Central America
Costa Rica
Province of Guanacaste
Punta Islita
Places to visit in Punta Islita
Macaw Recovery Network

Macaw Recovery Network, Punta Islita: Hours, Address, Macaw Recovery Network Reviews: 5/5

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Macaw Recovery Network

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Macaw Recovery Network
5
263
#1 of 3 things to do in Punta Islita
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Read more
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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About
The Punta Islita Wild Macaw Reserve is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of the area and see truly remarkable charismatic birds up close. MRN is an NGO working to save the endangered Scarlet and Great Green Macaw from the brink of extinction and when you visit, you will help support this cause. Tours run for an hour and aim to inform guests of the project's work, the plight of these birds in the wild, and what we can all do to help them.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
263 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
24
Average
6
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Mary Seney B
Los Angeles, CA26 contributions
Go visit if in Samara
This is a wonderful and informative experience! Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions. It is a modest facility, but they are doing great work. I highly recommend!
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lindsey N
1 contribution
Wonderful visit
Family
We had a wonderful visit at the Macaw 🦜 Recovery Network. Wonderful to visit a beautiful facility really making a difference with wildlife relief/reintroduction.
Written 18 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gwsheehy
Victoria, Canada7 contributions
It was a privilege to visit and learn about this important wildlife conservation project!
The Wild Macaw Recovery Network does very important work to bring macaws back from the brink of extinction. We greatly enjoyed our is it to the Punta Islita Reserve, and we felt privileged to meet the reserve staff and to see those amazing birds in real life! The Network is clearly an effective organization working diligently to protect those beautiful, majestic birds. Do take the opportunity to visit the reserve, and consider supporting the Network's conservation efforts.
Written 13 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen S
Alberta, Canada47 contributions
Family adventure
Family
Wonderful experience today. We drove the difficult road out to the Recovery center which takes time but is worth it. The other group booked in failed to show so we had a private viewing. The center has done an incredible job of educating the public on the birds.
If you expect to see the babies you will be disappointed, the birds are too smart. Therefore human interaction in monitored very carefully. Marta and her crew are exceptional.
My kids are 18, 13 and 11 and were all engaged and thrilled.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WorldTravelerCO
Thornton, CO903 contributions
Good Things are Happening Here!
It's an easy shuttle or golf cart ride from Hotel Punta Islita to the Macaw Recovery Network and we are so happy that we made the quick reservation and visited. The folks here are doing grand things to ensure the recovery of the Macaw population. Seeing those that return for snack is a wonderful bonus as well!
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anita
New York City, NY5 contributions
Great Experience in Punta Islita
If you are in the Punta Islita area, a visit to the Macaw Recovery Network should be included! They are doing amazing conservation work across all of Costa Rica and it is a real success story! The guide was very informative and getting to see the Macaws in the wild was spectacular. The tour is suitable for kids, our 5 and 8 year olds loved it!
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amanda K
London, Canada24 contributions
Beautiful learning experience
Couples
We booked the Macaw recovery tour through Samara Adventures. We were picked up at the gate of our resort and the drive was about 45min each way. The tour itself was about an hour. It was a small group of people, listening to the story of the Macaw and what the network is doing to help them. They than feed the Macaws, and its a breathtaking show of colour as the birds fly in to eat. The entire time, the staff are with you answering questions and sharing information. Since your chances of seeing a Macaw in the wild is still pretty low, I think this is a great tour. Your admission fee goes back towards getting these birds into the wild. There is some beautiful local artwork to purchase at the end. Kids especially will like learning and seeing the parrots close, but the quick tour can keep their attention.
Written 16 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Productions T
1 contribution
wow, just wow
it was a magical experience and my children told me that they loved their experience. The presentation does not overload the brain in any way, it is enriching. It gave the impression of being in a dream! Small detail, bring hiking shoes and not sandals : )

i loved this so i recommend this experience for everybody.
Written 10 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alsoknownasey
Northeast Harbor, ME22 contributions
All their efforts are working!
Visit this sanctuary and see the macaws munching on their breakfast or dinner at eye level and with your $20 donation, know that the almost decimated population has been brought back to a thriving number. In a world of bad news, this place inspires!
Written 9 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thrillho_UK
60 contributions
Easiest way to see Scarlet Macaws
The experience/tour is very simple but enjoyable. A short presentation about macaws, why they need help reintroducing to costa Rica, and the work that the recovery network does. After this they go down and feed the Macaws. Two platforms of fruit are raised up and and some Macaws can fly in to eat.

Note there is no guarantee that any Macaws will show up but apparently at least one pair almost always does. The feeding is for the ones that have been released but still need a safety net of consistent food source to make sure they survive reintroduction to the area.

We had 5 Macaws turn up and we got to see them very close. They are really fun to watch as they are very social with each other. they are very bright and also extremely loud.

They breed and release Green Macaws, which are much more endangered, however you cannot see them as having an endless stream of tourists looking at them would be too stressful and reduce chance of successful release to the wild.

The lady who gave the tour was obviously very knowledgeable, presented in a fun way, and answered all the questions we had.

There is a small gift shop.
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Macaw Recovery Network
Macaw Recovery Network is open:
  • Sun - Sat 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Mon - Tue 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Wed - Wed 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Thu - Thu 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Fri - Fri 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Sat - Sun 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Macaw Recovery Network tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Macaw Recovery Network tours on Tripadvisor