ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center is an incredible conservation project in Guatemala. The organisation is dedicated to rehabilitating and protecting Guatemala’s native wildlife. As a result, ARCAS provides a second chance for countless species. Whether you’re a nature lover, an eco-conscious traveler, or someone passionate about animal welfare, this unique sanctuary offers an inspiring experience.
About the ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center
ARCAS is a non-profit organisation and was founded in 1989 by a group of Guatemalan people. A lot of animals are being hunted down and sold on the black market. The organisation care for the animals that are rescued from the hands of illegal traffickers. So, their main purpose is to help and rehabilitate these wild animals in need. Thus, ARCAS is not just a zoo.
Unfortunately, not all animals can be released back to their natural habitat, because of many reasons. Such as, injury or the animals got used to people, because they were separated from their parents and were held as pets and they would not be able to manage to live on their own in the jungle.
A lot of animals are endangered, or nearly extinct because of e.g. illegal trafficking or habitat destruction, which is terrible. Hence, ARCAS’s aim also to help the reproduction of the animals in danger. Furthermore, they conduct research, and their goal is also to educate people and to raise awareness.
The association can be found at three sites in Guatemala: in Flores, Petén, in Guatemala City and in Parque Hawaii on the Pacific Coast near Monterrico. I visited ARCAS in Flores, which is nestled in the lush jungles of the Petén region in the north.
How can you get to ARCAS Petén?
The Mayan Biosphere Reserve (MBR) is the second largest tropical rainforest in the Americas after the Amazon in South America. ARCAS Petén is at the edge of the MBR, on the shore of Lake Petén Itza.
There are two ways you can reach ARCAS: by “lancha” or by car. By lancha (which means boat in Spanish) is a 10 – 15 min boat ride from Flores. Many taxi boats are available around Flores, or from the village of San Miguel. The cost of the boat ride depends on the boat driver, they can charge Q200 for a boat. By car you shall take the dirt road 18kms past the Villa Maya Hotel.
The entrance fee is Q35 (around 5 USD). You can visit the facility from Monday to Sunday, between 8:00 and 16:30 hours.
What kind of animals can you encounter at ARCAS Petén?
After entering the building, you will see the permanent exhibition. Here the dangers and threats to wildlife, and the work of the organisation is displayed. After passing through the small museum, you can start your journey outside, around the center. Here you will find the animals that unfortunately, cannot be released back into the jungle.
You can observe the five cat species that inhabit Guatemala: jaguar, jaguarundi, ocelot, puma, margay. As well as a variety of bird species: parrots, macaws, chachalacas, birds of prey, toucans, spider monkeys, crocodiles and more. Here they are cared for, in hope to educate the public and to raise awareness.
If you love animals and you feel like helping out, moreover would like to learn Spanish, they welcome volunteers at any time of the year. All the information you need to volunteer can be found on their website.
Or you can check the NGO’s FB or IG pages, as well.
ARCAS is more than just a rescue center—it’s a crucial part of Guatemala’s conservation efforts. By visiting, donating, or even volunteering, you can contribute to the protection of Central America’s incredible biodiversity. It’s a place where education, rehabilitation, and conservation come together to create a lasting impact on the environment.
For travelers looking to experience ethical wildlife encounters, ARCAS is a must-visit. If you’re heading to Flores or Tikal, make time to visit ARCAS and witness firsthand the incredible work being done to save Guatemala’s wildlife.
Additionally, if you need tips on where to eat in Flores, Tikal, or elsewhere in Guatemala, check out my previous post about it.
