Nicaragua – A slice of heaven

The Central American republic of Nicaragua has experienced a political state buoyancy since 1990, when the communist Sandinistas government crumbled. In the most recent times, tourist development is booming, threatening the neighboring Costa Rica at this chapter. Although next to Haiti the poorest state in the Americas, Nicaragua could make people forget its weak economy as it displays its natural beauty. The best thing to embark on in this country is ecotourism and the following descriptions of just some of its relaxing spots may open the desire for some adventure lovers.

The statistics credit Nicaragua with a biodiversity record to be envied. In it’s76 protected areas covering 20% of its landmass there live an estimated 7% of the entire world’s species, some endangered. The flora and fauna offer a diverse and rare spectacle. One reserve, the Indico-Maiz is said to contain more species than Europe itself. Nicaragua’s authorized institutions make efforts to protect their national treasure against environment threatening activities, such as deforestation, poaching and pollution. The inhabitants of this blessed by nature state are rather conservationists and cherish their traditions; this spirit might make them wanting to protect their environment too.

Anyone would be proud to present is the Finca Esperanza Verde, or "Green Hope Farm". It is a typical clouded forest with dense vegetation, the serenity and primeval atmosphere providing the ideal temporary escape from the agitation of every buzzing metropolis. The spot has undergone intense development ever since it’s foundation in 1998. The local business deals mainly with tourism and education. There are some peculiar occupations available out there, like visits to the local butterfly farm or the cooking of nacatamales, a Nicaraguan top dish. For those passionate about agriculture there’s the chance to assist the locals at the harvest, from November to February and be a witness to the local agricultural habits. The hosts here are all Nicaraguan, so you experience a direct contact with their culture. Even urban comfort like current water or electricity is being provided through local innovation. It’s the place where and although some may be affected by the lack of key elements of technology a holyday there would be an experience many living in an overcrowded city would die for.

The private reservation of Domitila lies on the Pacific coast and is owned by Doña Maria Jose Mejia. It opened in 2001. The possessor focused primarily on conserving the local wildlife. That’s why there are numerous plant and animal species, including 200 howler monkeys. From here you can reach the Isla Zapatera National Park via water. The conditions are of such nature that you get protected from the stinging insects. At night your bed is protected by the mosquito netting. The howler monkeys cry at dawn offers a scent of the exotic.

The town of Grenada on the coast of Lake Nicaragua dates since Spanish times. From there trips can be taken to the Mombacho Nature Reserve and to the Laguna de Apoyo, a splendid crater lake. In this place there is the opportunity to take some Spanish lessons or, for the ones already speaking Spanish, to help the local volunteering organizations. Local hiring boys work at a restaurant providing delicious local cuisine.

Morgan’s rock lies on the eye caching Playa Ocotal. It’s a spot suitable to beach lovers; the wooden cabins which make up the local hospitality are equipped with fresh-water showers. To leave a mark of your passage there, you can plant your own tree, which shall find company among the other 1.5 million. At sunset, one can take a hammock and go out into the waves – an experience not to be missed. The Rio Indico Lodge was described in the past by Mark Twain himself, who showed great admiration for it. It is a fabulous natural reserve, with plenty of rivers flowing rapidly through dense forest lands. The local guides speak English and the area helps the Ministry of Natural Resources deal with poaching through donating petrol. The exotic fish and river shrimps make up most of the food supply. The ideal period to take a trip to beautiful Nicaragua is late November-early December, when the skies are clear and the forests bear a vivid green pattern.

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