The Ara Project had been located in Alajuela for years but were recently served an eviction notice. They eventually found a new home on Punta Islita and have been working hard to get a new breeding centre and release site up and running. They are anticipating a “reveal” with a new website on 15 Dec, 2013.
The good news for miles & points collectors is that the nearest hotel, Hotel Punta Islita; to their new location is available with Marriott Reward points. It’s a beautiful property and a great place to take the whole family as there are plenty of activities to occupy those who are less interested in bird watching.
Hotel Punta Islita Spa
Hotel Punta Islita is easily accessible from both Liberia International and San Jose International airports. Local 40 minute flights service the regional Islita Airstrip, including private charters. For those who prefer to drive, Hotel Punta Islita can be reached through a good road network connecting with Costa Rica’s main cities. Land transportation takes about two hours from Liberia and about three and half hours from San Jose. Here you see the location (red star) in reference to the cruise ship port of Puntarenas, the airport at Alajuela & the capital, San Jose.
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The most recent program involves a full partnership with The Ara Project. Jumpstarted in the 1980’s by a retired expat American couple The Ara Project is now staffed by a dedicated group of scientists, administrators, and volunteers who have successfully reintroduced close to a hundred red and green macaw specimens in three wildlife release sites in Costa Rica. Hotel Punta Islita is proud to host the program’s headquarters, donating a plot of land, a specialized aviary cage, living quarters for a biologist, and the biologist’s wages. The recently- inaugurated Lapa Lookout is an education and viewing center where guests can learn and participate in the recovery and release efforts.
Rooms start at $203 USD which is not bad for such a posh hotel.
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You will need 30,000 Marriott Rewards points for a free night here and other than the holiday season, availability looks really good! If you are new to birding and would like to be introduced to the hobby gently, or your spouse/partner/family wants other activites while you go birding, this is a great choice!