Macaw Mountain Bird Park

Macaw Mountain sits in forest above Copán Ruinas and takes in parrots and macaws surrendered or confiscated from the pet trade, keeping them in large planted enclosures along a stream. Its most visible work has been the scarlet macaw release programme run with the archaeological park: birds bred and rehabilitated here have been released at the ruins, where the species was central to Maya iconography, and they now fly over the site daily. The scarlet macaw is the national bird of Honduras.

What you actually see

• The macaw enclosures - large planted aviaries along a forested stream.
• The release programme - the work that put scarlet macaws back over the Copan ruins.
• The parrot collection - Central American species, most of them former pets.
• The forest setting - shaded paths and a stream through the grounds.

When to go

November to April is the driest. Mornings are when the birds are most active and vocal. Tickets are usually valid for several days, so the visit can be split.

Honest expectations

These are rescued birds in enclosures, and many cannot be released because of how they were kept. Handling opportunities exist and are worth thinking about; the centre has moved away from them over time. The walk up from town is steep.

Nearby

Copan Ruinas town and the archaeological site are a short way down the hill, and Luna Jaguar hot springs are east.