An experience only available in Costa Rica. They have started this project to re- establish green macaws in this area. However due to deforestation and loss of their nests, they have been placed on the endangered species list. They have placed oil barrels as potential nesting sites for the macaws. When the project started they only had 1 macaw. Now they have 125. The guide gave us this information and more. We came at the feeding time so we were able to see the beautiful Macaws flying around. Such a peaceful time watching these magnificent birds.

This project is re-introducing a population of great green macaws into the wild. They’re endangered, and it’s heartening to see the progress Ara is making. The birds are wild, so don’t expect a zoo-like experience. But you’ll get to see lots of these beautiful birds up on their level!!

Booked a tour at Ara Manzanillo which is the Green Macaw conservation centre. The beautiful birds are not in captivity and are free to fly wherever they wish. However, as they are fed small amounts of food at 3pm each day then they come for food (but aren’t reliant on it as their own food source). When we parked up we could hear them squawking in the trees for food! The guides then led us to some viewing platforms and the birds flew around us. It was lovely and informative.

Ara Manzanillo is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the endangered Great Green Macaw and see them up close! We took a bus from Puerto Viejo and walked up the hill. Others hired a taxi. The talk is very good and explains about both the birds and their habitat, as well as the project. It's also a good photo opportunity and we would have returned for another tour just for the photos, but didn't have enough time. The money you pay for entry goes towards the workers and volunteers, which is a very worthy cause as they have helped re-introduce the green macaw back to the Caribbean area. Please note that they try to keep interaction between the public and the animals minimal, so the birds are free, but are at a distance. The zoom on a phone should be sufficient for good pictures.

Must do! The guide gives some interesting insight of their work to protect the macaw, after you walk on a hill (walk is very easy, 3 minutes) and get to watch the amazing macaws flying by very close! It was such an unique and amazing experience to see them so close in wild nature 😍