THE EXPERIENCE

Using Copán as your base camp, there are many eco-adventures in the area such as exploring ruins, soaking in natural and secluded hot springs, and interacting with tropical birds. This is an eco-adventure in Honduras that is not to be missed. Rarely will you have the opportunity to get so close to exotic and majestic birds than at Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve. Spend the ultimate day in Copán Ruinas by exploring the ruins in the morning, sipping a coffee and hanging out at Macaw Mountain in the afternoon, and hitting up the hot springs in the evening as the sun is going down and candles are lit around the pools to create an elegant and relaxing setting.

Arriving at Macaw Mountain, you’ll likely be set up with a guide – let them take you through this unique sanctuary, set amongst old growth forest comprised of mahogany, indio desnudo (gumbo limbo), chico zapote, Spanish cedar and fig trees. The trails around the park lead you down elevated wooden platforms, over freshwater creeks in the surrounding canyons and up to a canopy ceiling that is teaming with wildlife. Take it slow and take it all in – this a protected sanctuary where exotic and native birds come to heal after mistreatment or injury, and you should give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the environs.

Your guide will bring you into the caged areas where squawking, chirping and other loud noises will ensue. Outside of the caged areas, the birds are invited to get some sun and stretch their wings as they perch on their stands. They will also be invited onto your arms and head if you choose. We recommend taking advantage of this up-close and personal experience with the birds. Macaws can live for 50-60 years, toucans up to 26, and larger Macaws can reach over 100 years old!

Get your photo taken with the birds and maybe make a new friend – this interactive eco-experience is a great way to connect with the majestic birds of Latin America. Wild Macaws can be seen all over Copán and the ruins; albeit annoying sometimes, they own the forest canopy and will make their known.

THE HISTORY

Macaw Mountain started in the 1980s on the Caribbean island of Roatan. A bird lover and North American conservationist began rescuing parrots and toucans before passing them over to a U.S. biologist and businessman. By 2000, the operation had grown to house over 100 birds of more than 20 species. After two and a half years of detailed designing and building, the biologist along with his business partner, moved the birds by charter airplane to the Copán area in 2003 and later opened Macaw Mountain. Part of the property has been a coffee plantation and several areas are still producing coffee to show visitors this process. Be sure to stop by the cafe and try some home grown coffee while visiting.

Birds found at the Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve:

Scarlet Macaw
Buffon’s Macaw
Blue and Gold Macaw
Green Winged Macaw
Hahn’s Macaw
Yellow Lored Amazon
White Fronted Parrot
Red Lored Parrot
Mealy Amazon
Yellow Crowned Amazon
Yellow Naped Amazon
White Crowned Parrot
Olive Throated Conure
Red Throated Parakeet
Orange Fronted Conure
Keel Billed Toucan
Chestnut Mandibled Toucan
Emerald Tucanet
Grey Hawk
Great Horned Owl

For more information on Macaw Mountain visit their website at www.macawmountain.org and to organize tours to the ruins, hot springs, or Macaw Mountain, visit Twisted Tanya for any info.