The Ara Project, Punta Islita

I was thrilled when I discovered the Ara Project release site was right down the road from Villa Noor, our house in Costa Rica. It is $20 per adult for a tour. The tour is really just standing on the viewing platform and watching the Great Green macaws flying all around you. The birds are critically endangered and Ara is working to save them, so we didn't mind paying at all. Two volunteers answered questions for us, but the birds stole the show. It defies words to describe what it is like to see those amazing birds in the wild, free to soar all around us. You must see them for yourself.

An amazing experience. You learn about the plight of the macaws in Costa Rica, plus what the Ara Project is doing to help. I am one of those folks that is a bit nature/animal obsessed, but I learned new things and gained a new perspective. After getting the run down, it makes seeing the wild Scarlet Macaws even more special (we were lucky enough to see six). Tom was our guide and was great. Couldn't recommend this enough... But make sure you have a car that can get you there. We had a small rental and it was a bit of a stressful drive.

The Ara Project is doing good and necessary work to breed and release endangered macaws in Costa Rica. If you're staying at the nearby Punta Islita Hotel you can set up a visit through the concierge (transportation provided) and go see the birds and learn about the challenges to their habitat. Definitely a good cause to support and a great way to learn about these incredible animals.

Great to see how people care to help a species that's going to be distinct soon. Hope you'll save the amazing beautiful macau birds.

This is a great project, dedicated to protecting and repopulating Scarlet and Great Green Macaws in Costa Rica. The employees and volunteers who work here are extremely kind and polite, and will guide kids and adults through the problems facing the Macaws patiently. Lots of gorgeous macaws to see, mostly flying around in the wild. Although the place is a little remote and difficult to get to, it's well worth the drive. From Sámara, it's only a 20-30 minute drive (on a rocky but passable road).