Jicaro is a place where you can find the perfect combination of relaxation and exploration. After a day of lounging in your private hammock or indulging in a rejuvenating massage in our wellness center, you might want to adventure out on one of our signature tours. Our tours offer varied activities ranging from easy to challenging, and are all accompanied by a private guide who will teach you about local flora and fauna, as well as Nicaraguan history, culture and day-to-day living. *Prices do not include taxes; a minimum of 2 people per tour is required.
Places to Visit: La Calera Natural Reserve Tropical dry forest, plantain and cocoa grow. Hot Spring The Departure time is right after breakfast and takes a short boat ride to the foot of the Mombacho Volcano, which can be seen from the island. Take a 2 hour hike from the Calera farm through plantain and stretches of tropical dry forests where you can observe the local flora and fauna. Our expert guide will interpret not only the forest but also the cultural implications of farming on Mombacho, which dates back to colonial times. After taking a hike you ll enjoy a picnic and you can jump into the hot spring. After you relax in the warm water take 25 minutes hike until you catch the boat back to the hotel. This is a nice experience that you cannot miss while you are staying at Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Please, note that you will delight the otherwise if the water is not too hot. Approx. 3 hours Comfortable clothing: t-shirts, short or long pants and Tennis shoes, water bottle and camera, swimsuit if you want to jump in! $75.00
Yes, we are on an island, and the best way to get around is in a kayak. Paddle out in our kayaks and explore the wonderful ecosystem that surrounds our Ecolodge. Our experienced guide will help you learn about the natural history of the islands, their importance and the theory of how they were formed according to scientific and ancient knowledge. At some point we will pass by a narrow canal in between islands where water lilies are abundant. These floating plants are part of a special ecosystem that provides food and nesting for different birds. Approx. 2 hours Places to Visit Canals in between the Isletas Flip flops, Short pants, T-shirts (bring your swimsuit underneath if you would like to plunge in), water bottle, camera and binoculars. $35.00 Awaken to a fresh breezes from the island winds or enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets, late in the afternoon before dusk, and join us in this kayaking trip to discover where birds live, nest and visit our lake. The tour starts by exploring the islands nearby and then heads to the peninsula to continue the search. You might find interesting birds like Montezuma s Oropendula, Ringed Kingfisher, Purple Gallinule, and Northern Jacana amongst many others. Our guide will help you to identify all the birds observed on the tour. Don t forget to bring the bird flash card from your casita and your binoculars; if you don t have your own ask for them at the office. Approx. 2 hours Places to Visit Island waterways Binoculars (available to borrow from the office), flip flops, short pants, t-shirts, bird flash card, water battle and camera. $ 35.00
Would you like to explore more than one hundred islands in two hours? Come and join us in this relaxing and unique tour where you can appreciate many beautiful islands and pristine landscapes. For this tour we pack a cooler with drinks that you can enjoy while observing the views. Towels will be available in the boat if you want to jump out and take a swim in the fresh and warm water of our lake. Approx. 2 hours Places to Visit Islands around Asese Peninsula The old Fortress Comfortable clothing, a hat, t-shirts, shorts, flip flops, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle and camera $80.00 Have you ever wondered what a bird feels like when it flies over the canopy? Take part in this exceptional ziplining adventure and find out. At your convenience, take our boat to the main port, where our car will take you to Canopy Miravalle located just 25 minutes away. Once you get there, the experienced guides will prepare your harnesses for this exciting ride. Follow their instructions and ride on the first of eleven cables. Once you feel confident, ask the guides for tricks like zipping upside down or flying like superman! Approx. 2 hours. Comfortable clothing: t-shirts and long pants, camera (guides won t hesitate to take pictures of you while you ride) $80.00
If you feel adventurous and want to do something challenging then, this is the one for you! Spend the day in Mombacho natural reserve and take a 2 ½ hour hike up and down the mountain. Climb to La Roca Lookout to appreciate one of the most beautiful views of Granada s Islands, Zapatera and the volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua. Feel the breeze, enjoy nature and make sure to take a break, enjoy a hearty picnic lunch and get ready for your next adventure The ziplining tour, let go and fly over the canopy trees using the 11 different stations. Approx. 6 hours Places to Visit: Mombacho Biological Station Crater or Tigrillo trails Ziplining Tour at Mombacho Comfortable clothing (t-shirts, short or long pants and tennis or hiking shoes), water bottle, rain gear for the rainy season) recommended, water bottle $150.00 During your stay at Jicaro you will notice fishermen in their wooden boats using fishing lines or nets to catch fish. Have you ever imagined yourself fishing in this mystical way? If the answer is yes, we invite you to be part of this unique experience where you ll learn diverse techniques used in artisanal fishing. You ll float around the beautiful isletas in search of the perfect fish and learn from your captain about life on these little islands. If you catch a good fish like tilapia, snook or rainbow bass, you can bring it back home to the lodge and our Chef will be glad to prepare it for your next meal! Approx. 2 hours Places to Visit Unexplored fishing spots near the island Comfortable clothing, a hat, t-shirt, short, flip flops, sunscreen, sunglasses and a waterproof or plastic bag to protect your camera. U$ 35
Leave the hotel after breakfast and take a hike in the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. Take a ride from Granada to the foot of Mombacho Volcano to start this adventure in a 4x4. Then stop at the half point at a coffee farm to enjoy a cup of coffee. Once at the top of the volcano, visit the biological station to gather information about this cloud forest. Walk into the forest on El Crater, Tigrillo or Puma Trail and observe dense vegetation where trees are covered by many kinds of plants like orchids and bromeliads. Our guide will lead you through the trail and will help you to identify the flora and fauna. : Approx. 5 hours Difficulty level Places to visit: Mombacho Biological Station El Crater 1 ½ Km, Tigrillo 2 ½ km Or Puma trail 4 km.. What to Bring Comfortable clothing: t-shirts, short or long pants and tennis or hiking shoes, rain gear for the rainy season recommended, water bottle. $100.00 Join us in exploring and discovering the famous city of Granada, the oldest colonial city in mainland America. Granada was established by the Spaniard Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba and is considered one of the prettiest cities in Latin America. We will visit relevant sites and colonial buildings as well as the San Francisco Museum, which preserves some of the most interesting indigenous ceramic and statue collections. Our guide will take you into the past to learn about all the issues that involved Granada s development since the pre-columbian period. You will hear stories about real pirates and their adventures and also civil war stories that tell of the city being burned to ashes, sacked and destroyed several times. Approx. 2 ½ hours Places to Visit: La Pólvora Fortress Elba cigar Las Mercedes Church Municipal Market San Francisco Church and Museum Central Park Comfortable clothing (T-shirts, short or long pants and tennis shoes), water bottle, camera and sunscreen $ 60.00
Places to Visit Masaya Volcano National Park Visit the most popular active volcano in Nicaragua at night! Located in Masaya city, you will see a spectacular and unforgettable view of the Masaya Volcano National Park with its stunning and active Santiago Crater. It s one of the few places in the world where such an active volcano can be observed up close. Our tour guide will explain about various themes in geology, history, volcanology and ecology. There is no hiking as part of this tour! For how long will this last? Scientifically, no one is able to answer this question. So hurry up and come to see this rare and unique phenomenon! Night tour is between 5: 30 pm and 7:30 pm (15 minutes viewing at active volcano only!) Approx. 3 hours Comfortable clothing: t-shirts, shorts or long pants, good walking shoes, cash for shopping at the market, water bottle and camera Rate per couple U$160
Places to Visit Masaya National Park and Museum Masaya handicraft market Catarina San Juan de Oriente. Lunch at Catarina look out.. This is an unforgettable day in rural Nicaragua! We begin the day by visiting the Masaya Volcano National Park, with the stunning and active Santiago crater. It s one of the few places in the world where such an active volcano can be observed up close. We will also visit the ecological museum, where our guide will explain about various themes in geology, history, volcanology and ecology. Next, we will visit Nicaragua's most popular open-air handcraft market located in Masaya, where Nicaraguan crafts can be purchased. We will then drive to Catarina, one of the famous traditional towns where ornamental plants and flowers are grown. Here, you will enjoy impressive panoramic views over the Apoyo Lagoon and surrounding region. Before returning to Jicaro, we ll pass by San Juan de Oriente and observe artisans making their famous and beautiful pottery. Approx. 6 hours Comfortable clothing: t-shirts, shorts or long pants, good walking shoes, cash (for bargaining at market), water bottle, camera and sunscreen. $150.00
Places to Visit: Lowland plains around Granada city Apoyo Lagoon Crater Lake. The Departure time is right after breakfast or in the evening and includes a short boat ride to the port where our transportation will take you to the stable in Granada; Take a 1 ½ hour horseback excursion through little patch of secondary tropical forest where you can observe the local flora and fauna and agricultural lands. Our guide will help you to interpret the forest and cultural implications of farming on the pacific side of Nicaragua. On the half way we stop to have a spectacular view of Apoyo and then you can walk down to swim in the brackish water of the lake. After a break, get ready to come back to the city. This tour is unique and an absolute must do to experience a sense of place during your stay at Jicaro Walking to Apoyo Lagoon takes between 50 minutes down and uphill and it is an option. Approx. 3 ½ Hours Comfortable clothing: t-shirts, short or long pants and tennis shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, swim suit and camera. $80.00
If you want to see one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, there is nothing better than visiting Masaya Volcano National Park, with the amazing and active Santiago crater! Places to Visit: Masaya National Park and Museum Masaya handicraft market. Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve. Lunch at El Cacique restaurant. (Apoyo Lagoon) It s one of the few places in the world where such an active volcano can be observed up close. We will also visit the ecological museum. Next, we will visit Nicaragua's most popular open-air handcraft market located in the city of Masaya, where Nicaraguan crafts can be purchased. After that you will visit the Apoyo Lagoon natural reserve considered to be one of the places with the cleanest and deepest water in Nicaragua. There you can swim into the warm water and have a relaxing time. Approx. 6 hours Comfortable clothing: t-shirts, shorts or long pants, good walking shoes, bathing suit. Cash for bargaining at the market. $150.00
Places to Visit: Cerro Negro Volcano Las Peñitas Leon City In the morning we will drive to Leon City, the former capital of Nicaragua. On the way you will see beautiful views of Lake Managua, the impressive Momotombo volcano and by its side Momotombito, many agriculture fields and cattle farms. Trying a quesillo is something you must do in a traditional Nica Restaurant, authentic and delicious! At our arrival to Cerro Negro Volcano, a local guide will be waiting to provide information about the area and characteristics of the terrain, climbing, equipment and gear to enjoy this unforgettable adventure. Once at the top, the view is amazing!, but the most exciting part is surfing down the black sand! Then we drive to León, here we will visit the Cathedra, World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and do some sightseen in the city and its historical center. A tasty lunch by the beach is included with fresh fruits of the sea in front of the Pacific Ocean and the chance to wash away the black sand from surfing. Enjoy the sunset and get ready to drive back. Departure time from Jicaro Island 6:00 am and returning around 6:00pm Approx. 10 hours Comfortable clothing: t-shirts, short or long pants, tennis shoes, water bottle, camera, and sunscreen. Rate per couple $ 500.00
Places to Visit: Hotel de Montaña Selva Negra Matagalpa City Early in the early morning, we will drive to the city of Matagalpa located in the North of the Country. It is one of the best places for coffee and you will see numerous coffee plantations. After passing through the city, you will reach the famous lodge of Selva Negra. When we arrive we will start with a walking tour under the tropical forest to learn more about the lush vegetation and biodiversity, and with a little luck you will be able to observe the rich bird life and discover the rural life of the area. Lunch will be enjoyed in front of a lake at the lodge so you can admire the amazing nature. Then, on the way back, we will visit Matagalpa city knows as the Perla del Septentrion because of its natural features as well as the "Capital of Production" for its varied agricultural and commercial activity. Finishing, we will return to Granada city. Departure time from Jicaro! 6:00 am and returning around 6:00 pm Approx. 12 hours Comfortable clothing: t-shirts, short or long pants, tennis shoes, water bottle, camera, and sunscreen. Rate per couple $ 500.00
Places to visit: Flor de Caña Factory Sightseen of Leon City Lunch included Learn about the history and the process of Flor de Caña, the famous Nicaraguan rum. Take a tour of six places on the factory premises, accompanied by an expert to hear about world-class rum and sample its unique taste. You will get to know the family reserve where the finest rums are tasted and visit the aging room where the rum acquires its characteristics of color, aroma and flavor. Having enjoyed one of the most awarded rums in the world; continue to the city of León for its beautiful colonial architecture, history, culture and more. Departure time from Jicaro Island, after breakfast Tours available from Tuesday to Sunday. Approx.10 hours Comfortable clothing, short or long pants, T-shirt, tennis shoes, sunscreen, water battle and camera. Rate per Couple $600.00
Did you ever wonder what s going on behind the curtains of an eco-lodge? How is the water from the lake processed into a drinkable freshwater resource? What happens to the grey water; where does it go? And where do the leftovers from our meals end up? If you are interested in these kinds of questions, please join our sustainability tour of the island, where you will get exclusive insights into everything that s happening in the background. You will be able to excess some of the staff - only areas and will see and hear about processes that you probably did not even notice before. Option 1: Tour of the island 30 minutes (sustainability tour) Option 2: Tour of the pig farm: 30 minutes For further insights into our sustainability efforts, we can also arrange trips for you to our neighbouring islands where we are involved in projects, such as the generation of biogas and the support of an impoverished, local elementary school. Option 3: Tour of the school: 1 hour Other activities We invited you to paddle out in one of our kayak or stand up paddle boards to explore the wonderful ecosystem that surrounds the Ecolodge. Recommended hours are before 10 am or after 4 pm Free
Enjoy a new experience with your partner and end your day with a candlelight dinner on the lake atop our floating dock. A romantic option that could definitely be one of the highlights of your stay at Jicaro. Dinner includes private service, 3-course dinner for you and your partner and a bottle of house wine. Time 6:00 p.m. Rate per Couple $60