Exploring the Cloud Forests and Pacific Coast of Nicaragua

We'll visit t Granada and San Juan del Sur, including the North – Jinotega, Estelí and Madriz.  This area is like traveling back in time with friendly local people, delicious traditional foods, and a relaxed life style that is quickly disappearing in other destinations.  Mixed in with this relaxed/tranquila area, are spectacular cloud forests, incredible canyons, a bustling coffee production area, dramatic Pacific coast and sea turtles!  We think the mix of activities and the warmth of the local people will make this a memorable experience.

Activities

Hiking, wildlife viewing, sea kayak, swim, snorkel & river floating.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike in protected cloud forest and learn about sustainable agriculture while looking for Quetzales
• Explore a hidden gem, the spectacular Somoto Canyon while floating and swimming through the 1,000ft & cliffs of the canyon.
• Sea-Kayak,snorkel and explore the hidden beaches of La Flor Wildlife refuge

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Managua End Location: Managua

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Managua

  You will be greeted upon your arrival in Managua and transferred to our hotel. Most international arrivals (currently) are in the evening, between 7:30 and 9:00 PM. We will have a brief orientation dinner.

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  Day 2 : Selva Negra

  Leave Managua and go to the central valley, stopping at a chocolate factory and continue to Selva Negra nestled in the cloud forest.

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  Day 3 : Arenal Nature Reserve & La Bastilla Ecolodge

  Today we'll explore the cloud forest and descend into the adjoining El Arenal Nature Reserve.  Afternoon visit to the Datanli-El Diablo Nature Reserve to the Bastilla Ecolodge.

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  Day 4 : Day-long exploration of Datanli-El Diablo.

  A day-long explorarin of Datanli-El Diablo, on foot or horseback.

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  Day 5 : Visit the town of Estelí & San Rafael del Norte

  We'll immerse in the rich local culture with a quick visit to a local women's cooperative that have continued the tradition of black potery, dating back to pre-Columbian times. Afternoon visit to a cigar factory, made famous from the seeds of Cuban tobacco.

• Day 6 : Cañon de Somoto.

  Cañon de Somoto!  This hidden gem is a great adventure exploring the Somoto Canyon.  We will use boats, inner-tubes and swim our way through the towering cliffs and warm waters of the Rio Coco.

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  Day 7 : Granada

  In the afternoon we say goodbye to the cloud forests and head toward the beaches south of San Juan del Sur.  We will break up the drive with an overnight in the charming colonial town of Granada.  Our hotel is located on the central plaza and we will be able to explore the little shops and historic architecture of the one of the first cities established in the country.

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  Days 8 - 9 : The Pacific Coast, Kayak & Snorkel

  We'll explore the Pacific coast and fry forests surrounding La Flor Wildlife Refuge.  We'll kayak and snorkel with sea turtles.

• Day 10 : Depart

  Morning transfer to Managua and connect with your outbound flights.

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  Hotel Los Robles

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

• Mark Willuhn

  Mark Willuhn has been leading tours in Mesoamerica since 1996, and his enthusiasm for ancient Maya culture and tropical ecosystems has taken him through southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Mark is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the region, and believes the best way to understand its culture and natural wonders is firsthand, by hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. His dedication to the area's rich natural and cultural heritage means he works with local guides, operators and conservation organizations. Mark has an undergraduate degree in forestry from Colorado State University and an MBA from San Francisco State University. He has guest lectured at the graduate level at Colorado State University, participated and presented at numerous workshops relating to microenterprise development and sustainable tourism, and facilitated numerous planning workshops. Mark's vast knowledge and knack for storytelling makes this area's culture and history come alive.

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