Includes: Transport, professional guide, water, coconut water, and lunch.

Not included: Gratuities and snacks.

What to bring: Comfortable clothing, medication, reusable water bottle, natural/non-toxic sunscreen, natural/non-toxic insect repellent, bathing suit, hat, ziploc bags to keep items dry, towel, small umbrella or raincoat, and any other necessary items.

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Overview

The Northern Range forms the mountainous spine of northern Trinidad and represents the north-easternmost extension of the Andes Mountain chain. Stretching across the island’s northern coastline, this forested range supports high levels of biodiversity, with over 200 recorded bird species, making it one of the most significant birding regions in the Caribbean. 

This full-day experience follows a looped mountain-to-coast transition, combining structured morning birding with a relaxed coastal conclusion. The tour begins along the scenic Arima Blanchisseuse Road, a winding route that traverses intact tropical rainforest, steep valleys, and elevated viewpoints, before descending toward Trinidad’s north coast. 

The Northern Range offers exceptional opportunities for low-effort, high-reward bird observation, with many species visible directly from the roadside and at established access points. Frequent stops will be made at key birding locations such as Las Lapas and Paria Junction, where forest activity is often concentrated within the mid-canopy and understory. 

Birding activities are conducted during peak morning hours and conclude at approximately midday, allowing for a natural transition from intensive ecological observation to coastal immersion. 

Experience Highlights

• Guided birding along Arima Blanchisseuse Road, one of Trinidad’s most productive forest corridors  
• Strategic stops at Las Lapas and Paria Junction, known for consistent forest bird activity  
• Observation of tropical rainforest species across multiple forest strata  
• Scenic descent from the mountain ecosystems to the north coast beaches  
• Cultural and culinary stop at Maracas Bay, featuring Trinidad’s iconic Bake & Shark  
• Coastal relaxation and optional swimming at Las Cuevas Bay, known for its calmer waters 

Birding Highlights

Possible species include: Trinidad Motmot, Black-throated Mango, White-chested Emerald, Copper-rumped Hummingbird, Scaled Pigeon, Orange-winged Amazon, Channel-billed Toucan, Blue-headed Parrot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Guianian Violaceous Trogon, Collared Trogon, Green-backed Trogon, Trinidad Euphonia, Violaceous Euphonia, Turquoise Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Swallow Tanager, Speckled Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Silver-beaked Tanager, White-lined Tanager, Lineated Woodpecker, Chestnut Woodpecker, Black-faced Antthrush, Barred Antshrike, Great Antshrike, Golden-olive Woodpecker, White-bearded Manakin, Crested Oropendula, Yellow-rumped Cacique, White-necked Thrush, Plumbeous Kite, Stripe-breasted Spinetail, Gray-throated Leaftosser.

Possible opportunities to get Ornate Hawk-Eagle on this trip!

Logistics

• Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Structured birding within the Northern Range
• Midday Transition: Descent to the north coast via Blanchisseuse Road  
• Afternoon: Lunch at Maracas Bay followed by a coastal stop at Las Cuevas for optional swimming and relaxation  
• Return: Scenic drive back toward Port of Spain

This trip is offered as a mid-conference field trip (July 25) and on select pre- and post-conference dates. Participants may book one or more one-day trips while staying at conference hotels at special rates.