The Caribbean's Most Famed Eco-Lodge Boasts Spectacular Toucans In An Ancient Rainforest

Located on a stunning island perfect for experiencing Caribbean culture, the Asa Wright Nature Centre is a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and eco-travelers in Trinidad and Tobago. Nestled deep in the lush Arima Valley of Trinidad, it offers an immersive experience in one of the Caribbean's most biodiverse regions with a tranquil retreat seamlessly blending sustainable tourism with scientific research.

Although the forest has been growing for centuries, the lodge was established in 1967 by an Icelandic/British couple. They transformed a former cocoa and coffee plantation into a protected wildlife sanctuary spanning over 1,300 acres of pristine rainforest, and visiting is now one of the most famous and popular things to do in Trinidad and Tobago. At Asa Wright, visitors can witness an astonishing variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, insects, and over 400 different bird species, including the channel-billed toucan, blue-headed parrot, and the iridescent blue-chinned sapphire hummingbird.

The centre's Colonial-style eco lodge is perched above the valley on the historic Spring Hill Estate, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Here, guests can enjoy traditional Caribbean meals and watch exotic birds like Trinidad piping-guans and Trinidad motmots in their natural habitat. Asa Wright is located about 30 miles northeast of Trinidad and Tobago's capital, Port of Spain, approximately an hour's drive from Piarco International Airport. The best way to get there is by renting a car or arranging private transport through the lodge.

The Asa Wright Nature Centre offers a variety of guided tours and experiences designed to introduce visitors to the wonders of the Trinidadian rainforest. Daily guided nature walks take guests on well-maintained trails where expert naturalists point out rare birds, medicinal plants, and other fascinating aspects of the ecosystem. These walks generally last an hour and provide an excellent introduction to the area's biodiversity.

For an extraordinary adventure, the night walk offers a unique opportunity to experience the rainforest after dark. This guided excursion leads guests to Dunston Cave, where they can observe oilbirds, one of the world's few nocturnal fruit-eating birds. The cave's misty limestone interior, illuminated by the birds' eerie screeches, creates an unforgettable experience. Night hikes also reveal creatures like snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas.

Beyond hiking, the centre provides specialized birdwatching tours, where guides help visitors spot toucans and track elusive species like the Tobago hummingbird. Birding excursions outside the centre can also be arranged to explore the nearby Main Ridge Forest Reserve or Caroni Swamp, home to the striking scarlet ibis.

The Asa Wright Nature Centre's Eco Lodge offers comfortable accommodations that immerse guests in the tranquility of the jungle. It features 29 cozy rooms, all equipped with private bathrooms, ceiling fans, and traditional wooden furnishings. Rooms provide stunning views of the surrounding rainforest, where guests can wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds. Nightly rates start at $450 per night for single occupancy and $350 per person if you're traveling as a group of two, three, or four. Overnight accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner and two guided trail walks — one during the day and one at night so you can spot local critters and learn more about the surrounding environment.

The communal dining area serves delicious local cuisine, featuring fresh tropical fruits, seafood, and some of the best dishes from Trinidad. Other amenities include a gift shop, a drawing room, and a veranda café, where visitors can sip locally sourced coffee while spotting toucans and other wildlife right outside. Guests can enjoy 10 miles of scenic trails, cascading waterfalls, and serene natural bathing pools, offering the perfect escape into nature.

The best time to visit Asa Wright is between January and May, the dry season, when wildlife is most active and trails are easier to navigate. While the Centre is open year-round, reservations should be made well in advance, particularly during peak bird watching seasons in December to April. When packing for Trinidad, especially for hiking and outdoor adventures, bring lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, and sunscreen, but avoid bringing this one thing you should never wear when traveling to the Caribbean.