Pitch Lake, Tar pit in La Brea, Trinidad and Tobago
Description
Pitch Lake is a natural asphalt deposit in La Brea, Trinidad and Tobago, covering a wide open area in the southwestern part of the island. The glossy black surface appears almost solid in dry weather, while warmer periods reveal softer patches where gas rises through cracks.
History
Indigenous people of Trinidad used the material to waterproof their canoes long before European sailors documented the lake in the 16th century. Later, the asphalt was exported in large quantities to Europe and North America for paving roads.
Culture
Local guides explain that the site takes its name from pitch, an older word for tar, reflecting how settlers identified the material centuries ago. Families who worked the tar pits for generations still live in nearby La Brea and share stories about the extraction techniques their ancestors developed.
Practical
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the surface is uneven and sticky in places. A morning visit offers more comfortable temperatures before the midday sun softens the asphalt.
Did you know?
Researchers have found bones of prehistoric animals in the asphalt, trapped thousands of years ago in the sticky mass. The material regenerates slowly on its own, so asphalt removed over time is replaced by new material rising from below.
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Trinidad and Tobago offer a combination of coastal landscapes, nature reserves and historic colonial sites. The two islands lie off the northern coast of Venezuela and include diverse habitats ranging from mangrove swamps to rainforests and coral reefs. Attractions include the Caroni Swamp with its...
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Not beautiful, but worth seeing with a guide!!! The streets of London were built with this asphalt.
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