April 28 – May 6, 2012

From quaint cities bursting with colonial architecture and a colorful past, to striking volcanoes, where green parakeets live amid the sulfurous smoke of a steaming crater, Nicaragua offers a range of natural and cultural delights. And for those who want to take in tropical landscapes and vibrant wildlife in a safe and crowd-free environment, this small country offers a retreat that’s still “undiscovered” by the masses.

As you traverse the country with one of Nicaragua’s original local naturalists, you will also have the opportunity to be an active participant in cataloging newly spotted species to create the Nicaragua’s first bird book — a treat for nature enthusiasts with a pioneering spirit!

• Tour Nicaragua’s premiere wildlife spots of Juan Venado Nature Reserve, Selva Negra Private Reserve, Masaya Volcano National Park, Chocoyero Reserve, Montibelli Private Reserve and Mombacho Reserve.
• Spend several nights at a private wildlife reserve and organic coffee estate.
• Accompanied by one of Nicaragua’s original licensed naturalists, voyage through islets of Lake Nicaragua.
  

Trip Itinerary

Saturday, April 28, 2012: U.S. / Managua, Nicaragua / Leon
Fly independently to Managua and transfer to Leon, where you have the rest of the day at leisure and will spend two nights at a colonial hotel. Hotel El Convento (meals aloft)

Sunday, April 29: Juan Venado Island Reserve / Leon
Explore Juan Venado Island Reserve, a protected area forming part of the country’s vital coastal wetland region. Our naturalist leads a private boat ride along this barrier island and the mangrove swamps, looking for water birds, cayman, crocodiles, iguanas and more. Return to Leon and tour this colonial city, first settled in 1524.  Hotel El Convento (B,L,D)

Monday & Tuesday, April 30 & May 1: Selva Negra Private Reserve 
On Monday, drive into the cloud forest to a sustainable coffee plantation and wildlife preserve. The afternoon is spent on one of the many trails, where we hope to spot some of the bird species attracted by the reserve’s fruiting trees. Go on hikes, tour the plantation and learn about its shade-grown coffee. Back on the trails, look for butterflies, howler monkeys, agoutis and other wildlife. Enjoy an enriching lecture on local ecological efforts. Selva Negra EcoLodge (B,L,D daily)

Wednesday, May 2: Selva Negra / Granada
Make our way to Granada, an atmospheric city featuring colonial churches and squares clustered around narrow streets. After a walking tour, check into a delightful hotel, our home for four nights. Dario Hotel (B,L,D)

Thursday, May 3: Montibelli Private Reserve / Chocoyero Reserve
Montibelli is one of the best forest reserves in the Pacific basin for bird watching, with 156 identified species. Spend the afternoon at Chocoyero Reserve, home to hummingbirds, toucans, wrens, and its most famous inhabitant the chocoyo coludo, or green parakeet. While here, be on the look-out for small cat species. Dario Hotel (B,L,D)

Friday, May 4: Mombacho Reserve
Head up Mombacho Volcano to the cloud forests of Mombacho Reserve, a botanist’s dream with 800 species of plants, including bromeliads and orchids. Hike trails through the forest, searching for howler and white-faced monkeys, deer and reptiles as well as resplendent quetzals and other birdlife. On clear days, the reserve offers breathtaking views across the Pacific region, Granada and Lake Nicaragua. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore historic Granada and have dinner on your own. Dario Hotel (B,L)

Saturday, May 5: Lake Nicaragua / Masaya Reserve
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride around Lake Nicaragua, observing the local birdlife and people. Browse at Masaya Market before continuing to Masaya Volcano. See the green parakeets that roost on the volcano, and descend into an underground tunnel formed by lava streams. Stop to look inside the crater mouth, seeing the glowing, red lava. Dario Hotel (B,L,D)

Sunday, May 6: Granada / Managua / U.S. 
Transfer to the airport in Managua to board your flight to the U.S. (B, meals aloft)