Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center Experience, Sámara

3.0 (1 review)
The Macaw Recovery Network, located just south of Playa Carrillo in Punta Islita, is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of the area and meet Costa Rica's native macaws.

Overview

The Macaw Recovery Network, located just south of Playa Carrillo in Punta Islita, is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of the area and meet Costa Rica's native macaws. The network is a conservation organization dedicated to the survival of these beautiful birds, and through their efforts, they have contributed to the scarlet macaw's stunning recovery from the brink of extinction in Guanacaste. Upon arrival, you'll take a walking tour through the tropical dry forest and learn about the center's mission, which includes rescuing and rehabilitating wild macaws and those affected by the illegal pet trade. Throughout the visit, you'll meet many of the birds that the center has rescued and gain firsthand knowledge of the complex restoration work performed by the organization.

Highlights

  • Meet rescued macaws up close and personal
  • Learn about the center's conservation efforts and innovations
  • Witness the impact of the center's work on the macaw population

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Bottled water, juices, and snacks

What you'll do

Embark on a unique adventure to the Punta Islita Macaw Recovery Network and learn about their conservation efforts that have contributed to the stunning recovery of Costa Rica's native macaws. Meet your knowledgeable guide at the reserve and embark on a walking tour through the tropical dry forest. Along the way, your guide will describe the mission of The Macaw Recovery Network and how they have contributed to the survival of the native macaws in Costa Rica.

During your visit, you will meet rescued macaws up close and personal, gaining firsthand knowledge of the rehabilitation and breeding programs developed by the network. Discover the center's innovative conservation work and learn how they connect with other organizations to maximize their impact. Witness how the center's direct efforts have led to the recovery of nearly 50 great green macaws and over 160 scarlet macaws that were released on the southern Caribbean coast in Manzanillo and the Pacific Coast in Tiskita, Palo Verde, Curu, and Punta Islita in previous years.

This adventure is an excellent opportunity to learn about the essential work being done to protect these beautiful birds and their habitat. Witnessing the direct impact of the center's work on the macaw population is sure to be a memorable experience that you will cherish forever.

Start times

  • Daily
    3:00 pm

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Bilingual guide
  • Bottled water, juice, and snacks

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Traveler reviews

Julie
Julie O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025
It was fun to learn about the breeding project that has been so successful at reinvigorating the scarlet macaw population in Costa Rica--what a great accomplishment! In terms of seeing the macaws, we were led to the area where food is put out for them, which our guide did, and tons of them came to eat the food provided (these were birds that had been bred & hatched at the center then released into the wild after 2-3 years--the center provides less than 50% of their daily nutritional... Read more

It was fun to learn about the breeding project that has been so successful at reinvigorating the scarlet macaw population in Costa Rica--what a great accomplishment! In terms of seeing the macaws, we were led to the area where food is put out for them, which our guide did, and tons of them came to eat the food provided (these were birds that had been bred & hatched at the center then released into the wild after 2-3 years--the center provides less than 50% of their daily nutritional requirements--can't remember exactly how much--20-40%??--so that the released birds can learn to forage and survive on their own but have a backup just in case). So we learned a lot about the project and are happy that we were able to support the project. But we were hoping to see the actual breeding center itself--where the eggs are laid/chicks are hatched, and that wasn't part of the tour. Also it was billed as a 3-hour experience, and only lasted about 45 minutes (plus transportation there & back--about 10 min each way).

Tips for future travelers

We were hoping to see the actual breeding center itself--where the eggs are laid/chicks are hatched, and that wasn't part of the tour. Also it was billed as a 3-hour experience, and only lasted about 45 minutes (plus transportation there & back--about 10 min each way).

Quality of Experience
seeing the breeding area itself
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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Itineraries with Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center Experience