Las Cuevas

Las Cuevas is a small beach village on the north coast of Trinidad, located in the San Juan-Laventille region approximately 30 km north of Port of Spain. The village is named after the caves ("las cuevas" in Spanish) that dot the surrounding coastline and hillsides. Las Cuevas is known for its beautiful, sheltered beach — one of the finest in Trinidad — which curves in a scenic bay flanked by forested headlands. The village has a small permanent population and attracts visitors primarily for its beach.

The setting is dramatic: the North Coast Road winds down from the Northern Range through lush tropical forest before opening onto the bay. The beach stretches for approximately 1 km, with golden sand, calm waters protected by the headlands, and a backdrop of coconut palms and forest. Unlike the more famous Maracas Bay (20 minutes further west), Las Cuevas is significantly quieter and less developed, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more peaceful beach experience. The climate is tropical — dry from January to May, rainy from June to December — with temperatures between 24–31°C, moderated by sea breezes.

By Plane

Piarco International Airport (POS) is approximately 40 km southeast. The drive takes 45–60 minutes via the highway to Port of Spain, then north over the Northern Range. A taxi costs TT$200–350.

By Train

No passenger rail service operates to Las Cuevas.

By Car / Road

Las Cuevas is reached via the North Coast Road from Port of Spain. The drive is approximately 30 km and takes 35–45 minutes, winding over the Northern Range through lush forest with dramatic views. The road is paved but narrow and winding in places, with steep drops. From San Fernando, the journey is approximately 75 km and takes 1.5 hours. There is no regular public transport to Las Cuevas; a rental car or PH taxi is recommended. Some maxi taxis run from Port of Spain towards Maracas Bay and may stop at Las Cuevas on request; the fare is approximately TT$15–20.

Las Cuevas village is small and walkable. The beach, a few food stalls, and any accommodation are all within a short distance. A vehicle is needed for exploring the wider north coast.

• Las Cuevas Beach — a beautiful, sheltered bay beach with golden sand and calm waters, framed by forested headlands. The beach is less crowded than Maracas Bay and offers excellent swimming.

• Coastal caves — the caves that give the village its name are visible along the coastline, though some are accessible only at low tide.

• North Coast Road scenery — the drive from Port of Spain to Las Cuevas passes through some of Trinidad's most spectacular scenery, with views over the forested Northern Range and the Caribbean Sea.

• Swimming — the sheltered bay provides calm waters ideal for swimming, even when other north-coast beaches have rough surf.

• Beachcombing — the long, relatively uncrowded beach is excellent for walking and relaxing.

• Photography — the scenic bay, the surrounding forest, and the drive along the North Coast Road offer outstanding photography opportunities.

• Hiking — trails from the village lead into the surrounding forest, offering birdwatching and views.

• Visit Maracas Bay — the famous beach is just 20 minutes west along the North Coast Road.

A few food stalls and small eateries near the beach serve basic Trinidadian fare — bake and shark (the north-coast specialty), grilled fish, doubles, and roti. Prices are modest — TT$25–60 per meal. The food options are limited compared to Maracas Bay, which has a larger concentration of vendors. For more variety, Maracas Bay (20 minutes west) has numerous bake and shark stalls.

Beachside stalls sell cold beers, rum punch, and non-alcoholic drinks including coconut water and fresh fruit juices. There are no bars or nightlife. The beach is the venue for daytime socialising.

Accommodation in Las Cuevas is very limited.

• Budget: A few small guesthouses and rental cottages are available near the beach; expect TT$250–500/night.
• Mid-range: Limited options; some vacation rentals may be available through local contacts or online platforms.
• Upscale / heritage: No upscale accommodation in Las Cuevas. The nearest options are in Port of Spain.

There is no shopping in Las Cuevas. A few small stalls near the beach sell drinks and snacks. Visitors should bring supplies from Port of Spain.

• Maracas Bay (10 km west, 20 min drive) — Trinidad's most famous beach, known for bake and shark
• Port of Spain (30 km south, 35–45 min drive) — Trinidad's capital with full amenities
• Blanchisseuse (20 km east, 30 min drive) — a remote north-coast village with hiking trails and beaches
• Santa Cruz (22 km south, 30 min drive) — a valley community in the Northern Range foothills
• Las Cuevas to Blanchisseuse hike — a challenging coastal trail through the Northern Range forest