At just 16 years old, Loutan Mukesh Ramdass joined the Asa Wright Nature Centre as a field worker. What began with planting trees and tending trails soon evolved into something deeper - a lifelong bond with the land and its wild voices. Over the next four decades, Mukesh would grow into one of Trinidad’s most respected naturalist guides, earning a place not only among the trees but in the memories of thousands of guests who walked with him into the wild.

From driver to part-time guide to Head Naturalist, Mukesh’s journey through the Nature Centre is one of patience, dedication, and an unmistakable love for his island. He became a teacher - not just of names and species, but of wonder. Whether leading visitors to the haunting call of the Oilbird, tracing the brilliant flash of a Trogon through the canopy, or sharing stories of Trinidad’s folklore and ecology after dinner, Mukesh brought the forest to life.

His expertise has carried him beyond the Arima Valley - through swamps and savannahs, to coastal lagoons and mountain peaks. He has represented Trinidad abroad, completed internships in the U.S., trained countless young guides, and worked with global birding groups like Naturalist Journeys. But Mukesh’s greatest joy remains the same: watching someone, for the first time, fall in love with a bird.

Now, with Tours by Mukesh, he invites you to experience the island the way he knows it best - through the eyes of a local, a naturalist, and a lifelong student of nature.

Come walk the quiet trails, listen for hidden wings, and let Mukesh share with you the wild and welcoming spirit of Trinidad.