Nicaragua ecolodges: An undiscovered and pure country
Nicaragua is a dream destination for nature lovers and ecotourists. From volcanic islands and cloud forests to pristine jungle and tropical coral reefs, the country offers a mix of adventure and relaxation in one of the most biodiverse areas of Central America.
Nicaragua is much less touristy than neighboring country Costa Rica. The country offers a mix of pristine rainforests, volcanoes, lakes and tropical islands, with rich biodiversity and plenty of sustainable travel options. Plan your eco-friendly trip to one of our Nicaragua ecolodges now!
Flora and Fauna in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is one of the most biodiverse countries in Central America, with several ecosystems that host unique plant and animal species. It is home to 7% of the world’s biodiversity and home to a few endangered species, including the Howler monkeys and the white-faced and spider monkeys.
Flora
*Tropical rainforests: Ceiba trees, mahogany, cacao and orchids (more than 800 species!).
*Mangroves: Red, black and white mangroves along the coast.
*Cloud forests: Ferns, bromeliads and moss-covered trees.
*Dry forests: Cacti and acacias in the warmer areas.
Fauna
*Mammals: Jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and sloths.
*Birds: toucans, macaws, hawks and kingfishers.
*Reptiles: Green iguanas, caimans and boa constrictors.
*Sea turtles: Species such as leatherback and hawksbill turtles nest on the Pacific coast.
Best Natural Areas and Ecotourism Destination
Ometepe Island
Volcanic Island in the giant Lake Nicaragua.
Activities: Hiking to the top of Concepción volcano (active) or Maderas volcano (with cloud forest and waterfall).
Wildlife: Tropical Forest with howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths and exotic birds.
Nicaragua Ecolodges:
Bosawás Biosphere Reserve (the Amazon of Central America).
Second largest rainforest in the Americas, UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Activities: Jungle trekking with local guides and bird watching.
Wildlife and flora: Jaguars, tapirs, quetzals, macaws, toucans and hundreds of orchid species.
Nicaragua Ecolodges: Community-based eco-tourism with indigenous Mayangna and Miskito communities.
Nicaragua Ecolodges:
Indio Maíz Biological Reserve
Tropical rainforest near the San Juan River, one of the best-preserved jungles in Central America.
Activities: Boat trips, kayaking and hiking with local guides.
Wildlife: Sloths, anteaters, caimans, jaguars and poison dart frogs.
Nicaragua Ecolodges
Corn Islands (Little Corn & Big Corn Island).
Caribbean islands with pearly white beaches and coral reefs.
Activities: Snorkeling and diving with sea turtles, sharks and colorful fish.
Wildlife: Coral reefs, mangroves and tropical birds.
Nicaragua Ecolodges:
Mombacho volcano
Inactive volcano with cloud forest and spectacular views of Granada and Lake Nicaragua.
Activities: Hiking, canopy tours and night hikes in the cloud forest.
Wildlife and Flora: Quetzals, howler monkeys, orchids and butterflies.
Nicaragua Ecolodges:
Juan Venado Island Reserve
Protected mangrove area on the Pacific coast.
Activities: Boat rides and kayaking through the mangroves.
Wildlife: Crocodiles, caimans, iguanas and sea turtles laying eggs here.
Nicaragua Ecolodges:
Recommended Itinerary (2-3 Weeks Nicaragua)
Week 1: Highlands and Lakes
– Day 1-2: Granada (Colonial city, Mombacho volcano, Las Isletas).
– Day 3-4: Ometepe Island (Volcanoes, jungles, Nicaragua ecolodges).
– Days 5-6: Masaya volcano (nighttime lava flows!) and Laguna de Apoyo (crater lake).
Week 2: Jungle and Beaches
– Day 7-8: Indio Maíz (jungle expedition).
– Day 9-10: San Juan del Sur (surfing and turtle spotting in La Flor).
– Day 11-12: Juan Venado (mangroves and crocodiles).
Week 3: Islands and Coral Reefs.
– Day 13-15: Corn Islands (diving, snorkeling, relaxing).
Ecological Threats in Nicaragua
Nicaragua has rich biodiversity but faces several ecological challenges:
Deforestation
Due to illegal logging and agricultural expansion, large areas of tropical rainforest are threatened. This has a negative impact on biodiversity as many plant and animal species lose their habitat.
Climate change & extreme weather events.
Changes in rainfall and more frequent storms and droughts affect ecosystems and agriculture. This can lead to erosion, loss of soil and disrupted seasonal migration of animals. Coastal areas, such as the Corn Islands, suffer from sea level rise.
Illegal mining & pollution.
*Pollution from small-scale gold mining threatens rivers and wildlife.
Livestock & monoculture expansion.
*Large-scale cultivation of palm oil and livestock leads to loss of natural areas.
Overfishing & destruction of marine ecosystems.
*Coral reefs off the Corn Islands and Miskito Coast are being degraded by uncontrolled fishing and climate change.
Water pollution
*Pollution of rivers and lakes by sewage, industrial pollution and agricultural toxins poses a threat to the environment and the health of local communities. For example Lake Nicaragua (the largest lake in Central America) suffers from pollution of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Loss of biodiversity
*The destruction of natural habitats, especially by encroaching agriculture, threatens native flora and fauna. Nicaragua is home to many unique species, but these are under pressure from deforestation, pollution and climate change.
Illegal hunting and wildlife trade.
*The hunting of endangered species, such as jaguars and turtles, and the illegal wildlife trade pose a significant threat to the wildlife of Nicaragua.
Government of Nicaragua policy on ecotourism & sustainability
The government of Nicaragua recognizes the importance of ecotourism and sustainability, but their policy has both positive and negative aspects. The Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR) promotes ecotourism as a major economic focus, but further legislation and environmental enforcement are needed. The government encourages community-based tourism, especially in rural and indigenous areas. Hence local communities benefit from sustainable tourism activities. Last but not least, Nicaragua is one of Latin America’s leading countries in clean energy: about 75% of electricity comes from renewable sources (geothermal, hydro, and wind).
In Nicaragua there is also a lack of strict environmental enforcement; Illegal deforestation, cattle ranching and mining are affecting national parks. Moreover, the government is accused of inadequate action against environmental crime. Furthermore, there are major conflicts between economic growth & conservation. For example, the government encourages infrastructure and mining projects, sometimes at the expense of ecotourism.
Nicaragua works with organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and Paso Pacífico for nature conservation.
The government of Nicaragua is slow to regulate the industry of ecotourism, so you need to make sure for yourself that a sustainable lodge or tour really does practice sustainability and ecotourism. With our Online Eco Rating, we help you take the guess work out of your choice. Anything above a 2 out of 5 shows a commitment on the part of that business to practice ecotourism.
Small-scale conservation projects in Nicaragua
These small-scale projects contribute to the conservation of nature and biodiversity, while providing opportunities for local ecotourism that is sustainable and benefits local communities. You can visit or even contribute to many of the initiatives below.
Paso Pacífico – Wildlife protection & reforestation.
*Restores forests and protects endangered species such as the Baird’s tapir and jaguar.
*Works with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture.
Parque Marítimo El Coco – Sea Turtle Protection.
This project focuses on protecting sea turtles along the coast of Nicaragua. Volunteers help monitor nesting sites, protect eggs from predators and release newborn turtles into the ocean. The project aims to stop the decline of the turtle population
*Protects nesting areas of green turtles and hawksbill turtles on the Pacific coast.
*Volunteers help with patrols and turtle egg rescue.
Guardabarranco – Conservation Group.
Works to conserve Nicaragua’s national bird, the Guardabarranco (Motmot). Organizes education programs for sustainable agriculture and wildlife management.
Sonati Nicaragua – Environmental education & ecotourism
Offers educational eco-tours in León and Estelí.
Plants trees and helps local communities reduce their ecological footprint.
You can volunteer with them in different areas.
Reserva Natural Cerro Silvestre
This nature reserve in northwestern Nicaragua focuses on preserving the region’s cloud forest and biodiversity. The project is small-scale and works with local communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices and protect the rainforest from deforestation.
Proyecto de Conservación del Jaguar (Jaguar Conservation Project).
In the region of Bosawás, one of the largest forests in Central America, this project works to conserve jaguars and their natural habitat. The project focuses on preventing jaguar hunting and creating connections between protected areas to preserve the animal population.
La Isla de Ometepe (Biodiversity Conservation on Ometepe)
Ometepe, an island in Lake Nicaragua, has several small-scale ecotourism initiatives and conservation projects. They focus on preserving the island’s unique flora and fauna, including protecting native tree species and conserving local bird populations.
Proyecto Río San Juan
This project focuses on protecting the biodiversity-rich Río San Juan and its surrounding forests, which provide important habitat for many species, including caimans, birds and other native animals. The project works to promote sustainable tourism and prevent deforestation.
Sustainable Travel in Nicaragua
*Stay at Nicaragua ecolodges.
*Support local communities by choosing community-based tourism.
*Use reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste.
*Respect nature – don’t touch animals and stay on designated trails.
*Visit responsible nature projects such as sea turtle programs in La Flor or Juan Venado.