Macaw Recovery Network

Hands-On Conservation: Volunteers will play a vital role in the care and rehabilitation of our stunning scarlet and great green macaws, directly contributing to their conservation.

Cultural Immersion: Experience the warmth of Costa Rican culture firsthand. Our local team is friendly and eager to share their knowledge, providing a rich learning environment for practicing your Spanish and connecting with the community.

Beautiful Setting: Work surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, filled with diverse wildlife and lush scenery. This is an ideal backdrop for a rewarding volunteer experience.

Personal Growth: Gain valuable skills in biology and animal care while working alongside passionate conservationists. This experience can enhance your resume and provide insights into the field of conservation.

Meaningful Connections: Build lasting friendships with fellow volunteers and local staff. Together, you’ll share an unforgettable journey dedicated to wildlife preservation.

Join us and become part of a mission that makes a real difference for Macaws and the ecosystems they inhabit!

Our team is made up of people committed to biodiversity conservation in Costa Rica. We are passionate professionals who work with dedication, openness, and respect, and we deeply value learning and collaborative work.

We are currently developing two main programs:

Breeding and Release of the Green Macaw, focused on captive breeding and subsequent release of this species, strengthening its wild populations.

Habitat Restoration in the Northern Zone, which seeks to recover key ecosystems through planting native species, the control of invasive species, and the creation of biological corridors.

We hope that our volunteers are treated with kindness, respect, and empathy. We foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute. We offer ongoing support, learning spaces, and a meaningful experience in connection with nature.

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Reviews

5.0
(14 reviews)14

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0
About the experience in: Islita, Costa Rica

Costa Rica

5

The experience of working at MRN was excellent. A great opportunity to live in nature, see animals, and learn about conservation. I felt at home throughout my entire stay.

12 days ago

About the experience in: Islita, Costa Rica

Mexico

5

My experience at MRN was incredible, both in Islita and Sarapiqui. It is a very good opportunity to learn about limpets and conservation in general. I would definitely recommend it to people who are really interested in this.

6 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

Thank you so much for your kind words!

We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience as much in Punta Islita as in Sarapiquí. For us, it is very special that you took away new learnings about lapas and conservation, and we are honored to have counted on your support as part of our mission.

Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm; we hope to cross paths again in the future.

About the experience in: Islita, Costa Rica

United States

2

It didn't work for me. It's an opportunity to meet great people, learn something about the shelter conservation, tour the area and the rest of this beautiful country, but even thought I was expecting very basic lodging, there's very little to no comfort at all. It's really austere, it's hard work, nothing is provided, you pay for your own groceries in a U.S cost of living. Transportation is not always provided. You should shake your bed sheets, clothing and shoes on a daily basis. Expect scorpions, spiders, and other large size bugs as part of the daily, that was my bottom line.

8 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

Sorry that some aspects did not meet your expectations. Our project takes place at a field biology station, so the facilities are simple and located in the middle of the tropical forest. For that reason, the presence of insects, spiders and other wildlife is part of CR's natural environment. We greatly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue to improve and communicate more clearly what people who decide to live this experience can expect.

About the experience in: Islita, Costa Rica

United Kingdom

5

I spent six weeks volunteering with MRN, gaining hands-on experience in conservation and animal care, including tree planting and animal husbandry. The staff were very welcoming and passionate, and it was great working with like-minded volunteers, with cookouts and shared dinners helping create a strong community. The accommodation was very basic and not always the cleanest, but being in the jungle meant we were surrounded by beautiful nature. Some days were hard work, especially over Christmas with fewer volunteers, but overall the experience was rewarding and I would HIGHLY recommend MRN.

9 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

We're delighted that you enjoyed the hands-on conservation work, our team, and the sense of community with the other volunteers. We also appreciate your honest feedback, as it helps us continue improving.

Thank you for your dedication and for recommending MRN. We wish you all the best and hope to see you again someday!

About the experience in: Islita, Costa Rica

United States

5

I absolutely loved my experience at MRN. Punta Islita is a beautiful place and the staff and volunteers at MRN are all amazing to work with. I was a little nervous about having zero background in biology, but it was not necessary, and I learned a lot about parrot care and pre-release training along the way. My month here was such a fulfilling way to experience travel.

10 months ago


Macaw Recovery Network replied

Thank you so much for your kind words!

We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that you felt comfortable joining us, even without a biology background. It was a pleasure having you as part of our team, and we're so glad you enjoyed learning about parrot care and pre-release training.

Thank you for being part of our mission, and we hope to welcome you back someday!


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Beach

Mountain

Wilderness