2024 Wrapped
December 27, 2024
News Letter June 2025
June 9, 2025I was incredibly privileged to get to spend two and a half months working and living at Ara Manzanillo! During my stay I got to help preserve one of nature’s most beautiful creations and experience Costa Rica’s vibrant Caribbean coast!
The rusty yet cozy house sits on top of a ridge in the middle of the forest. It comes equipped with everything you need and a stunning view from the terrace which really is the heart of the station. Whenever I had the feeling something was missing or about to run out all I had to do was ask and the issue would be fixed pretty much on the same day. The work schedule was always easily manageable. Everyday tasks included feeding the birds, keeping the kitchen, aviaries, feeders, visitors’ areas and toilets clean as well as give a tour in the afternoon.
I personally loved the tours because it meant getting to spend the golden hour on the visitor platform on top of the hill. From there you had the most amazing views of the forest and the macaws bickering on the feeders, standing guard at their nestboxes, squeezing out some delicious leaf sap, or if you were very lucky - soaring just a few centimeters overhead! The only place to top the platform’s beauty was up in the trees. While getting there in the heat of the tropics is not an easy task it is worth it once you’re up there. Even though I’m terribly afraid of heights, I chose to climb again and again. Nothing compares to standing in the canopy or sitting back in the harness to monitor the nestboxes and taking in the forest around you.
Besides, who else can say they fed baby macaws some 30 meters above the ground?
The Nestbox at Jaguar Rescue Center comes with a little twist making you the day’s top visitors attraction! So, as you can see there is lots of chores to be done for those that are eager to do some work. If you like it more relaxed there is usually plenty of time to just lean back in a hammock or chat to your fellow volunteers and coworkers. Life in the Caribbean however has more to offer than just station life. There are incredible, serene beaches just down the hill! The national park of Manzanillo isn’t too far away either, which offers beautiful bays and a few hiking trails. Although the highlight is a lovely Argentinian bakery which you can find after getting there halfway.
For my fellow sweet teeth, I would also recommend checking out De Gustibus bakery in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, if you did not already plan to visit for a shopping trip or partying anyway! When in Puerto Viejo, you will get to know not only locals but also other volunteers and lots of backpackers too! Despite its name, Cocles beach is usually where all the heat is at. That’s true during the day at least. If you want to surf, slackline, play volleyball or just have some refreshments on the beach that’s the place to go! Don’t miss out on Cahuita National Park either! It’s some 40 minutes by bus and worth every second of it! If you’re into adventures, ask for Mathieu! He does the best night walks imaginable!
If you ask in advance you will be able to take a few days off. Do not miss out on traveling around a bit! I recommend going either to Bocas del Torro just across the border in Panama. You will see ads everywhere in town so it’s not hard to get there. Or spend a few days in San Jose. The city has a couple of good museums, bakeries, restaurants, bars and clubs! If you’re looking for a bit of a break from the simplicity at the station, the Sabana district has quite a few options for a more luxurious weekend. I’m talking Jacuzzies, and A/C!!! Someone at the station should be able to provide you with the bus schedule. From Puerto Viejo its usually a 7+ hours drive so make sure you have a few days there!
Don’t be afraid to bring stuff! There are boxes to put dry clothing, just remember to close them! When in doubt hang things in the sun for a while and run your electronics from time to time. There is Wi-Fi at the station, and I even managed to write a whole thesis up there. Bring a camera or drone if you have one! You will want to capture the beauty of this place!
Remember you’re in the forest so sometimes there might be power outages due to branches on the cables but I never went without electricity for more than 36 hours. Wear shoes! Use flashlights! And yes, you will run into spiderwebs a lot!
