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Macaw Mountain

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve is a private avian rescue and rehabilitation center located near the world-renowned Mayan ruins of Copán. The park was established to provide care for rescued birds, particularly macaws, parrots, and toucans, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. One of the project's most significant achievements is the reintroduction of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), the national bird of Honduras, into the Copán Valley. The reserve spans a forested area along a natural creek, where birds are housed in large flight aviaries designed to mimic their natural ecosystems. Visitors can walk along shaded paths, observe these colorful creatures up close, and learn about the challenges facing tropical bird conservation. In addition to rescue work, the center emphasizes environmental education and local community involvement. Thanks to these efforts, Scarlet Macaws can now be seen flying freely over the Copán archaeological site once again. The park is a prime example of sustainable tourism, funded through entrance fees and private donations.

Location: Honduras
Top sights: Copán · Copán Ruinas
Nearby: San Agustín (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	21	22	24	25	23	23	23	23	22	20	20
Rain mm	59	45	38	43	128	197	164	185	217	168	105	68

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The bird rescue center is open to visitors with guided tours through the aviaries. You can observe parrots and toucans up close.

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Typical hours

Typically open daily from morning until late afternoon with fixed tour times. Holidays may alter the schedule - best to call ahead.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the premises, including cameras and phones. Avoid using flash to prevent startling the birds.

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Time needed

A guided tour lasts about an hour, after which you can wander on your own. Allow a total of 1.5 to 2 hours.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Copán ruins or the Museum of Archaeology. A hike to Cerro de las Campanas is also worthwhile.

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Getting there

The center is about 2 km from Copán Ruinas - best reached by taxi or on foot. Many accommodations offer organized transfers.

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Insider tip

Time your visit around feeding times (often in the morning) - the birds are most active then. Arrive early to avoid long queues.

Geography

Coordinates

14.85000, -89.15000

Facts

Year of establishment: 2001
Focuses on the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), the national bird
Home to over 330 birds of more than 30 different species
Successfully released over 75 macaws into the Copán Valley
Works in collaboration with World Parrot Trust and IHAH
Features an on-site café with local coffee and a small museum

Explore nearby

Notable places around

La Palma<1 km · WExplore →

Lake Izabal2 km · SEExplore →

Santa Teresa (Toledo)2 km · EExplore →

Cihuatan3 km · SWExplore →

San Sebastián Salitrillo3 km · NWExplore →

Jalacte3 km · NEExplore →

Cerro El Pital3 km · NExplore →

Ocotepeque4 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Macaw Mountain (2)

Copán📍 landmark

A major Maya archaeological site in western Honduras. Known for its stelae and hieroglyphic stairway.

Copán Ruinas📍 landmark

The small town near the Copán Maya ruins. It serves as a base for visitors to the excavations.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you see at Macaw Mountain?

It is a rescue center for colorful macaws, toucans, and other tropical birds.

Is it allowed to touch the birds?

There is an interaction zone where you can hold macaws on your arm for photos.

How to reach the park from Copán Ruinas?

You can easily take a tuk-tuk from the village center, which takes about 10 minutes.

Is the park kid-friendly?

Yes, the paths are well-maintained, and there are shady spots and a cafe.

Is the entry fee used for conservation?

Yes, the proceeds finance the care of rescued birds and reintroduction programs.

Macaw Mountain: where is it located?

Macaw Mountain is located in Honduras.

Macaw Mountain: what is there to see?

Highlights include Copán, Copán Ruinas.

Macaw Mountain: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Macaw Mountain: why is it worth visiting?

Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve is a private avian rescue and rehabilitation center located near the world-renowned Mayan ruins of Copán.

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