Imagine standing on a hillside in the middle of the Costa Rican rainforest, surrounded by the sounds of toucans, howler monkeys, and the distant crash of the Caribbean waves. Suddenly, a flash of green and red swoops over your head — and just like that, you’ve seen one of the rarest birds in Central America: the Great Green Macaw.

Welcome to Ara Manzanillo, a one-of-a-kind conservation project tucked away in the jungles of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. This was one of my favourite visits during my time in Cahuita, not just because I got to photograph some incredible wildlife (macaws included), but because it gave me hope. Here’s everything you need to know about the project, how to visit, and what makes it so special.

What is Ara Manzanillo?

Ara Manzanillo is a non-profit conservation project working to reintroduce the endangered Great Green Macaw back into the wild. These birds used to soar all across Central America, but thanks to deforestation, habitat loss, and poaching, their numbers dropped drastically.

In fact, at one point, fewer than 1,000 remained in the wild worldwide. That’s where Ara Manzanillo stepped in.

Started by a small team of passionate conservationists, the project breeds Great Green Macaws in a protected environment, teaches them how to “bird” again (forage, fly, avoid predators), and then releases them into the surrounding rainforest. The site also plays a big role in protecting their habitat and educating people — locals and visitors alike — about the importance of macaws and the ecosystems they rely on.

What They’re Doing (And Why It’s Working)

Ara Manzanillo has already released over 100 macaws, and every time you visit, there’s a chance you’ll see some of them flying free overhead. It’s incredible to think that some of the birds you spot were raised here, learned how to thrive in the wild, and are now part of rebuilding a once-lost population.

But it's not just about the birds. The project also:

Restores native trees, like the mountain almond, which macaws rely on for food and nesting.
Works with local communities to promote sustainable conservation.
Welcomes volunteers from around the world who want to help out (you can even get involved—more on that below).

How to Get There

The project is located just outside Manzanillo, a peaceful beach town about 30 minutes south of Puerto Viejo. If you’re heading down the coastal road from Cahuita or Puerto Viejo, keep an eye out for a small brown sign on your right that says Ara Manzanillo. From there, it’s a short drive (or walk) up a dirt track through the jungle.

You’ll leave your car at the base of the hill and hike about 1km up to the station. It’s a bit of a climb, but trust me — the view from the top is worth every step.

How to Book Your Visit

Visits are by reservation only and happen once a day, usually around 3:00 PM, when the macaws are most active. The tour lasts about an hour, and it’s led by one of the team’s brilliant guides who’ll tell you everything about the macaws, the project, and the other wildlife in the area.

You can book your visit by:

Filling out the form on their website: www.aramanzanillo.org
Emailing them at: visit@aramanzanillo.org
Or calling/WhatsApp: +506 8971-1436

There’s no set entrance fee, but donations are encouraged and directly support the conservation work being done on site.

What You'll See

Obviously, macaws are the stars of the show—and wow, do they put on a show! Expect to see them flying free, calling to each other across the canopy, and occasionally visiting the feeding platform.

But that’s just the start. During my visit, I also saw:

Howler monkeys lounging in the treetops
Keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled toucans
A sloth slowly stretching out after a nap
Colourful frogs and butterflies
And an unexpected (but very cool) hawk moth hanging out by the trail

On lucky days, visitors have spotted everything from Tayras and Jaguarundis to the elusive Puma (I wasn’t that lucky—but maybe next time!).

Want to Do More? Here’s How to Help

If you fall in love with Ara Manzanillo like I did, there are plenty of ways to support their work:

Donate via their website (every bit helps feed a macaw or plant a tree).
Volunteer—they welcome people from all over the world to help with feeding, maintenance, and more. Email volunteer@aramanzanillo.org to learn more.
Spread the word. The more people who know about this project, the better!

Final Thoughts

Ara Manzanillo is a place that fills you with wonder, but more importantly, it fills you with purpose. Watching those bright green wings cut through the forest sky, knowing they’re part of a growing wild population, is the kind of wildlife encounter that sticks with you.

If you’re in the Cahuita or Puerto Viejo area, do not skip this. It’s a must-visit for anyone passionate about wildlife, photography, conservation, or just seeing something truly special.

For more wildlife stories and photos from my time in Costa Rica, check out the rest of the blog here at Will’s Odyssey. And if you visit Ara Manzanillo yourself, let me know—I’d love to hear about your experience!

Ara Manzanillo: Saving Macaws in the Jungle Canopy