Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ProPetén has since worked on strengthening ties to local communities and educating them
about conservation.
You may contact ProPetén directly if you wish to stay here, as you don't need to be on
an organized trip (Scarlet Macaw Trail) to book a room. It's recommended that you stay at
least one night, as the station's remote location doesn't make for a reasonable day trip. A
stayherecanbearrangedwithorwithoutmeals,andyouarefreetousethekitchentocook
yourown.There are basic dormroomswith stiffmattresses, shared bath, mosquito netting,
and screened-in rooms accommodating up to 20 people. For extended stays, try packing a
sleeping pad for extra cushioning.
Nice views of the river and a series of nature trails round out the list of amenities. The
shortesttrailleadstoanobservationtower,whereyouhaveasweepingviewoftheRíoSan
PedroandthewetlandsofLagunadelTigreNationalParkwesttothefoothillsoftheSierra
del Lacandón. There is a six-kilometer-long network of trails but it was awaiting repair be-
cause of a series of forest fires affecting areas near the station in 2003. Much of the forest
traversed by the trail was burned to the ground.
Intheevening,youcangooutontheriverinsearchofcrocodileswiththestation'sstaff.
Bird-watching is available in the mornings. There are observation platforms inside the site
of Waka'-Perú where the scarlet macaw project operates. The staff may offer photo safaris
whereby you can watch and photograph macaws from a platform sometime in the near fu-
ture. The best time to visit for a glimpse at nesting macaws is during February and March,
though the macaws can usually be seen between November and April.
A two-day, three-night package including meals, accommodation, round-trip transport
fromFlores,bird-watching,andatourofElPerúcosts$300eachfortwopeople,butbetter
deals can probably be found through one of the Flores travel agencies.
Volunteers are also welcome at the biological station. During one of my last visits, two
Spanish women were busy on a two-week tour of duty recollecting animal droppings for
scientific investigation as to the health of local populations of certain species. Volunteers
provide their own food and pay an average of $7 per day. The station prefers a two-week
minimum commitment. Other activities you may be asked to assist with include wildlife
monitoring and trail building/maintenance.
Recreation
Many travelers visit Waka'-Perú as part of a tour known as the
Scarlet Macaw Trail,
which can be booked from a number of travel agencies in Flores and costs anywhere
between $200 and $300 per person. The duration of the trip, as well as the places to visit,
canbeadjustedtosuityourpreferences.MostvisitorscombinethesiteofWaka'-Perúwith
hikes into the surrounding pristine forests to see the nesting sites of scarlet macaws, which
