If you are constantly looking for new places to discover in Costa Rica, this is one you may have not visited before, and a great option to stop by in your next visit to Puntarenas or nearby beaches (this place is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Jaco); if you are vacationing with your kids, they will also fall in love with this place.

Located between the communities of Aranjuez and Pithaya in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, visitors can find a sanctuary of colorful macaws, a place created with the purpose of protecting these beautiful birds from the different threats they face.

The NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary is an ideal place for ecotourism, where, of course, macaws are the main attraction, but tourists will also find jaguars, macaws, tapirs, monkeys and other wild animals that have been donated to the sanctuary by the System of National Areas of Conservation (SINAC), and different independent rescuers.

The work this sanctuary has done since 1994 involves the rehabilitation of the animals, and when possible the reincorporation of the different species back to their natural habitat. NATUWA holds educational, scientific and touristic interest as declared by the Municipality of Puntarenas.

A reforestation program is in place and many native trees have been planted to create a forest reserve that provides the animals of the region with food and refuge.

This center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tours to the property, where an experienced and knowledgeable guide will provide information and interesting details on each of the animals in the rescue center.