For those who like moderate hiking and diverse nature watching experiences this is an ideal one week trip of immersion in Nicaragua's unique flora and fauna. From the comfort of classic colonial hotels in León and Granada, as well as two nights in the cozy cabins of a private mountain nature reserve, we explore with our naturalist guide and select local experts some of Nicaragua's finest nature reserves; like the seldom visited Pacific coast estuary wildlife refuge known as Juan Venado Island, home to numerous reptiles and rich bird life which we explore in kayak or motorboat, depending on your preference. The Montibelli Private Nature Reserve is tucked in the mountains between Managua and Masaya, a tropical dry forest that offers excellent birding and a spectacular array of butterflies; the Masaya Volcano National Park is home to white tail deer, white face monkeys and Pacific green parakeets that defy science by nesting in the hyper-toxic walls of the active Santiago Crater. We also visit the narrow canyon reserve of Chocoyero, home to more than 800 pairs of nesting parakeets, howler monkeys and agouti. To add to this diverse menu of tropical nature we hike the upper reaches of the unique cloud forest reserve on the summit of the Mombacho Volcano, a forest which is home to several species of flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet.

Pacific Nature Reserves Itinerary

DAY 01: MANAGUA - LEON
Airport greeting by English speaking guide and private transport and transfer to the colonial capital of Nicaragua, León, for lodging in the splendid restored 17th century Franciscan convent of Hotel El Convento.
DAY 02: LEON - JUAN VENADO WILDLIFE REFUGE - LEON
Breakfast and private transfer with local expert guide to the coastal estuary wildlife refuge of Juan Venado, navigating the brackish waters of the reserve either in kayak or private motorboat with guide to observe numerous wading birds like the Roseate Spoonbill, iguanas, crocodiles and other wildlife that habitats this mangrove forest and barrier island. Simple lunch included along the Pacific Coast at a private beach house. Return to León for lodging at Hotel El Convento.
DAY 03: LEON - MONTIBELLI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
Greeting at hotel by English speaking guide and transfer to the Sierra Managua mountain range and the old coffee hacienda and private nature reserve of Montibelli. Lunch and an afternoon hike at this family owned paradise for birds like the Long-Tailed Manakin and the Turquoise-Browed Mot Mot and virtual rainbow of butterflies. Dinner at the hacienda house and lodging in private cabin.
DAY 04: MONTIBELLI - CHOCOYERO NATURE RESERVE - MONTIBELLI
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 05: MONTIBELLI - MASAYA VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK - GRANADA
Country breakfast and morning hike or more birding. Lunch at the old Montibelli hacienda house and transfer to the caldera and 7 cone volcanic complex at the Masaya Volcano National Park. Hiking in the park including a visit to the active cone of Santiago. The park has numerous species of reptiles, white-faced monkeys and the heroic, sulphur dioxide immune Pacific Green Parakeets that dwell in the active crater at the park. Transfer to colonial Granada for lodging at the charming colonial home of Hotel Casa La Merced.
DAY 06: GRANADA - MOMBACHO CLOUD FOREST RESERVE - GRANADA
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 Granada for the afternoon to enjoy this timeless colonial city.
DAY 07: GRANADA - MANAGUA
Breakfast at hotel and private transfer to airport for flight home.

Pacific Nature Parks Tour includes:

• 2 nights lodging at the Hotel El Convento in León
• 2 nights lodging at the Montibelli Private Nature Reserve
• 2 nights lodging at the Casa La Merced in Granada
• All breakfast and lunches
• Two dinners
• All land transportation in private 4x4 or van
• Visit to the following nature reserves:
• Isla Juan Venado Wildlife Refuge / Pacific Coast
• Montibelli Private Nature Reserve / Sierra Managua
• Chocoyero Nature Reserve / Sierra Managua
• Masaya Volcano National Park / Masaya
• Mombacho Cloud Forest Reserve / Mombacho Volcano
• All nature park admissions
• Assistance of an English speaking guide
• Assistance of select local expert guides
• Kayak or motorboat use in Juan Venado
• All hotel taxes

All tours are private.
Tours can begin any day of the year providing hotel space is available.
Tour costs depend on the number of travelers in your party.
Please specify number of people when requesting a quote.

Custom tour itineraries are available upon request.
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Pacific Nature Reserves Tour does not include: Dinners except at Montibelli. International flights or airport taxes. Travel insurance, tips or medical treatment.
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