Trip Planner: Central America / Costa Rica / Province of Guanacaste / Punta Islita / The Ara Project

The Ara Project, Punta Islita

4.7

#15 of 54 in Parks in Province of Guanacaste

Learn about Costa Rica's two endangered macaw species as you tour The Ara Project, where knowledgeable guides educate you and give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the exotic birds. Located in the midst of remote jungle covered hills, the bird sanctuary breeds scarlet and green macaws before releasing them into the wild. Immerse yourself in the sight and sound of vibrantly colored birds freely flying around and socializing among the tree tops. You must make reservations in advance to secure your visit. The Ara Project is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our international travel planner, Punta Islita Edition.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

143 reviews

Google

4.8

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4.8

33,414 likes

sponau

August 3, 2017

We found this tour to be informative and a wonderful way to observe wild macaws at a close yet respectful distance. I admire this project's work and the way they treat the birds to reintroduce them in... more »
Amber P

July 23, 2017

The Ara Project is an absolutely must visit if you are interested in conservation for the wild macaws. The work that they do is critical for protecting Costa Rica's most valuable species of macaws, th... more »
Surcouf35

July 15, 2017

Passant quelques jours dans la région nous avons été séduits par l'approche éco -responsable de cet endroit. Bien sûr , on peut émettre des réserves d'une telle visite et surtout sur le fait de donner... more »

Spending a few days in the region we were attracted by the eco - responsible approach to this place. Of course, we can issue such a visit and especially on providing reserves to macaws eat daily at the same time. But we can strongly encourage this initiative to reintroduce the macaws in an ecosystem that we strive to kill also. For this that represents the price $ 20 to visit when we did 10,000 km of flight from Europe to the price of the ticket. Quite frankly, who doesn't have $ 20 to help this project while it remains home by going to the zoo. In the meantime, let's be eco-responsible and help these associations without second thoughts by visiting the Macaw Project regardless of the given show (the visit is even limited to about 10 people proof that one does not try to make the figure).

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Jennifer Ramsey

June 18, 2017

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.

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Alexandra Denton

March 15, 2017

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.

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Michael King

March 19, 2017

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.

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Marcel Borst

December 21, 2016

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.

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Karim Younes

July 7, 2016

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).

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