Trinidad Island Tour: Pitch Lake and Chaguanas Market

Walk across the world's largest pitch lake while your guide keeps you on solid ground

An 8-hour guided tour of Trinidad's central and southern attractions, departing from Port of Spain hotels with a local guide, air-conditioned transport, entrance fees and all activities included. The route moves through Chaguanas market, the 85-foot Hanuman Temple, Pitch Lake in La Brea where you walk the surface for an hour, and Temple in the Sea. Uneven terrain at Pitch Lake requires sturdy walking shoes and rules out wheelchairs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Central and South Trinidad

• Visit Chaguanas market and bazaar
• See the Hanuman statue and Hindu temple
• Tour the Pitch Lake in La Brea
• Drive to Temple in the Sea and cremation site
• Enjoy optional authentic roti lunch

The experience

The day starts in the busy bazaar streets of Chaguanas, where vendors display fresh produce, local meats and East Indian snacks like khurma. From there you head to the Hindu temple complex in Central Trinidad, home to the largest statue of Lord Hanuman outside India: an 85-foot figure that stands in a compound with prayer flags and a yoga center. Your guide walks you through the site and explains the rituals and concepts behind the temple.

The centerpiece is Pitch Lake in the village of La Brea, deep in South Trinidad. It's the largest natural pitch lake in the world, and your guide leads a one-hour walk across its surface, which resembles elephant skin and can be peeled away. The guide keeps the group on solid ground and away from soft vertical veins where sinking is a real risk. Depending on weather, there are sulphur pools where you can bathe. After Pitch Lake, a short drive takes you to Temple in the Sea and a cremation site nearby.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Port of Spain hotels bookend the day, so you don't need a rental car or local transport. The minivan is air-conditioned, and bottled water is provided throughout. Walking shoes are essential. The ground at Pitch Lake can be wet and uneven, especially in the rainy season.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Port of Spain.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan or private vehicle.
• entrance fees to all sites.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• one-hour guided walk at Pitch Lake.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Island Experiences

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Port of Spain means you travel without arranging a car or navigating unfamiliar roads, and the fixed 8-hour schedule fits the main attractions into a single day. The uneven surface at Pitch Lake requires sturdy shoes and rules out wheelchairs, so this tour works best for those comfortable walking on soft, cracked ground.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What is Pitch Lake actually like to walk on?

Pitch Lake is the world's largest natural pitch deposit, and its surface resembles thick, cracked elephant skin. Your guide leads you across it for one hour, steering the group away from soft vertical veins where the pitch is unstable and sinking is possible. The ground is uneven and can be wet, so sturdy walking shoes are required.

Can I swim or bathe at Pitch Lake?

Sulphur pools at the site allow bathing depending on weather conditions. Your guide will let you know what's accessible on the day of your tour.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, though you'll pass the Temple in the Sea and a cremation site where food may be available for purchase. An authentic roti lunch can be arranged separately.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear sturdy walking shoes that can get wet, and bring sunscreen and a sun hat. The ground at Pitch Lake is uneven, so comfortable footwear is essential. For the temple, wear modest clothing with covered shoulders and no short pants or skirts out of respect.

How does hotel pickup work from Port of Spain?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Port of Spain hotels and environs, so you don't need to arrange separate transport. Your guide and driver collect you from your hotel at the start of the day and return you at the end.