off. It is hot and exposed, with little shade, so bring water, sun protection and a hat. The visitor centre area has parking and washrooms, and the national tourism site gives weekday daytime opening hours, so a weekend visit should be confirmed with your operator before you plan around it.
Some visitors are offered a dip in the freshwater pools on the surface, which locals say is good for the skin; ask your guide what is available on the day.
If you only have time for one excursion in the south, this tour is the right choice. It adds cultural depth to a Trinidad trip that might otherwise focus on beaches and birds, and the combination of an alien landscape and local storytelling makes it a good outing for curious travellers and for older children who like unusual places.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk across the surface of the lake, as part of a day tour of south Trinidad that also visits temples and cultural sites.
Best time
Weekday mornings, before the heat peaks; the tourism site gives weekday daytime hours.
How long
About an hour at the lake, within a day tour of around six to eight hours.
Tips
Wear closed shoes you do not mind marking, bring water and sun protection and follow your guide's route across the surface.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious travellers who want something unusual and a look at south Trinidad.
- Families
- Older children usually enjoy the odd surface and the guide's stories; keep everyone close and in closed shoes.
- Couples
- An offbeat, memorable half of a Trinidad trip, best paired with the lush north.
- Pair with
- A beach day at Maracas Bay or the Caroni swamp on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day for the tour; about an hour on the lake itself.
Good questions
What is Pitch Lake?+
It is a lake of natural asphalt in south Trinidad, covering about forty hectares and described as the largest of its kind in the world. Bitumen rises to the surface and cools into a firm, black crust.
Can you walk on it?+
Yes, with a local guide who knows the firm areas. The surface can soften in places, so follow the route you are shown and wear closed shoes.
How long does a visit take?+
The lake visit itself is short, around an hour, but the drive from Port of Spain is long, so most visitors join a day tour that includes other stops.
Is Pitch Lake open at weekends?+
The national tourism site gives weekday daytime hours, so confirm weekend access with your tour operator before planning around it.
What should I bring?+
Water, a hat, sun protection and closed shoes. There is little shade on the lake.
