While Trinidad’s waterfalls are monopolized by the northern region of the island, the southlands give exclusive access to another natural feature - mud volcanoes. The seaside village of Los Iros is home of the Erin Bouffe Mud Volcano, one of the less popular but more fun mud deposits that offer the opportunity to dive into mother nature’s spa.

The magic in the mud is that its density allows you to float to the surface, which adds a sensation of weightlessness to this full body mask

This is the perfect spot for anyone wanting adventure without a trek. After driving through the tall grasses and farmlands of the ‘deep south’ community, the mud volcano itself is a leisurely five-minute  walk away from vehicle parking. Though the site lacks infrastructure for sheltering from the elements, this doesn’t become much of an issue as the car is only a stone’s throw away.

For the main attraction, there is one large pool and several smaller ones, which have been multiplying over the years. Each is filled with warm clay that’s sure to bring out your inner child and treat your skin at the same time. The magic in the mud is that its density allows you to float to the surface, which adds a sensation of weightlessness to this full body mask. To top it all off, there’s a mud slide that takes you winding down the hill from the main crater, once you’re prepared to make the walk back up.

The easy trek to the mud pool situated at the Los Iros Volcanic Park makes it a popular choice for families.

Minimal guidance is needed for such an uncomplicated visit, and the farmers and residents in the area are shining examples of southern hospitality. They’ll give the best advice on whether the weather permits the option of walking through the forest path to the nearby Los Iros beach. This is a half-hour journey on average and is a straightforward navigation once the terrain is dry.  If not, the farmers are happy to offer fresh water to wash off - free of charge, but donations are welcome. If your car is well stocked with plastic bags to keep clay off the upholstery, you may opt instead to drive to beach which is just parallel to the mud volcano road. A day trip to the mud volcano promises to be both restorative and exciting, all in the same dip.

Photos: Jason Sookermany