Spend a slow half-day in Lopinot’s cocoa country, driving from Port of Spain to a mountainside restaurant for a three-course meal that features locally harvested cocoa—served with hummingbirds and a dose of plantation history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive by winding mountain road, air cooling as the city falls away and the forest leans in. The village of Lopinot opens in scattered clearings—old cocoa trees arching over narrow lanes, birds flicking between blooms. At Café Mariposa, a wooden veranda looks out over the slopes; the scent of roasted beans and simmering sauce fills the table before the plate arrives.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks on uneven village paths and a seated lunch
Wildlife
History
Lopinot grew from a 19th-century cocoa plantation economy; surviving buildings and land use reflect colonial-era agriculture and Creole village life.
Conservation
Support local farms and cafés that source cocoa locally; avoid feeding wildlife and follow guidance to minimize disturbance to birds and habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Half-day 3-Course Cocoa Lunch Tour in Trinidad today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear grippy, closed-toe shoes
Village paths and the historical complex include uneven surfaces and short sections of packed dirt; supportive footwear keeps you comfortable.
Bring insect repellent
Forest edges and verandas attract insects—DEET- or picaridin-based repellent reduces bites during the meal and short walks.
Cash for small purchases
Some local stalls or craft sellers may prefer cash for small items even if the tour covers meals and fees.
Book morning or early afternoon
Hummingbird activity and softer light are better earlier in the day; avoid the late afternoon when clouds and showers are more likely.
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Protects feet on village paths and short uneven trails near the historical complex.
Insect repellent
Helps prevent bites during outdoor seating and garden areas around the café.
summer
Light rain jacket
Afternoon showers are possible—pack a compact waterproof layer to stay dry on the drive back.
summer
Camera with zoom lens
A telephoto or zoom helps capture hummingbirds and distant hillside views from the veranda.