Trinidad
Asa Wright Nature Centre
Having recently been taken over by Hadco Experiences, the world famous Asa Wright Nature Centre has had a modern refurbishment and been beautifully spruced up. It was set up in 1967 by a group of passionate conservationists and birdwatchers to protect part of the biodiverse Arima Valley. Asa Wright is located in a remote part of Trinidad’s northern range which rises to a little over 3000 feet and is mostly covered by tropical rainforest.
Asa Wright Nature Centre has an exceptionally diverse fauna. Over 180 bird species have been recorded around their site, and you might be able to see up to 40 varieties on a single morning from the superb veranda alone, which looks down the Arima Valley. There are multiple bird feeders that attract a constant stream of colourful and exciting species. The close proximity of the feeders affords guests rare photographic opportunities of species ranging from purple honeycreepers to bay-headed tanagers and copper-rumped hummingbirds.
The main building is actually an old coffee plantation house with décor reminiscent of its colonial past. There is a large dining room and lounge where an extensive collection of natural history books can be browsed. The most famous feature of the centre is its veranda which looks down the Arima Valley and onto multiple bird feeders that attract a constant stream of colourful and exciting species. The close proximity of the feeders affords guests rare photographic opportunities for a great diversity of species ranging from purple honeycreepers to bay-headed tanagers and copper-rumped hummingbirds.
The world’s second smallest bird, the tufted coquette, can often be seen feeding from flowering bushes just below the feeders.
Accommodation is in 29 recently modernised rooms with private bathrooms. Units cater for varying amounts of guests, and are private cottages amongst the picturesque grounds, along with a few rooms in the main house.
The main house has free Wi-Fi and a dining room that serves buffet meals – there is also a sandwich bar service. A natural swimming pool in the forest is available to guests and in the evenings there are often talks by the local naturalist guides concerning the work of the centre.
Facilities
24/7 guest services, restaurant, bar/lounge, gift shop, laundry facilities, housekeeping services, front desk,
porter service, airport shuttle (surcharge), Wi-Fi.
Rooms are each unique, in a variety of sizes and sleeping arrangements. They all have Wi-Fi access, mini fridges, air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, a private bathroom, and complimentary toiletries.
Local Wildlife
Asa Wright Nature Centre is most known for its bird life and in particular its feeders that attract some of the most beautiful and localised birds on the island. Some of the avian highlights include Trinidad motmots, bearded bellbird, tufted coquette, collared and green-backed trogon, white-necked jacobin, and golden headed and white-bearded manakins. Red-rumped agoutis, red-tailed squirrel, golden tegu lizard and green iguanas are seen quite regularly too. The centre also has the world’s most accessible colony of oilbirds, the only nocturnal fruit eating (frugivorous) birds in the world. Night walks can often reveal many exciting creatures including the Trinidad chevron tarantula, whip scorpion spider, fer-de-lance, Cook’s tree boa and various species of owls.
Optional Activities
Guided walks through the reserve and local forest. Excursions further away are also available to other key wildlife sites and turtle nesting beaches. Evening lectures about the centre and its wildlife and night walks are often held.
John Melton
Area Specialist
The dry season is from January to May and this is the best time to observe most of the birds, as they are more active during this season.
If you have any questions regarding our Trinidad and Tobago tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Excellent! Knowledgeable staff, food excellent, guides very good. Rooms were comfortable and the place met all of our needs.
