Do you know the secrets at Manakin Station, when the night become alive

The first time Raúl told me that he had a property in Boca Tapada, I couldn't hide the need to visit it; I have researched the Great Green Macaw for more than 3 years and I know that Boca Tapada is one of the core sites to observe such an incredible bird.

I had the joy of meeting Raul one August morning, we toured his property, and he commented on his desire to start a research project on his property; The tour was at least 4 hours, and from that moment I realized the natural value of that area.

The second time I visited the farm, Raul's project had already taken shape, I wanted to build some trails for tourists and a station in the middle of the jungle where you could have a dream experience. For the third visit, I already had a large part of the built paths and a station under construction, which I would call Manakin Station later. Of course, Raúl invited me to spend the night, but by that time I was not prepared for such an amazing adventure; however, do not reject the offer and we postponed it for a week later.

The long-awaited day arrived, I went to Boca Tapada, and Raul was at the Station, I can only say that entering such a beautiful place is simply a unique experience, while walking through the forest you can hear an impressive and unique amount of species, such as: howler monkeys, Rufous Motmot, American Pygmy Kingfisher, toucans, the famous Red-capped Manakin and without a doubt you can hear the trill of the Scarlet Macaw and Great Green Macaw.

Once at the station, peace is the only thing around you, Raul was waiting for me with lunch ready, and once finished we made a small daytime walk around the Rufitelus Lagoon, a natural lagoon that is the habitat of a unique collection of frogs They are simply amazing. Of course, the name Rufitelus comes the well-known Red-webbed Treefrog.

The only thing I came to think about at that time as if it's that interesting during the day I can't imagine what a frog observation should be at night, and it was great. Once the small walk through the lagoon is finished, we return to the station where we had dinner and wait for some friends who were going to accompany us to do the night walk.

I must be honest I have spent many nights in the jungle throughout my life, but one night at Manakin Station is mystical, once night falls everything changes, the jungle comes alive, the natural orchestra begins its act. The walk began at 7 pm, it was a unique experience to know the Red-webbed Treefrog, now it is one of my favorite frogs, we shared with friends we had an amazing night, but without a doubt my favorite part was to be awakened by the monkeys at five in the morning, from my hammock I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was the sun through the forest a combination of unique and magical colors and sounds.

It was an unparalleled experience.

Mario Jiménez Segura

Macaw Recovery Network

Boana rufitela

and neonate