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Awarded Outside magazine's 2007 "Trip of the Year" for the Bahamas, Mexico and Central America!

Nicaragua is a hot new destination for ecotourism, with its huge freshwater lakes, river systems, abundant wildlife, and the second largest rainforest in the Americas—all framed by a beautiful backdrop of some 40 mysterious volcanoes. On this adventure you’ll explore its diverse habitats in a variety of modes: kayak and swim in large freshwater caldera lakes (including Lake Nicaragua—so vast you can’t see across it!); hike on volcanoes draped in misty cloud forest; explore the lush rainforests of the Río San Juan; and marvel at fascinating pre-Columbian artifacts at Zapatera - an island volcano, now extinct. You’ll also visit local rainforest communities, the historical colonial town of Granada, and the vibrant markets and artists’ studios of Catarina. Throughout, you’ll be in the company of local conservation leaders and expert naturalist guides who will introduce you to the wonders of this fantastic destination.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• The hottest new ecotourism destination!
• Hike through cloud forests on Volcan Mombacho and on Zapatera Island National Park, filled with pre-Columbian artifacts
• Kayak through hundreds of islands of Las Isletas on Lake Nicaragua
• Great wildlife viewing—spider and howler monkeys, toucans, and scarlet and great green macaws

Day 1 - Arrive in Managua, Nicaragua, and transfer to an eco-resort on the banks of Apoyo Lagoon.

Day 2 - Morning hike through the cloud forest of Volcan Mombacho with a local naturalist guide. Visit the artisan markets of Catarina, one of many pueblos blancos (“white villages”) of the area, and enjoy a private tour of artists’ studios. Return to the lodge to swim in the lagoon; kayaks and small sailboats are also available for exploring.

Day 3 - After an early morning birding excursion, transfer to Granada, a town on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, then head to the lake for a day of kayaking through a beautiful archipelago of more than 300 islands.

Day 4 - Take a boat to Zapatera National Park, an island that’s an extinct volcano in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, where you’ll explore several important archaeological sites rich in pre-Columbian artifacts. Optional hike to the summit of Zapatera Volcano (2,063') through lush tropical forests abounding in wildlife.

Day 5 - Travel by high-speed boat across Lake Nicaragua to the rainforests of the Río San Juan, on the Costa Rica border, a Conservation International Mega-Diversity Hotspot for wildlife.

Days 6-7 - Explore the area by kayak, canoe, raft, motorized boat, and on foot, including a hike into the nearby Indio-Maiz Biological Reserve. Chance for nighttime spotting of caimans!

Day 8 - Optional birding in the morning, followed by a flight back to Managua. Afternoon tour of some of Managua’s museums and art galleries.

Day 9 - Depart Managua.

Photo Credits
Both Photos ©MTS Photo File