The wider destination of Tunapuna-Piarco offers a range of points of interest: the history of the Benedictine monks at Mount St. Benedict and the river and recreational opportunities in the Caura Valley. One is a cultural and historical landmark; the other combines a winding access road with opportunities for picnicking and swimming. To get your bearings, it may help to consider whether history or time outdoors is your priority.

Mount St. Benedict: the founding story of a Benedictine community

Mount St. Benedict is home to Benedictine monks who settled there in 1912. Three monks from the Benedictine monastery of San Sebastien in Bahia, Brazil, came to the foothills of Trinidad’s Northern Range under the leadership of Abbot Dom Mayeul de Caigny. The focus is therefore on the origins of a community and the people who came to establish it.

Their origins in Bahia and the foothills of the Northern Range mark two different geographical points of reference: the monks’ starting point and the place where they settled. Together with the year 1912, these details provide a clear historical context. Those interested in religious history will find a well-defined topic to explore within the wider destination of Tunapuna-Piarco. The cultural significance comes from the connection between the monks’ origins, their settlement, and the people named.

Caura Valley: access and riverside activities

The Caura Valley is accessible via Caura Royal Road, which branches off Eastern Main Road. The road through the valley is winding. When planning your trip, keep in mind both the named turnoff and the road’s layout; check current local road conditions before setting out. These details provide specific guidance on road access to the valley and distinguish its focus from the history of Mount St. Benedict.

Along the winding access road, visitors can picnic or swim in the clear water of the Caura River. Pool Number 1 and Pool Number 2 are located at the abandoned pump house; both are described as popular spots for a “river lime.” The valley therefore offers a range of ways to spend time outdoors: a picnic along the route or time by the river. If you are considering swimming, check the local water conditions. The two pool names and the pump house also identify where the “river lime” spots are located.

Which focus suits your trip?

Mount St. Benedict and the Caura Valley appeal to different interests within Tunapuna-Piarco. The Benedictine history can be explored through its origins and the people involved; the Caura Valley is about the access road, picnicking, and swimming in the river. Deciding first whether cultural history or time outdoors is your priority can help you choose the regional focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Saint Joseph, Saint Augustine, Kelly Village, Trincity, Arouca, Tacarigua

View the wider travel guide: Tunapuna-Piarco.