Situated on Trinidad’s southwest coast in the village of La Brea, the Pitch Lake contains the world’s largest commercial deposit of natural asphalt, covering about 100 acres, and being about 250 feet deep at its centre – a true wonder of the world. This lake contains approximately 10 million tonnes of asphalt which is mined and exported, for use in road paving and manufacturing.

During the rainy season when water collects in the cracks and crevices of the lake, warm sulphur pools aka ‘fountains of youth’, are formed. It is so called since it is claimed that the high level of sulphur which it contains, is beneficial for curing a range of health issues from skin conditions to joint pains. Referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, flora and fauna also exist in the Pitch Lake’s natural surroundings and lush vegetation consisting of cashew trees, mango trees and breadfruit trees abound.

Plants include the water rose, nymph lilies and bird of paradise while bird watchers can enjoy seeing herons, hummingbirds, sandpipers, kingfishers and ospreys, among others. There is also a small museum on site with Amerindian artifacts recovered from the lake and the remains of prehistoric animals such as the mammoth.

Contact information: 651-1232