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Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Managua to Jinotega
We leave the heat of the central valley and climb into the pine-oak habitat of the central
mountains. During coffee season the region is bustling with activity as local producers prepare
their harvests for market. We will visit a coffee processing area just outside Matagalpa and then
visit the highland resort of Selva Negra for lunch and a short hike. We arrive in the town of
Jinotega mid-afternoon and will have a brief optional walking tour.
Overnight: Hotel Café, Jinotega
Day 2: Datanli – El Diablo
We begin the day with a birding walk along the beautiful shore of Apenas Lake and then continue to
La Bastilla, the center of coffee production of the area. We will see the entire production
process, from picking ripe coffee beans to drying the final product. We will even roast some beans
and try some of the highest quality coffee in Nicaragua. After lunch we will hike from La Bastilla
to El Gobiado through beautiful cloud forest looking for Quetzals and Bell Birds, and a host of
other high elevation specialists.
Overnight: Hotel Café, Jinotega
Day 3: Datanli – El Diablo
Today’s hike is from La Trampa through a scenic rural climb to the cloud forests. The
route is famous for the variety of epiphytes and the many different species of orchids, over 150
species have been found in the reserve. From the cloud forest we slowly descend through pine-oak
habitat and finally arrive at the community of La Esmeralda. This is a moderate/strenuous hiking
day with lunch in the field. From La Esmeralda we return to Managua late afternoon.
Overnight: Las Mercedes, Managua
Day 4: Transfer to the Rio San Juan
We take the early flight to San Carlos and then visit the islands of Solentanamie. We will have
some great birding and visit the local museum and artisan workshops. Solentanamie is famous as an
artist enclave. We have lunch on the islands and then transfer to Sabalos Lodge, nestled along the
Rio San Juan arriving at sunset.
Overnight: Sabalos Lodge
Day 5: Indio-Maiz Biosphere Reserve & El Castillo
We have a day exploring the Rio San Juan starting with the second largest protected area in the
country Indio-Maiz. After a great hike where monkeys and poison-dart frongs are common, Great Green
Macasws possible but not so easy, we head to colonial fort of El Castillo, overlooking the rapids of
the Rio San Juan. We have a fantastic lunch and then visit the historic fort returning to Sabalos
Lodge late afternoon. We will have a nike walk option after dinner
Overnight: Sabalos Lodge
Day 6: Rio San Juan
We have an open day to relax and have fun on the Rio San Juan. Optional activities include early
birding walk, kayaking on the Rio Sabalos and tubing on the river. You can also visit the nearby
community of Boca de Sabalos.
Overnight: Sabalos Lodge
Day 7: High Speed Boat to San Jorge, La Flor Wildlife Refuge
After a relaxing breakfast we get picked up by the high speed boat and depart for the port town of
San Jorge, opposite the island of Ometepe. Spectacular views of the dual volcanoes of Ometepe. We
then continue to the Pacific Coast and lunch at San Juan del Sur. This is a surfers hangout with a
spectacular beach. We arrive at our cabanas on the beach late afternoon in time for a quick swim.
Overnight: El Coco, Rivas
Day 8 & 9: La Flor Wildlife Reguge
We are in some of the best dry forest habitat in the region which surrounds many small beaches which
are critical for nesting Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Depending on the time of year, large numbers of
sea turtles arrive in what is known as arribadas. A spectacle of nature! After the nesting period,
we may see the hatchlings departing to the sea on their lifelong journey. While the sea turtles are
seasonal, the excellent snorkeling, sea-kayaking, hiking & visiting archeology sties are
year round. A fun combination of activities.
Overnight: El Coco, Rivas
Day 10: Return to Managua
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