DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Lopinot Historical Complex

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
—°2
Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)

Weather…

The Lopinot Historical Complex is situated in the Arouca Valley of northern Trinidad and is deeply connected to the island's cocoa production history. The estate was founded in 1806 by Charles Joseph, Count de Lopinot, a French nobleman who fled the Haitian Revolution. He was granted land by the British Governor and established a successful cocoa plantation named La Reconnaissance. The complex features the restored count's house, built using traditional tapia (mud and grass) methods, and the original cocoa drying sheds known as cocoa houses. Lopinot is also widely recognized as the cultural heart of Parang music, a Spanish-influenced folk tradition associated with Christmas. Surrounded by the Northern Range mountains, the site serves as a museum dedicated to 19th-century colonial agriculture and local folklore.

Explore on the map

How well do you know Trinidad and Tobago?

Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.

Start the map quiz 10 challenges

Your journey, your memory

A postcard from Lopinot Historical Complex

Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.

Create a postcard

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262627282827272727272726
Rain mm100615256117222202202141176213178

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Lopinot Historical Complex is a former cocoa estate that serves as a museum and event venue. The grounds with old buildings can be visited, entry is usually subject to a fee.
🕒
Typical hours
The complex is usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, often until 6:00 PM on weekends. Shortened hours on holidays are possible, an advance inquiry is recommended.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, but often without flash indoors. The old cocoa drying facilities and the manor house offer excellent subjects.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit to the complex typically takes about 1 hour to explore the exhibits and grounds. Those joining a guided tour should allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
➕
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Madamas Pillar Bridge or a detour to the Aripo Caves. The north coast beaches are also reachable from here.
🧭
Getting there
The Lopinot Historical Complex is located in northern Trinidad, about 30 minutes by car from Port of Spain. Access via Eastern Main Road and then Lopinot Road, which is winding and steep.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the estate on a weekend, when cultural events like concerts or local markets often take place. Bring cash as there are no ATMs nearby.

History & landmarks

1800

Geography

Coordinates
10.69000, -61.32000

Facts

  • The Lopinot estate was established by the French count in 1806.
  • The count's house uses 'tapia' construction, a mix of mud and grass.
  • Count de Lopinot was buried on the estate grounds after his death in 1819.
  • The site is the primary hub for Spanish-rooted Parang music festivals.
  • Cocoa houses at the site feature sliding roofs for sun-drying beans.
  • The village is located at an altitude of 150 metres in the Northern Range.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Parang Music CenterParang Music Center2 km · NWExplore →
Cocoa Drying FloorCocoa Drying Floor2 km · SEExplore →
Asa Wright Nature CentreAsa Wright Nature Centre5 km · NEExplore →
Cocoa Estate OfficeCocoa Estate Office5 km · SEExplore →
Plantation HospitalPlantation Hospital6 km · SWExplore →
D'AbadieD'Abadie6 km · SExplore →
AroucaArouca6 km · SExplore →
Hollis ReservoirHollis Reservoir7 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
Motorhome dimensions

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lopinot Historical Complex (2)

Lopinot📍 landmark

A historic village in Trinidad, known for its cocoa plantations and colonial past.

Asa Wright Nature Centre📍 landmark

A nature reserve and research station in the hills of Trinidad.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lopinot Historical Complex?
A former cocoa plantation that now preserves colonial history in a lively way.
Are there entrance fees?
Entrance to the grounds is usually free, donations are welcomed.
How is the atmosphere?
Very peaceful and convenient for a relaxing historical walk.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is an open area where they can run around safely.
Is there a café there?
There are small vendors nearby offering local refreshments and traditional food.
Lopinot Historical Complex: where is it located?
Lopinot Historical Complex is located in Trinidad and Tobago.
Lopinot Historical Complex: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lopinot, Asa Wright Nature Centre.
Lopinot Historical Complex: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Lopinot Historical Complex: why is it worth visiting?
The Lopinot Historical Complex is situated in the Arouca Valley of northern Trinidad and is deeply connected to the island's cocoa production history.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

Chaguanas — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Chaguanas
The largest municipality of Trinidad, known for its vibrant markets.
San Fernando — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
San Fernando
The most populous city in the Trinidad region.
Port of Spain — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Port of Spain
The capital and third largest municipality of Trinidad and Tobago.
Arima — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Arima
A major commercial hub in eastern Trinidad.
Scarborough — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Scarborough
The capital and largest city of the island of Tobago.

History & landmarks

Asa Wright Nature Centre — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Asa Wright Nature Centre
A paradise for nature lovers in the mountains.
Mount Saint Benedict Abbey — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Mount Saint Benedict Abbey
An important monastery on a hill.
Yerette — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Yerette
A private hummingbird sanctuary in the Maracas Valley.
Maracas Beach — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Maracas Beach
A famous sandy beach in Trinidad.
Caroni Bird Sanctuary — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Caroni Bird Sanctuary
A protected mangrove area for migratory birds.
Memorial Park — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Memorial Park
An important memorial park in the capital.
🗺️
Brian Lara Promenade
A popular public area in the heart of the city.
The Red House — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
The Red House
The seat of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.

Nature

Caroni River — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Caroni River
The largest river in Trinidad, emptying into the Caroni Swamp.

More places

Parang Music Center — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Parang Music Center
Historic site for the preservation of local music.
Cocoa Drying Floor — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Cocoa Drying Floor
Traditional floor for drying cocoa.
Cocoa Estate Office — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Cocoa Estate Office
Historic office building for plantation administration.
🗺️
Plantation Hospital
Historic facility for plantation workers.
Mount Saint Benedict Abbey — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
Mount Saint Benedict Abbey
The oldest Benedictine monastery in the Caribbean.
St. Joseph Ruins — Lopinot Historical Complex (Trinidad and Tobago)
St. Joseph Ruins
Remains of the first Spanish capital of Trinidad.
🗺️
Spanish Settlement Ruins
Excavation site of an early settlement.
🗺️
Spanish Garrison
Historic station for Spanish soldiers.