For
lovers of tropical flora and fauna, this is a dream date, a trip through
four great wildlife reserves full of rich flora and fauna. Rain forest,
tropical dry forest and cloud forest in a single week. The journey includes
the wide expanse of Lake Nicaragua and the isolated and tranquil Archipelago
of Solentiname, where you explore its 36, sparsely populated islands, with
incredible bird life. One of the country's finest areas for viewing tropical
fauna
is in the wetland and gallery forest of
the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge, which we will examine in boat and discover
its vibrant bird, monkey and reptile populations. In contrast to the rainforest
of Los Guatuzos the tour also visits the rich flora and intense bird life
that inhabits the tropical dry forest of the Montibelli Wildlife Reserve
and the El Chocoyero Reserve, a unique parakeet nesting site that is home
to
howler monkeys and toucans. This ecotour will also visit the active cone
of Santiago in the Masaya Volcano National Park, home to the unique crater
dwelling parrots who have adapted where no other parrots have dared to
go and the lush cloud forest at the summit of the Mombacho Volcano, home
to several species unique in the world. This is one love affair with nature
that you may never get over.
Rain Forest Wildlife Safari Itinerary
DAY 01: MANAGUA - MONTIBELLI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
Greeting at the airport by an English speaking guide and private transfer to
the Sierra Managua mountain range and the old coffee hacienda and private
nature reserve of Montibelli. Lodging in private cabin.
DAY 02: MONTIBELLI - CHOCOYERO NATURE RESERVE
Country breakfast and birding watching with local birding guide. Lunch at the
reserve and private transfer with English speaking guide to the tiny and nature
rich canyon nature reserve of El Chocoyero, home to howler monkeys, agouti,
toucans and more than a thousand cliff dwelling Chocoyos (Nicaraguan for green
parakeet). Return to Montibelli for dinner and lodging.
DAY 03: MONTIBELLI - MOMBACHO CLOUD FOREST RESERVE
Breakfast and transfer with
local expert guide to the unique cloud forest at the summit of the dormant
Mombacho Volcano for a hike around the forest filled craters of the monolith.
Mombacho is home to one of Nicaragua's strongest howler monkey populations
and several endemic species of flora and fauna. Lunch on the mountain. Return
to Montibelli for dinner and lodging.
DAY 04: MONTIBELLI - SOLENTINAME ARCHIPELAGO
Breakfast and early transfer to airport for flight to San Carlos in Cessna
Grand Caravan 208B. 4x4 taxi to dock and private motorboat transfer on Lake
Nicaragua to the Solentiname Archipelago. Lunch and then afternoon walks for
bird watching and visits with local nature artists. Lodging and all meals at
the rustic Hotel Celentiname on San Fernando Island in Lake Nicaragua.
DAY 05: SOLENTINAME - LOS GUATUZOS WILDLIFE REFUGE
Early morning departure in private boat to the virgin island of Zapote, nesting
site for more than 12,000 birds. Boat visit to the Río Zapote, a seldom
seen corner of the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 300 species
of birds, 3 species of monkey, sloths, crocodiles and the fascinating Jesus
Christ lizard. Continue in private boat for the rain forest river of Río
Papaturro in the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve. The journey includes a visit
to the biological research station up river, where the community is involved
in research and preservation of endangered species and a small butterfly farming
operation is combines with a turtle hatchery and more than 100 species of orchids
are on display. Lunch in Papaturro. Return in private boat for lodging and
dinner meals at the Hotel Celentiname.
DAY 06: SOLENTINAME - MASAYA VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Private boat transfer to San Carlos on the mainland for the flight to Managua.
Airport greeting in Managua and transfer to the restored 19th century Indian
market for shopping for native artisan crafts. Afternoon visit to the summit
of the smoking crater of Santiago in the Masaya Volcano National Park. Return
to Managua for farewell dinner. Lodging at Hotel Intercontinental in Managua.
DAY 07: MANAGUA
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight home. End of services.
Wildlife Safari Tour includes:
- 3 nights lodging at the Montibelli Nature Reserve
- 2 nights lodging at the Hotel Celentiname
- 1 night lodging at Hotel Intercontinental
- All meals
- All land transportation in private 4x4 or van
- Round-trip domestic flight: Managua - San Carlos - Managua
- Private boat trips:
- San Carlos - Solentiname Archipelago - San Carlos
- Los Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve / Papaturro River
- Los Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve / Zapote River
- Nature hikes:
- Los Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve
- Montibelli Wildlife Reserve
- El Chocoyero Wildlife Reserve
- Masaya Volcano National Park
- Mombacho Cloud Forest Reserve
- All admissions
- Assistance of an English speaking guide
- Assistance of select local guides

All tours are private and can begin any day of the year.
Tour costs depend on the number of travelers in your party and travel dates; please specify
number when requesting a quote.
Custom tour itineraries are available upon request.
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Wildlife Safari Tour does not include: International flights or airport taxes.
Travel insurance, tips, visas, or medical treatment.
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Please contact us
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