Yerettê – Home of the Hummingbird

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Description

Yerettê – Home of the Hummingbird – is one of those rare places that feels like stepping into a living, breathing painting. It’s tucked away in the lush Maracas Valley in Trinidad and Tobago, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find yourself standing there speechless for a few minutes, just watching the air shimmer with tiny wings. Yerettê isn’t your typical tourist attraction – it’s a private sanctuary created out of love and curiosity for one of nature’s most fascinating creatures: the hummingbird.

The name “Yerettê” comes from the Amerindian word for hummingbird, which already gives you a sense of how deeply rooted this place is in the island’s natural and cultural heritage. It’s more than a garden; it’s an experience that blends education, conservation, and a good dose of Caribbean hospitality. Visitors are welcomed into what feels like a home rather than a commercial attraction – there’s tea, stories, and a genuine warmth that makes you feel like you’re visiting a friend who just happens to have hundreds of hummingbirds in their backyard.

Now, let’s be honest – if you’re expecting a big, flashy resort-style attraction, Yerettê might not be your cup of tea. It’s intimate, it’s personal, and that’s exactly what makes it special. The guided experience usually starts with a short talk about hummingbirds – their habits, their role in pollination, and how they’ve become a national symbol of Trinidad and Tobago. Then comes the part everyone loves: stepping into the garden. The air hums with energy as dozens (sometimes hundreds) of hummingbirds zip around, flashing iridescent colors that seem almost unreal. You might even have one hover close enough that you can feel the faint breeze from its wings.

What really sets Yerettê apart is the sense of peace it offers. There’s something meditative about watching these tiny birds dart between feeders and flowers. Even kids who can’t sit still for five minutes end up quietly mesmerized. It’s a place that somehow slows you down, makes you breathe deeper, and reminds you how extraordinary the small things in life can be.

Key Features

• Home to over a dozen species of hummingbirds native to Trinidad and Tobago
• Guided tours with educational talks about hummingbird behavior and conservation
• Beautifully landscaped garden designed to attract and support bird life
• Tea and light refreshments served in a relaxed, home-style setting
• Photography-friendly environment – perfect for both amateurs and professionals
• Family-friendly atmosphere with amenities suitable for children
• Public restrooms available on-site
• Private, small-group experiences for a more personal touch

I’ll admit, one of my favorite parts of visiting Yerettê was chatting with the hosts. They’re not just running a business – they’re sharing a passion. You can feel it in the way they talk about each bird, recalling names and personalities like old friends. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of a rare species or two. I still remember the first time I saw a copper-rumped hummingbird there – I swear it glowed in the sunlight like a living jewel.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re planning your trip, the best time to visit Yerettê is during the dry season, roughly from January to May. The skies are clearer, the gardens are lush, and the hummingbirds are incredibly active. That said, Trinidad’s tropical climate means you’ll see hummingbirds year-round, rain or shine.

Morning visits are usually the most rewarding – the light is soft, the air is cool, and the birds are out in full force. Plus, if you’re into photography, that early golden glow makes for stunning shots. I once went in the late afternoon, and although it was still beautiful, the lighting was trickier, and the birds seemed a bit more elusive. So trust me on this one – go early if you can.

Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, which makes it easier to enjoy the serenity without too many people around. If you’re traveling with kids, that quieter atmosphere can make a big difference. The experience is meant to be immersive, and sometimes a little silence helps you hear the soft hum of wings that gives Yerettê its magic.

How to Get There

Getting to Yerettê is part of the adventure. It’s located in the Maracas Valley area, a scenic drive through winding roads and lush greenery. Most visitors opt to drive or take a taxi from Port of Spain, which takes around 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. The route itself is beautiful – you’ll pass through small villages, forested hills, and the occasional roadside fruit stand where you can grab a cold coconut water (highly recommend that, by the way).

Because Yerettê is a private property, visits are by appointment only. It’s important to book ahead, not just to secure your spot, but because the hosts like to keep group sizes small to maintain that peaceful, personal feel. Don’t just show up unannounced – it’s not that kind of place. And honestly, that’s part of its charm. It’s exclusive without being pretentious.

If you’re relying on GPS, double-check your route before heading out. Some mapping apps can get a little confused in the valley, and cell signal can be spotty in certain areas. Bring a screenshot of your directions just in case. And if you’re not driving, local tour operators sometimes include Yerettê as part of a nature or birdwatching package, which can be a convenient way to visit without worrying about logistics.

Tips for Visiting

A few words of advice from someone who’s been there and learned a thing or two the hard way:

• Book early. Yerettê is popular, and spaces fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist months.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Light, breathable fabrics are your friend in Trinidad’s humidity. Avoid bright reds if you don’t want to confuse the birds!
• Bring your camera or phone – but be patient. The best shots come when you slow down and let the birds come to you. Bursting through the garden waving your camera won’t help (trust me, I tried).
• Use insect repellent. You’re in a tropical garden – the mosquitoes didn’t get the memo that you’re here for the birds.
• Listen to the hosts. They’re full of fascinating tidbits about the birds and the environment. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation than you expected.
• Respect the space. It’s a private home and sanctuary, not a zoo. Keep voices low, move gently, and leave nothing behind but footprints.

One thing I love about Yerettê is that it’s not trying to be flashy or commercial. It’s real. The hosts have poured their hearts into creating a haven for hummingbirds and for the people who come to see them. When you sit there sipping tea and watching a dozen tiny birds dance in the air, you realize how rare that kind of authenticity is in travel these days.

If you’re a photographer, bring extra memory cards – you’ll need them. If you’re a nature lover, prepare to fall in love. And if you’re just someone looking for a quiet, meaningful experience that connects you back to nature, Yerettê might just be the highlight of your trip. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left, like the faint echo of wings in your memory.

So, if you ever find yourself in Trinidad and Tobago with a few hours to spare, make your way to Yerettê – Home of the Hummingbird. It’s not just about seeing birds; it’s about feeling something genuine, something beautiful, something alive. And that, in my humble opinion, is what travel should always be about.

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