ARCAS — Local services in Flores

This is one of three official destinations for all confiscated wildlife taken from smugglers. It is non-profit and under a cooperative agreement with the Guatemalan government. It is accredited as meeting the highest standard of humane animal Care.

The operation provides a great service for rescue and recovery of wildlife. You can self-tour the facility which takes 1-2 hours. You will be provided an electronic brochure upon arrival. Some of the information is translated in English on site, and some signs are in Spanish only. There is an internal information center at the start, and then you progress to the outdoors and walking trail to the various animal enclosures. There seems to be a high level of care and adequate space for the animals being rehabilitated.

See the website for more information.

The entry fee as of 2024 is 35 quetzals. Unfortunately, the round trip boat ride will cost three to four times this amount. Visiting is exclusively by water (get boat service from Flores, Concordia Park or Santo Elena).

There is no affiliation with the for-profit Petencito zool located just down...

PLEASE GO HERE. TELL YOUR FRIENDS.

This animal care centre (not to be confused with Petencito Zoo Zoologico Petencito Flores Peten around the corner), are an animal sanctuary that take in animals that were successfully protected from illegal trafficking.

They have given these animals a second chance at life, as they cannot be released into the wild. This is either due to injury or lack of knowledge due to their previous illegal captivity.

The centre is partnered with the Guatemalan government. Please visit. It is on San Miguel, which you can get a water taxi to from Flores.

Donate if you can.

Do not confuse this place with Petencito Zoo Zoologico Petencito Flores Peten. Their reviews online suggest the animals are not taken care of.

Perhaps if donations were made, ARCAS could purchase these animals and give...

Really fascinating place and they’re doing great work, definitely a legit sanctuary. The animals you see are the ones that have been trafficked and can’t be released into the wild - they also have a rescue centre which is private where they rehabilitate those that can be released. 35Q entry; I paid 150Q for the boat (negotiated down from 200Q). Ideally go in a group to reduce the cost...