Punta Islita Wild Macaw Reserve

Previously extinct in this area of Guanacaste, The Punta Islita Wild Macaw Reserve successfully brought back the Scarlet Macaw to the jungles of Costa Rica. This nature reserve is home to the organization’s Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center, where rescued or injured birds from both species that cannot be released are kept for breeding purposes. The young are then released into the wild. Up to date over 50 Scarlet Macaws have been released, creating the nature reserve that we see today, while making is a must-see hotspot when visiting the Nicoya Peninsula.
For anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of the area and see these truly remarkable birds, the Wild Macaw Reserve is the place to be. The tour will take you through a dry tropical jungle on the Pacific slopes of the peninsula, just a stone throws away from the stunning Playa Islita. With a variety of tours to choose from, step into a world of colour as these brilliantly pigmented birds flutter across the canopy tops.
The Afternoon Tour that beings at 4pm, welcomes visitors with a short introductory sideshow and commences the tour through the reserve watching as the birds fly around and then circle in on the particular location for their afternoon snack. The Morning Tour is arranged similarly and starts at 7.30 am and gives you chance to see the birds enjoying their morning snack. A slightly longer tour is the Photography Morning tour which starts at 7 in the morning. This tour allows photographers and bird enthusiasts from around the world spend the morning hours observing and photographing these stunning birds that fly freely.
The Macaw Recovery Network is a conservation organization dedicated to the survival of Costa Rica’s native macaws, and they have made it their mission is to recover endangered neotropical parrot populations within Costa Rica. The organization also allows volunteers to take part in a life changing experience and gives them a chance to make a difference in this revolutionary effort. You also have an opportunity to adopt some of their macaws and follow the birds development through behind-the-scenes updates.