Due a more widespread understanding of human impact on the environment, ecotourism -- touring places for the purpose of exploring new natural environments, while interfering as little as possible with nature or local culture -- has increased in popularity in recent years. In terms of ecotourism, the country of Nicaragua remains a road less traveled, but a number of factors make it worth consideration for an eco adventure.

About Nicaragua

Nicaragua's climate, location and geographical features offer ecotourists a world of biodiversity to explore -- especially those who enjoy tropical flora and fauna. Within this Nicaragua, travelers can visit the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, mountains, volcanoes, tropical rainforests, dry rainforests and cloud forests. Beyond its geography, thousands of rare plant and animal species inhabit Nicaragua, with more being discovered all the time. Nicaragua features about 78 protected areas and nature reserves, including the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge (losguatuzos.com), which features a wetland, a gallery forest and a tropical forest wildlife park; La Flor Wildlife Refuge, a protected coastal sea turtle nesting sight; and the Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve, which serves as an estuary for waterfowl, caimans and other wetland wildlife.


While most places in Nicaragua are currently safe to visit, the country has had its share of political turmoil, and has earned a reputation as a dangerous place. This is actually an advantage when it comes to ecotourism. Because of a long-standing lack of interest, Nicaragua has not undergone the same level of touristic development as some of its neighbors. For this reason, Nicaragua is a "buried treasure" of sorts for ecotourists. It has more remote, unspoiled territory than other nearby countries. Visitors have far fewer tour groups and crowds to contend with and more private one-of-a-kind experiences to enjoy. Lack of demand also makes ecotourism more affordable in Nicaragua than it is in other more well-traveled countries.


The same lack of development that keeps Nicaragua's rich landscapes unspoiled makes it difficult to navigate them. The build up of broad-based ecotourism in Nicaragua has been slow going, and accommodations are few and far between in some areas, and nearly nonexistent in others. The remoteness of the area and lack of human exposure also means that meaningful interaction with native animals is much more limited, and it will take more effort and patience to spot them in the wild. The government, private businesses and NGOs are working on plans to improve infrastructure and the hospitality industry, which will facilitate ecotourism in Nicaragua.


A number of small companies, such as Nicaragua Travel Adventures (nicaraguatraveladventures.com), Journeys International (journeys.travel/destinations/americas/nicaragua) and Tours Nicaragua (nicaraguatraveladventures.com) offer guided ecotours. Tours are often a package deal, and prices may include airfare. Many tours are suited to specific interests. If you're going it alone, look for accommodations with environmentally friendly practices. Nicaragua has a number of "green" hotels and resorts which, in keeping with ecotourism ideals, blend in with their surroundings and promote responsible travel. Options range from upscale resorts, such as the Jicaro Island Ecolodge (jicarolodge.com), to hotels with private lodging, such as the Totoco Eco-Lodge (totoco.com.ni), to laid-back low-key resorts such as the Soma Surf Resort (surfresortnicaragua.com).

About the Author


Suggest an Article Correction