Pitch Lake — Attraction in Trinidad

Very Interesting place to visit. The smell of 'asphalt' will stay with you for quite a while after visiting, still it was worth visiting, even if only briefly. We spent about 45 minutes here and I enjoyed swimming in the lake for a few minutes. Upon arrival we were told where to park and asked if we were there to tour the pitch lake. We said yes. The gentleman, John, walked us down to the lake and went over many facts about the lake, most of which I already knew from reading about the lake on the internet. He did point out some interesting things to see along the way, including small fish in the lake, lily pads, and areas of a tar-like substance that you can lift up with a stick like molasses. There were no more than ten people at the entire area, yet we were rushed through the 'tour' and hurried back to our vehicle, the only vehicle there. It was at this point that John demanded $40 US from each of us, he did not want TT dollars. We had not brought anywhere near $80 US for a simple walking tour and we ended up giving him what we had, but he became extremely upset and told us we would 'know better next time'. I can say for us there will not be a next time here. Nowhere else did I see stating that these tour guides wanted $40 for a 45 minute walk and if I had known I wouldn't have gone. At least by sharing this, others can...

I jumped on a PTSC bus from Port of Spain to San Fernando where I got a Point bus that took me there.

On arrival there is a welcome center (building) where I made arrangements for the tour. At that time it was $30 a person for the tour, maybe $15 for children.

My tour guide was a feiendly Rastafarian Man from the area. He told us he dos and don'ts of the tour and they had used rubber slippers for those that did not have one of their own to go out on the lake with. At the time I had my 9 month old baby in her carrier in front of me. This is to say it's pretty safe.

You are welcomed to literally bathe in the water collected in the lake. Oh yes water....there is water there so don't wear your good clothes or best slipper to go there. Also you may want to walk with a bottle to take home some of the water which is said to be filled with...

A wonder off our world since its discovery located right in our backyard. A must visit . But not in the height of dry season, so atleast you can take a bathe in the mineral rich waters if necessary. Besides the many industrious applications of the pitch from the pitch lake, the area is quite naturally scenic as it is home to a rainbow of water lillies (lotus) growing there. Be sure to check out the museum. Choice of a guide ( to navigate the area) is a must have , DO NOT GO EXPLORING ON YOUR OWN !!!!!!. Its is my personal belief that the guides registered with the tourism board are just as knowledgerable as the ones located on the outside facilities (unregistered) . Please note there is no visible animosity between the two sets of guides. A wonder of our beautiful island please take every...