Sur and in the crystal-clear waters of the
Caribbean around the Pearl Keys and the
Corn Islands.
Wildlife
Nicaragua is home to an impressive ar-
ray of tropical ecosystems, each offering
their own outstanding wildlife-spotting
opportunities.
The best spots to see big animals is
in the tropical rainforests of the Reserva
Bíologica Indio-Maíz and the Reserva de
Biosfera Bosawás. One of the rarest ecosys-
tems in the world is the cloud forest, a cool,
misty tropical rainforest above 1200m,
offering opportunities for seeing wildlife,
most famously colorful quetzals and or-
chids. The easiest to see is at Volcán Mom-
bacho, with easy access from Granada.
Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is a haven for
literally hundreds of thousands of nesting
turtles each year, and some of their nesting
sites are surprisingly accessible. In the San
Juan del Sur area, you’re within easy reach
of Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor and
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Río Escalante
Chacocente. There’s more turtle action
further north at Reserva Natural Volcán
Cosigüina.
Birders will also be drawn to Nicara-
gua’s sweet-water wetlands and jungle-
lined rivers, which offer outstanding bird-
ing opportunities.BEST BIRDING SPOTS̈ Islas Solentiname (p247) Tiny
islands with Nicaragua’s highest
concentration of birdlife including
tiger herons and flocks of roseate
spoonbills.
̈ Boca de Sábalos (p252) Pick
your spot along the river and ob-
serve a fantastic array of waterfowl
and rainforest species without mov-
ing a muscle.
̈ Área Protegida Miraflor (p177)
Accessible cloud forest boasting
quetzals and toucans.
̈ Refugio de Vida Silvestre Los
Guatuzos (p251) Immense wetlands
home to around 400 bird species.PLAN YOUR TRIPNICARAGuA Ou TDOORS