>Ara Manzanillo is dedicated to restoring and conserving wild parrot populations in the Caribbean rainforests of Costa Rica just outside of Puerto Viejo.
Since 2010, they have successfully reintroduced approximately 120 Great Green Macaws into their natural habitat, significantly boosting the species’ numbers.
Their efforts include macaw release, assisted reproduction, community outreach and reforestation programs.
Visitors can support their mission by participating in guided birdwatching tours, offering a unique experience of the region’s rich biodiversity.
Additionally, volunteering opportunities are available for those passionate about wildlife conservation. Donations are vital to sustaining their programs and ensuring the survival of these magnificent birds.
Location
Add Review
Read More ReviewsAdd Review
Leave a Reply
Claim listing
Added By Kyle Pearce
I'm a serial entrepreneur, autodidact and a passionate advocate for community-driven experiential learning outdoors.
I have been running unplugged nature retreats for the last 7 years that integrate embodied mindfulness, experiential learning and community building practices for improving mental health and developing ecological awareness.
I started the Nature Retreats website to spotlight ecolodges, retreat centers and ecotourism projects following sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect biodiversity.
When I’m not unplugged in nature, you’ll find me plugged into the matrix running Social Creators, an AI-powered marketing automation platform that helps experience creators sell their group coaching, workshops and retreats.
Walter Rijk
a month agoThe Ara project is really worth a visit. After arriving you get some explanation about the project and how the reintroduced the Green Macaw in the area. After that it’s a very small walk to the viewing point where you can see the beautiful birds feeding and flying around. It is definitely great to look at them. The road to the site is steep but it can easily be done with a normal car. You don’t need a 4x4. After you parked the car it is only a 40 meter walk.
Brandi McVay
a month agoThis place is incredible! Wild great green macaws flying all around the forest and a great view point to take it all in for the one hour tour. The tour guide explains the story and mission and then takes you up to a viewing area where you can look out into the trees while macaws fly and chatter around you. I is crazy how few of these birds remain in the wild and it was a prevalence to watch them today!
Katrina Gutierrez
5 months agoThe birds were beautiful and magnificent. Watching them spread their wings and fly all around us felt like something out of a movie. Photos couldn’t do the experience justice. The guides were also friendly and knowledgeable. One gave us a ride up the steep hill on a 4 wheeler. Watching the birds is relaxed because you can just sit on the benches. It’s a great way to support and learn more about their important work to revitalize the population of green macaws, which are critically endangered.
Benjamin O'Driscoll
2 months agoConservation done right! Superb opportunity to see and snap the Great Green Macaw. It is so nice to see these creatures in their natural environment uncaged. What is really special is being above these animals as they fly which offers a different angle then you get from the road. I was fortunate to see these Macaws on the flying over the main road the day before and ot is all because of these guys. So thank you! We arrived by bike and got a lift up via an ATV. Make sure you book before you go!
Ron K
5 months agoGreat place to see wild endangered great green macaws. Short walk up an inclined mostly paved trail to open elevated viewing area. We spent almost 90 minutes there. No need for binoculars. Our kids loved it there too including our 7 yr old.