Places to visit in Trinidad-La Brea Pitch Lake

If you are visiting Trinidad, one of the places of interest is the La Brea pitch lake. The Pitch lake in La brea is  unique in that it is the largest one of it’s kind in the world. There are only two other lakes of it’s kind, one in California in the USA and the other in Venezuela in South America.

What is a Pitch Lake?

Believe it or not the Pitch lake has a history stemming back to 6 million years ago when oil seeped through the cracks in the earth’s surface. Scientist believe that it will take about four hundred years before the lake will be depleted of the pitch.

What is the pitch used for?

The asphalt from the pitch lake is used mainly to pave the road ways in Trinidad and Tobago and is also a main source of export from this island to the rest of the world.

What you should know before visiting the pitch lake!

While the pitch lake can be an exciting adventure, you should be aware that there are many soft areas in the lake that can be quite dangerous to the armature eye. You should proceed with caution in these areas to avoid getting stuck or injured. There are many locals who would be more than happy to guide you through a tour, but we advise you to schedule a tour with a professional guide at the front office building. These guides live this experience day in and day out, they are very familiar with the pitch lake and can give you the extensive history as well as the old folk lore surrounding the lake.

The lake also houses a museum and cafeteria. The lake also has a “Fountain of youth” which is open for bathing. The ” Fountain of youth” was created from the separation of the water and tar that the lake naturally spews. Many believe that you can be healed of various ailments, like dandruff and skin problems like eczema by taking a bath in this fountain. Taking a tour of the pitch lake usually takes about 45 minutes.