Asa Wright Nature Centre sits high in the Northern Range at Spring Hill, on a former plantation estate that is now a nature reserve and research station. The centre is famous for its veranda: a long, shaded gallery overlooking the forest where feeders attract a steady stream of hummingbirds, honeycreepers and tanagers, so you can watch some of the Caribbean's most colourful birds while sipping a drink. Trails lead into the surrounding forest, and guides help visitors find species that are easy to miss, from motmots to manakins. The centre also has a small museum and a natural pool for day guests, and it serves a hot lunch. Because the road up the mountain is winding and public transport is impractical, most visitors come on a guided day tour, and we recommend the full-day nature tour from Port of Spain that includes the centre. It is the best single day for anyone who cares about birds, butterflies or simply cool, green mountain air after a morning of city heat.
Plan the day around the veranda. The birds are busiest in the early morning and again later in the day, and a full-day tour usually gives you time for a guided walk, a long stretch on the veranda and lunch. Binoculars make an enormous difference, though the feeders bring the birds close enough to enjoy without them. Guides are the real value here: they can point out a bird calling from the canopy that you would never spot alone, and they explain how the estate shifted from plantation to protected forest.
Practical points matter because the centre is remote. It lies along the winding Blanchisseuse Road, and the drive from Port of Spain takes in the region of an hour and a half, so most visitors join a tour with transport rather than drive themselves. Day visits are normally arranged ahead rather than on the spot, and the centre has published trail hours that run roughly from early morning to evening, though you should confirm current arrangements with your tour operator before you go.
The oilbird cave, one of the centre's most unusual sights, is generally reserved for guests who stay on site for several nights, so day visitors should not expect to go inside.
The mountain climate is cooler and wetter than the coast, so bring a light rain jacket, closed shoes with grip and insect repellent. Lunch is usually a hot buffet, with lighter options available, and a swim in the natural pool is a welcome break on a humid day. Combine it with the Caroni swamp on another day for the two best bird experiences on Trinidad, and pair it with a beach afternoon at Maracas Bay if your tour allows.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day guided tour that drives up the Northern Range to the centre, with veranda birdwatching, a guided forest walk and lunch.
Best time
Morning is the busiest time for birds, and the cooler, drier months from about January to May are the most comfortable.
How long
A full day, with a drive of around an hour and a half each way from Port of Spain.
Tips
Bring binoculars, a light rain jacket, closed shoes and insect repellent, and confirm with your operator which trails and facilities are open on your day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Birdwatchers and nature lovers who want the best hummingbird and tanager viewing in the Caribbean.
- Families
- Good for children who like animals and can sit on a veranda; the long drive is the main challenge.
- Couples
- A quiet morning on the veranda with a forest view and a drink is a lovely, unhurried date.
- Pair with
- The Caroni swamp on another evening, and Maracas Bay for a beach afternoon.
- Time needed
- A full day; plan roughly eight to ten hours with the drive.
Good questions
Where is Asa Wright Nature Centre?+
It is in the Northern Range along the Blanchisseuse Road above Arima, roughly an hour and a half by road from Port of Spain. Most visitors come on a guided tour with transport.
Can I visit without staying overnight?+
Yes, day visits are possible and are normally arranged in advance. Day guests can usually use the veranda, trails and dining, though some features such as the oilbird cave are reserved for overnight guests.
What birds will I see?+
Hummingbirds, honeycreepers and tanagers visit the feeders in numbers, and guides can help you find forest species such as motmots and manakins. Sightings vary by season and luck.
Do I need binoculars?+
They are very helpful for forest birds, though the feeder birds come close enough to enjoy without them. Bring your own if you have them, or ask your operator.
What should I wear?+
Light clothing, closed shoes with grip, a rain jacket and insect repellent. The mountain is cooler and wetter than the coast.
