Ara Manzanillo Great Green Macaw Center Costa Rica
Support the conservation of endangered Great Green Macaws by visiting this center, where you can witness them flying freely and learn about vital rein...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best chance to see birds active
Ara Manzanillo Great Green Macaw Center Costa Rica
Best Time
Best chance to see birds active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Support the conservation of endangered Great Green Macaws by visiting this center, where you can witness them flying freely and learn about vital reintroduction efforts.
"Seeing so many macaws up close, flying freely and resting in the trees around us, was absolutely incredible."
Bring a Zoom Lens
For the best photos of the macaws, a good zoom lens is highly recommended.
Support the Project
Your visit helps fund crucial conservation work for endangered macaws.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Green Macaws in Flight
Witness these magnificent endangered birds soaring freely and chattering in their natural forest habitat. An unforgettable sight!
Informative One-Hour Tour
Gain deep insights into the macaws' history, conservation challenges, and the center's rehabilitation efforts from knowledgeable guides.
Viewing Platform Experience
Observe macaws up close as they feed and rest in the trees from a dedicated platform. A prime spot for birdwatching.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support Conservation Efforts
Prepare for the Viewing Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Zoom Lens
For the best photos of the macaws, a good zoom lens is highly recommended.
Support the Project
Your visit helps fund crucial conservation work for endangered macaws.
Easy Road Access
Don't worry about a 4x4; a normal car can handle the steep road to the center.
Short Walk to Viewpoint
After parking, it's only a short 40-meter walk to the viewing area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Zoom Lens
For the best photos of the macaws, a good zoom lens is highly recommended.
Support the Project
Your visit helps fund crucial conservation work for endangered macaws.
Easy Road Access
Don't worry about a 4x4; a normal car can handle the steep road to the center.
Short Walk to Viewpoint
After parking, it's only a short 40-meter walk to the viewing area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ara Manzanillo Center for its inspiring conservation work and the incredible opportunity to see Great Green Macaws in their natural habitat. The informative tours and the close-up views from the platform are highlights. Some note that the tour itself is brief, and a good zoom lens is needed for optimal photography.
"This was such a fantastic experience. If you love nature, this is a wonderful win for conservation efforts. You see plenty of parrots (specifically Great Green Macaw's / Ara Ambiguus) simply as proof to their success; the birds here are free and thriving with a little assistance in habitat and nesting sites (of course they have a favorite tree). The Macaw's are beautiful and you can view their social behavior. Immersed in nature, you will enjoy great views and plenty of hummingbirds and butterflies. We had a light shower and got lucky to see an abundance of green and red dart frogs! I hope to bring other family to visit in the future and would recommend to anyone who enjoys nature - a must see if you love birds."
Cami Jo
"The tour is pretty much 5 minutes of explanation and then you get to watch the aras. They then give a snack to the aras so when then are done eating they leave. So it was a bit shorter than an hour. We left after 40 minutes.
They were still incredible to see flying around. Really nice organization, glad they are working to save the green aras"
gabrielle gagnon
"We had a wonderful experience at the macaw rescue centre. The one-hour tour was really informative — we learned a lot about the Great Green Macaws, the challenges they face as an endangered species, and how the centre is working hard to rehabilitate and reintroduce them into the wild. Seeing so many macaws up close, flying freely and resting in the trees around us, was absolutely incredible. It’s inspiring to witness the positive impact the centre is making for conservation, and we left with a deeper appreciation for these beautiful birds. Highly recommend this visit!"
Anthony Belouin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is accessible by car. The road leading to the site is steep but manageable with a normal car; a 4x4 is not necessary.
Information on public transportation is limited, but renting a motorcycle or bike is common for exploring the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, which might be an option depending on your starting point.
Specific driving distances vary, but the center is located in the southern Caribbean region of Costa Rica.
The road to the site is described as steep, but it is generally well-maintained enough for standard vehicles.
Using a GPS or map application is recommended for navigation to the specific location within the southern Caribbean region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices aren't listed, visitors typically pay for a one-hour tour that supports the conservation project. +1
It's advisable to check for any booking requirements, though many visitors report purchasing tickets upon arrival for the guided tour.
The center typically offers a one-hour tour, with morning tours often recommended for better wildlife viewing opportunities.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, making it suitable for families and individuals interested in wildlife conservation.
Admission typically includes an informative one-hour guided tour explaining the project and leading to a viewing platform. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture clear shots of the macaws in their natural habitat from the viewing platform.
Tripod usage policies are not explicitly stated, but given the viewing platform setup, it's best to inquire upon arrival.
Yes, photography is generally permitted during the tour and from the viewing area, especially with appropriate equipment.
Morning light is often ideal for wildlife photography, providing good illumination without harsh midday sun.
Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife sanctuaries and natural reserves; it's best to assume it's not permitted.
🎫 🌿 Wildlife & Nature
The center focuses on the Great Green Macaw, an endangered species being rehabilitated and reintroduced into the wild. +1
No, the macaws are observed in their natural habitat from a viewing platform, flying freely around the forest. +1
While the focus is on macaws, the surrounding forest may host other tropical birds and wildlife native to Costa Rica.
It's a conservation center focused on rehabilitation and reintroduction, not a traditional zoo. +1
Morning tours are often recommended as the macaws tend to be more active during this time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to help kids get a closer look. The short walk to the viewing platform is manageable for most children. It's a great opportunity to foster a love for nature and wildlife in young minds.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Best practices: Aim for morning tours when the light is softer and the birds are often more active. Be patient, as the macaws may not always be in the perfect position, but the reward of a great shot is well worth the wait. Consider a camera with good low-light performance if you plan to stay until later in the tour.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Lovers
Experience highlights: The immersive experience of seeing these magnificent birds in their natural environment, the informative insights from the guides, and the satisfaction of supporting a crucial conservation project. It's a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great Green Macaw Conservation Project
Visitors can learn about the challenges these birds face, including habitat loss and illegal pet trade, and understand the critical role the center plays in their conservation. The one-hour tour is designed to be both educational and inspiring, offering a glimpse into the complex world of wildlife rehabilitation and the importance of biodiversity.
By supporting the center through visits and donations, you contribute directly to these vital conservation efforts. It's a chance to witness firsthand the positive impact that dedicated conservation projects can have on endangered species.
Experiencing the Macaws Up Close
Many visitors describe the experience as incredible and awe-inspiring, with macaws often flying all around the viewing area. The sounds of their chatter and the sight of their vibrant plumage against the green backdrop create a truly immersive wildlife encounter.
For those interested in photography, the viewing platform offers a good opportunity, though a telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture detailed shots of the birds in flight or perched on branches.
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