This ecotour is now over.
Come Join Us!
All are welcome! Leave your busy life to share an unforgettable experience with a group of wonderful, adventurous globetrotters from different Unitarian Universalist churches. On this ecotour, a type of conscientious traveling, you will create life-long cultural connections with the good people of San Ramón, as well as connect with the beautiful flora and fauna of this breathtaking environment. From swimming in waterfalls to being welcomed into San Ramón homes, this life-changing trip will renew your sense of awe and wonder, as well as convince you to make the world a better, interconnected place!
Itinerary (subject to change)
Day 1 – Arrive Managua airport where you are met by our guide, a driver and chartered bus. Dinner at sunset at award winning Finca Esperanza Verde Ecologe (FEV) with view across the Dariense Mountain Range. Local staff introduce themselves and welcome group. www.fincaesperanzaverde.com
Day 2 – Tour FEV’s organic coffee plantations and worm composting area. Visit a coffee farm and meet the farmer and his family. Coffee cupping (tasting).
Day 3 – Hike Purple Trail with nature guide. Tour FEV’s vast organic vegetable garden. Learn to make tortillas by hand and to roast coffee the campesino way.
Day 4 – Visit La Chispa School built with income from tourism. Play games and do crafts with students. Nature hike on Blue Trail to see birds, howler monkeys, sloth, water fall, medicinal plants, orchids and butterflies. Lecture about the life cycle of butterflies in the butterfly conservatory. Local folk musicians perform around the campfire.
Day 5 – –Depart FEV for the town of San Ramón. Arrive in San Ramón and meet your guesthouse family. Two guests stay with each family. Visit town of San Ramón with Tourist Guide Club of San Ramón. Visit craft market where primitive style paintings by local youth are sold. Dance class.
Day 6 – Visit Los Pipitos Center for Handicapped Children. Handmade paper demonstration by a women’s cooperative. Tropical seed jewelry workshop with local artisans. Traditional dance performance by young children at the library.
Day 7 – Visit cacao cooperative in El Tuma north of San Ramón and learn all about growing cacao and producing chocolate. History talk by Doña Marina. Nacatamale cooking class and communal dinner with guest house families. Goodbye party.
Day 8 – Return to Managua for departure or for a side trip on your own to another part of Nicaragua.
Price: $1,400/person (price includes in-country transportation, meals and accommodations, not airfare AND may change if group would like additional excursions).