Tropical Rainforest Encounter

OVERVIEW

Delight in the exotic flora and fauna in the Tobago Rainforest Preserve, a virginal expanse that covers much of the northeastern island. Established in 1776, it is the oldest protected forest in the Western Hemisphere. Being a virgin rainforest, with trees soaring as high as 165 feet into the air, the preserve supports an incredible abundance and variety of rare flora and fauna. Each story of the rainforest contains different species, including exotic tree ferns, bromeliad-covered cycads, devilwood, parrot apples and spiny gru-gru palms. Accompanied by a well-informed guide, you may also see all sorts of colorful birds that might include blue-backed manakins, white-tailed sabrewings, yellow-legged thrushes and blue-crowned mot mots, which make their nests in tunnels. The beautiful collared trogon is another bird commonly found here, but it flies so rapidly that it is often difficult to identify. You are more likely to hear its plaintive call, a low mellow “caow caow.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pass one charming village after another on the way to the Tobago Rainforest Preserve.
• Hear how 18th-century plantation owners almost leveled the rainforest for its timber.
• Follow a naturalist guide that will point out the most fascinating flora and fauna.
• See all sorts of exotic palms and colorful birds in the rainforest.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.