Ecotourism is a relatively new concept in Nicaragua, but it is catching on fast. Nicaragua’s ecotourism sector received a strong international boost in 2004, when Matagalpa’s Finca Esperanza Verde was named by Smithsonian Magazine as the World’s best conservation project by an ecolodge.
Nicaragua has an abundance of nature reserves, parks and lodges throughout the country.
Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve (Granada). This 1,344 meter volcano is one of the only cloud forests on the Pacific coast. From the base of the volcano, an Ecomovil (old army truck) makes the steep trek to the top three times a day (11am, 1pm, 3pm) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (cost $7). At the top is a biological station and nature trails around the crater, with impressive views of Granada and Lake Nicaragua below.
Membership is reasonable for those
who want to join a private country club
Domitila Private Jungle Reserve (30 km from Granada). This reserve and simple lodge is home to 65 species of mammals, including Howler monkeys and wild cats. Paths and horseback riding is a good way to check out the 125 bird species. Excursions to Zapatera Island.
Jungle Reserve La Flor (San Juan del Sur). This coastal reserve is nesting site for thousands of turtles in July and January.
Masaya Volcano National Park (Masaya). Look down into the smoldering volcanic crater, 500 meters in diameter. Explore nature trails and caves.
El Chocoyero/El Brujo Nature Reserve (Managua). Located in the hills 28km from the capital city, this 184-hectare reserve and camping site is home to white-faced monkeys, birds and reptiles.
Montibelli Private Reserve (Ticuantepe- near Managua). A dry forest home to 86 species of birds, coffee plantations, butterfly festivals and a visitors center.
La Maquina Jungle Reserve (Carazo-40 mins from Managua). Hiking paths lead to a 10-meter waterfall and natural pool. Good bird watching.
Los Cardones Ecolodge (km 49 on highway to Masachapa). Ecolodge home to turtles, caiman, iguanas, birds, horseback riding, nature trails and archeological sites.
Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve (León). A 2,934-hectare costal reserve is a turtle nesting site that is home to 109 species of birds. Visitors can explore the mangroves in a kayak, swim in the ocean or surf the waves.
Tisey/Estanzuela Nature Reserve (Estelí). The only pine forest in Nicaragua, this 9,344-hectare reserve is home to 100 species of fauna, orchids and El Salto, one of the biggest waterfalls in the country.
Estero Padre Ramos Nature Reserve (Chinandega). A 9,157-hectare reserve home to turtles and migratory birds. A place for swimming and boat tours.
Cosigüina Volcano Nature Reserve (Chinandega). A 872meter Volcano reaching out of a 13,168 hectare nature reserve offers panoramic views of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador.
San Cristóbal Volcano Nature Reserve (Chinandega). A 1,785-meter high volcano in a 16,900-hectare reserve.
Finca Esperanza Verde (Matagalpa). Award winning ecolodge on a coffee plantation in the mountains of Matagalpa (www.fincaesperanzaverde.org).
Cerro Musún Nature Reserve (Matagalpa). Called the “Mountain of Water” by the Sumus Indians, this 4,778-hectare rainforest is home to jaguars, tapirs and Quetzals. Complete with camping ground, this reserve is the source of 12 rivers and panoramic views.
Miraflor Natural Reserves (Jinotega). One of the most biological reserves in Nicaragua, this reserve is home to Quetzals and other endangered species. Nature trails, caves and a simple lodge.
Sábalos Lodge (Rio San Juan). One of the nicest ecolodges around. On the banks of the Rio San Juan, this lodge is a mustsee (www.sabaloslodge.com, tel. (505) 278-1405).
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