Guayabo National Monument | Cartago

Information

Landmark: Guayabo National Monument
City: Cartago
Country: Costa Rica
Continent: North America

Guayabo National Monument, Cartago, Costa Rica, North America

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is a conservation and education facility located in the Arima Valley, Trinidad and Tobago.

It is situated within a former coffee and cocoa plantation, now managed to protect its biodiversity.

Visual Characteristics

The centre comprises a main lodge, formerly the plantation house, constructed from local hardwood. The architecture is colonial-style, featuring wide verandas and high ceilings. The surrounding landscape is dense tropical rainforest, characterized by a thick canopy of trees, including mature cacao and coffee plants, interspersed with secondary growth. The terrain is mountainous, with steep slopes and narrow ravines.

Location & Access Logistics

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of the city of Arima. Access is via the Eastern Main Road, turning onto the Blanchisseuse Road (also known as Saddle Road). The final approach involves a steep, winding paved road. Parking is available on-site at the main lodge. Public transport to the vicinity is limited; visitors typically require private transportation or pre-arranged transfers.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was originally established as a coffee and cocoa plantation in the early 20th century. In 1967, it was purchased by the Asa Wright Nature Centre Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to its preservation. Ecologically, the area is part of the Northern Range, a mountain range formed by uplift and erosion, supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna characteristic of Caribbean montane rainforests.

Key Highlights & Activities

Birdwatching is a primary activity, with opportunities to observe species such as the Oilbird, Trinidad Motmot, and various hummingbirds. Guided nature walks are offered along marked trails through the rainforest. Visitors can explore the grounds of the former plantation, observing the remnants of its agricultural past. Educational programs and lectures on local ecology are also available.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The main lodge provides accommodation and a dining area. Restrooms are available at the lodge. Shade is provided by the forest canopy and the lodge's verandas. Cell phone signal is generally weak to non-existent within the centre's grounds. Food vendors are not present on-site; meals are typically served at the lodge for guests.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for birdwatching is generally during the dry season, from January to May. Early morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) offers optimal lighting for photography and increased bird activity. The Oilbird viewing is best in the late afternoon, just before dusk.

Facts & Legends

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is one of the few accessible locations where the Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) can be reliably observed. These nocturnal, fruit-eating birds roost in caves within the property and are a significant draw for ornithologists. A specific tip for visitors is to wear insect repellent, as mosquitoes and sandflies are present, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.