Poás Volcano | San Jose

Information

Landmark: Poás Volcano
City: San Jose
Country: Costa Rica
Continent: North America

Poás Volcano, San Jose, Costa Rica, North America

The Speyside Waterwheel is a historical industrial relic situated in Speyside, Tobago, within the nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

Visual Characteristics

The structure consists of a large, wooden waterwheel, approximately 8 meters in diameter, supported by a stone and concrete foundation. The wheel's spokes and buckets are constructed from weathered timber. The surrounding area features dense tropical vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

The waterwheel is located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Scarborough, the capital of Tobago. Access is via the Windward Road (A1). Parking is available on the roadside adjacent to the site. No public transport directly serves the waterwheel; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle or taxi.

Historical & Ecological Origin

This waterwheel was constructed in the late 19th century, likely around the 1890s, to power a nearby sugar mill. Its purpose was to harness the flow of the Speyside River for agricultural processing. The site is situated within a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the waterwheel's structure and its historical context is the primary activity. The adjacent riverbed can be explored. Birdwatching is possible in the surrounding vegetation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no dedicated facilities at the Speyside Waterwheel site. Restrooms, food vendors, and cell phone signal are not consistently available at the immediate location. Visitors should come prepared with water and snacks.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for viewing is during daylight hours, from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The dry season, from January to May, offers more predictable weather. The waterwheel's functionality is dependent on river flow, which can vary seasonally.

Facts & Legends

Local lore suggests that the waterwheel was once used to grind cacao beans in addition to sugar cane, though historical records primarily confirm its use for sugar processing. A specific tip for visitors is to look for the remnants of the original sluice gate mechanism upstream.