Decameron Punta Centinela hotel developed “Red-Masked Parakeet Sentinels,” an initiative combining conservation, environmental education, and bird watching to connect travelers with an emblematic species.

Bogota, August 14, 2026.—Tourism in Santa Elena is expanding its horizon beyond sun and beach. At Punta Centinela, the Decameron hotel offers an experience inviting travelers to discover one of the most striking residents of local fauna: the red-masked parakeet, a species native to western coastal Ecuador and northwestern Peru, currently categorized as “Near Threatened.” Its primary threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as capture for the pet trade.

Under this premise, “Red-Masked Parakeet Sentinels” was born—an environmental education and awareness project developed at Royal Decameron Punta Centinela hotel. The program aims to transform the presence of these birds into an opportunity for guests and staff to learn about, observe, and understand the importance of conserving them. The initiative involved staff members, guests, surrounding communities, and the Provincial Autonomous Decentralized Government (GAD) of Santa Elena.

The project was implemented across three strategic sighting zones covering approximately 4,000 m², outfitted with binoculars and informative signage to facilitate bird watching. As part of ecosystem restoration efforts, native trees were planted to naturally provide food and shelter for the parakeets.

The observation points incorporate QR codes featuring images, information, and sounds of the red-masked parakeet. Guests can participate in educational activities and utilize binoculars and devices to capture photographs during their tours.

“We want our guests not only to enjoy the destination, but also to discover the surrounding biodiversity and understand that every species plays a vital role in the ecosystem. The red-masked parakeet became our main protagonist because it allows us to bridge the resort experience with concrete conservation actions,” states Diana Romero Cherkezovam, Head of Guest Services at Royal Decameron Punta Centinela.

To strengthen this link between tourism and conservation, the project included staff training sessions, reconnaissance tours with marine biologists from the Provincial GAD, research on the species' anatomy, distribution, and habitat, alongside educational activities aimed at guests and key stakeholders. In total, the initiative logged 313 volunteer hours and 179 training hours.

Furthermore, the model aims to foster a responsible tourism experience: observing without disturbing, learning about native species, and contributing to the preservation of their habitats. This vision aligns with the growth of bird watching in Santa Elena's natural areas, where wildlife observation is already a recognized activity in spots like the El Pelado Marine Reserve.

Through “Red-Masked Parakeet Sentinels,” Decameron Punta Centinela proposes a new way to experience the destination—one where tourism not only contemplates the landscape, but also uncovers the biodiversity inhabiting it. Throughout 2026, the hotel plans to continue hosting educational activities for guest awareness and reforestation programs to extend the reach of this conservation experience.