About Us
Who We Are
Agua Viva Eco-Life is a plant shop and eco-friendly destination located in the lush valley of Lopinot, Trinidad. We are passionate about reconnecting people with nature through plants, tours, and unique experiences that celebrate the environment and local culture.
Our Vision
To inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and sustainable living by creating meaningful experiences that blend education, recreation, and relaxation.
What We Offer
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Plant Shop – A wide selection of healthy plants, from ornamentals to fruit trees, carefully grown and nurtured.
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Eco-Tours – Guided cocoa and fishing tours in Lopinot that showcase local heritage, natural beauty, and hands-on learning.
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Catch & Release Fishing – A fun, safe and eco-friendly tilapia fishing experience for all ages.
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Wellness & Lifestyle – Opportunities to unwind in a serene environment that encourages connection with nature.
Our Story
Founded out of a love for plants, community and the environment, Agua Viva Eco-Life has grown into more than just a plant shop. We’ve created a space where families, schools, and visitors can learn, explore and enjoy nature in its purest form. Our partnership with Mariposa Gardens also allows us to provide joint tour packages, offering a richer cultural and ecological experience.
The History of Our Land
The roots of Agua Viva Eco-Life trace back to the 1940s with the story of Cornelius Cyprian Ruiz. Cyprian worked with the Works and Hydraulics Department in the Caura Valley and was displaced with his family during the construction of the Caura Dam after the Second World War. He was among the last to leave in 1945 and was relocated to the Lopinot Land Settlement, where he was given allotment 36 for his house and lots 70 and 71 — just over two acres — for farming.
He later worked with the Central Water Distribution Authority (CWDA), responsible for pumping water from the village spring along what is now Cantamono Road. In 1965, CWDA became the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). Cyprian passed away in 1985, and in 2001, his descendants subdivided the property: Lot 70 went to Arthur Guerrero, his daughter Hildred’s only son, and Lot 71 to Glenda Salina, the eldest daughter of his son, Simeon “Sonny Boy” Gomez.
Lot 70, once swampy and lined with bamboo, rose gradually toward the river where fertile land supported cocoa and christophene (chayote) cultivation. In 2002, while preparing the land, the family discovered an underground source of fresh water only four feet below the surface. Unable to dig further, they transformed the site into a pond to rear tilapia. The name Agua Viva, meaning “living water”, was born from this discovery — a name that continues to flow through our story today.
Recreational Fishing
At Agua Viva Eco-Life, we offer a safe, relaxing, and eco-friendly Recreational Tilapia Fishing experience that connects people of all ages with nature.
Our earthen, spring-fed pond (approximately 170 ft × 40 ft × 6 ft) is home to a thriving community of native Lopinot Valley species, including:
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Teta (Hypostomus Robinii): bottom dwellers that help keep the pond clean
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Catfish: mud-living fish that balance the ecosystem
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Brown Coscarob (Cichlasoma Taenia)
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Green Coscarob / Blue Acara (Aequidens Pulcher)
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Wolf Fish / Guabine (Hoplias Malabaricus): nocturnal predators that prevent overpopulation
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Mottled Swamp Eel / Zangee (Synbranchus Marmoratus): edge-dwelling scavengers
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Slider Turtle (Trachemys Scripta): a curious visitor that helps maintain pond health
From the beginning, we stocked the pond with a wide variety of tilapia in shades of red, orange, grey, purple, and mixed colors. Tilapia remain the main species we promote for responsible farming and recreational fishing. Each creature plays a role in the pond’s natural balance—catfish at the bottom, eels and teta along the edges, and guabine at night keeping populations in check.
We supply rods and bait, and all hooks are barbless to minimize harm, ensuring every fish is released safely.
Practical Uses
For those who want a farm-to-table twist, visitors can purchase larger catches (some over 2 lbs!) or, with advance notice, have their fish prepared fresh by our partner, Mariposa Gardens.
Our sustainable practices also extend beyond the pond, as smaller catches are used to supplement feed for our free-ranging chickens, creating a natural cycle.
What Motivates Us
Above all, it’s about the fun and excitement. Many of our visitors—both children and adults—hold a rod or catch a fish for the very first time here. One unforgettable moment was when a young boy, after catching his first fish, cried out in joy:
“Mummy, I caught a fish! Mummy, I caught a fish!”
Then, even louder—
“MUMMY, I CAUGHT A FISH!”
Moments like these are the heart of Agua Viva Eco-Life—bringing people closer to nature, creating lasting memories, and sharing the joy of discovery.
Why Choose Us
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Authentic eco-friendly experiences
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Personalized service with a family touch
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A unique balance of nature, culture, and relaxation
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Dedicated to sustainability and community growth
Visit Us
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📍 Address: Agua Viva, 70 Lopinot Settlement, Lopinot, Trinidad
📞 Phone: +1 (868) 784-2356
📧 Email: info@aguavivaeco-life.co.tt -
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, by appointment