Why San Ramón?
San Ramón, a municipality (similar to our counties in the U.S.) of about 45,000 people, has gone from a forgotten agricultural community to one of the most popular community tourism destinations of Nicaragua, and we’re proud to say that we had a hand in that journey. Sister Communities of San Ramón, Nicaragua has maintained a devoted relationship to the people of this beautiful, rural, mountainous municipality for over 25 years. Throughout that time, we’ve been working toward our goal of building cross-cultural ties of peace and friendship by perfecting our cultural immersion ecotours.
Our trips offer a variety of authentic experiences not available to the average tourist. Because of our close ties to the community of San Ramón, we have special relationships with people in all walks of life who help make our trips meaningful. Local cooks offer classes in the preparation of corn tortillas or traditional nacatamales. Artisans teach visitors to make their own jewelry from seeds gathered in nearby forests. Knowledgeable nature guides lead visitors on hikes in the tropical forests that harbor all kinds of interesting wildlife and native plants. Community leaders offer talks on the history of the town, Nicaraguan history and politics, and traditional celebrations. Families open their homes to visitors and help them see what life is like in San Ramón.
Our typical 8-day cultural immersion ecotour includes several days at the award-winning Finca Esperanza Verde and several days living with a family in a guesthouse in San Ramón. We tailor each ecotour to the needs of your particular group, school, interest, age/physical ability, etc. We also plan extra excursions to other parts of Nicaragua, from colonial cities to beaches and volcanoes! Customizing a unique and powerful experience for you is what we do best! Click on the following links to see some sample itineraries: High School Itinerary, Public health itinerary, Senior adults itinerary.
Traveling with us gives you the chance to look at life through the eyes of Nicaraguans. Apart from the new perspective and amazing memories that you take with you when you leave, you’ll have seen firsthand how your visit injects life into the local tourism industry. Host families, guides, interpreters, cultural performance groups, and small entrepreneurs who provide the workshops and activities rely on the income ecotourism brings them and their community. Also, throughout your stay in San Ramón, you’ll see how Sister Communities re-invests our profits from tourism into community-initiated projects. But most importantly, when you leave, you’ll understand that by becoming a global citizen, you make the world a better place.
I dare say, after the life I have lived, that there is nothing quixotic or romantic in wanting to change the world. It is possible. It is the age-old vocation of all humanity. I can’t think of a better life than one dedicated to passion, to dreams, to the stubbornness that defies chaos and disillusionment. Our world, filled with possibilities, is and will be the result of the efforts offered up by us, its inhabitants. Just as life was a consequence of trial and error, the social organization that brings us the full realization of our potential as a species will issue from the ebb and flow of struggles we jointly undertake across the globe.”
From The Country Under My Skin: A Memoir of Love and War by Gioconda Belli, Nicaraguan author and poet
Quotes from travelers:
I truly appreciate this opportunity, as I feel that the trip has made a huge impact on my life. I am so thankful for all SCSRN did to make it so memorable. – University of Northern Iowa student, 2016
Durham Academy’s relationship with SCSRN, which now spans the better part of more than two decades, has allowed many of our students not only the opportunity to serve and work with the hospitable people in San Ramón and the surrounding communities, but also the chance to learn to be good stewards of the environment and global citizens.
– Durham Academy, NC teacher, 2015
It’s probably one of the best experiences of my life!
– East Chapel Hill High School, NC student
My trip to San Ramón opened my eyes to the things I take for granted every day, and made me realize the inequality that exists in the world. At the same time, I’m leaving with a deep respect for these people and the amazing things they accomplish despite huge obstacles!
– Traveler with the UU and Friends trip, 2015