Hiking Trails and Quetzal Tails

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Cerro Datanli - El Diablo Nature Reserve
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 170.- per person (excluding flights)

Surround yourself with deep gorges, mountain ridges and cloud forests in Nicaragua’s wild north. Take a walking trail through the lush vegetation with a local guide in one of the best reserves for spotting the resplendent quetzal bird (though you'll still need to keep your eyes peeled). You'll stay in an eco friendly lodge situated amongst the coffee estates. From the wooden terrace you can see birds and butterflies fluttering amongst the vibrant flowers.

Nicaragua Quetzal bird wildlife spotting

Day 1 – Arrival in Cerro Datanli-El Diablo Nature Reserve

This 10,000 hectare reserve is home to a cacophony of birds and butterflies. Your eco lodge is perched on a mountainside, giving impressive views of the reserve. As well as solar powered electricity and hot water, the lodge is a not-for-profit organisation, with all profits going to the neighbouring technical school. Your cabana has its own balcony, so you can sit back and watch the sun set over the green landscape.

Days 2-3 – Hiking trails & departure

You’ll rise early for breakfast surrounded by the sounds of nature. Along with your guide you’ll hike through the reserve to a lookout point where you’ll be treated to impressive views across the mountains right the way down to Apanás Lake. After 2-3 hours you’ll be back at your eco-lodge giving you plenty of time to spend as you wish. There are lots of tours on offer which you can book locally.

The next day, it’s time to say good bye to the views and journey onwards.