Florida Native Plant Society Itinerary
Nicaragua – 10 Day ( or 12 Day) Excursion Physical Rating: 3

Day 1, Thursday, July 16, 2009:
Arrive in Managua and meet guide. Drive to Volcan Mombacho and visit Biological Research Station. Stay overnight in Research Station.

Day 2, Friday, July 17, 2009:
VOLCAN MOMBACHO CLOUD FOREST & GRANADA – We will travel to and from the lowlands of Granada and arrive at this research station and hike to the top of an ancient and dormant volcano nestled in the clouds. The air will be cool and misty, as Volcan Mombacho’s Cloud Forest stands 850 meters above sea level and rises to an altitude of 1344 meters. Afterwards, we will visit Granada, the oldest city in the Americas. Full of bright colors, violent history, lake breezes, and horse-drawn carriages. This charming colonial city is complimented by the surrounding towns of Pueblos Blanco’s, San Juan de Oriente, and Catarina, which are full of rich and colorful artisan markets. Stay overnight in Granada.

Day 3, Saturday, July 18, 2009:
ISLA DE ZAPATERA. Take a boat ride followed by a full day hike up a dormant volcano in this 45 sq. km Island of Parque Nacional Archipelago Zapatera, designated to protect not only the remaining swaths of virgin tropical dry forests and wet forests, but also the unparallel collection of petro glyphs and statues left here between 500 and 1500 years ago. Stay overnight in Granada.

Day 4, Sunday, July 19, 2009:
DOMITILIA WILDLIFE RESERVE. Drive to southwestern Nicaragua to Domitilia Wildlife Reserve. Frequented by scientists and tourists alike, this eco-savvy private wildlife reserve, consists of 230 hectares of tropical dry forest and lakeshore. Experience a private wildlife reserve with tree nurseries, hiking trails, and tons of wildlife. Stay in Granada.

Day 5 to Day 6, Monday & Tuesday, July 20,21 2009:
LOS GUATUZOS WILDLIFE PRESERVE Take short flight to San Carlos followed by a boat ride along Nicaraguas’ San Juan River and arrive to this protected area consisting of tropical wetlands, rainforest, and wildlife refuge. Los Guatuzos is the only internationally registered tropical wetland area in Nicaragua. Take an adventurous hike through this reserve replete with myriad species of animals. Stay in Centro Ecologico de Los Guatuzos.

Day 7 to Day 8 Wednesday & Thursday, July 22,23 2009:
EL CASTILLO & GRAN RESERVA BIOLOGICA RIO INDIO-MAIZ. Follow along the San Juan River and spend today exploring this Spanish fortress used to repel English pirates and continue downriver to nearly 264,000 hectares of virgin rainforest. This reserve is one of the last remaining areas in the Americas where you can experience virgin tropical rainforests as it was 200 years ago. La Gran Reserva Biologica Rio Indio-Maiz is part of Unescos’ San Juan River Biosphere, which contains one of the largest protected areas with a variety of ecosystems and great biodiversity at a level unmatched by any other the same size in Mesoamerica. This reserve acts as an excellent base for exploration as we take an unforgettable 4-6 hour hiking adventure deep into the heart of this virgin rainforest. Stay in Refugio Bartola in Gran Reserva Biologica Rio Indio-Maiz.

Day 9 to Day 10 Friday & Saturday, July 24,25 2009:
CATARINA AND LAGUNA DE APOYO. Fly back to Managua and get settled in Catarina, the perfect base to explore perhaps Nicaragua’s’ most beautiful pueblos. View the impressive panorama of Catarina Mirador and chose from optional activities like hiking, swimming, horseback riding in spectacular Laguna de Apoyo, an unspoiled crater lake; or relax by viewing the lush plant nurseries and visiting shops of local artisans and basket-makers lining Catarinas’ streets. Nicaragua’s bluest and deepest swimming hole, Laguna de Apoyo is a water-filled crater lake stretched 48 square kilometers across the rim of Apoyo Volcano and surrounded by tropical dry forests. The deepest point (200 meters) is the lowest point in all Central America. Stay overnight in Catarina.

Day 11 Sunday, July 26, 2009:
Return to Florida.

Optional: 2 Day Extension of tour

Day 11 to Day 12 Sunday & Monday, July 26,27 2009:
MIRAFLOR NATURE RESERVE. Drive north to the state of Jinotega and visit Nicaragua’s version of Costa Rica’s’ Monteverde Cloud Forest, except better. Welcome to wildflowers galore. This reserve contains some of the most pristine and rustic cloud forest settings of Central America, as well as one the richest and most unexplored orchid viewing regions anywhere. Stay overnight in Miraflor Nature Reserve.

Day 13 Tuesday July 28, 2009:
Return to Florida.

TOUR PRICE (PER PERSON)

10 Day $2995 USD

12 Day $3390 USD

PAYMENT OPTIONS

* Trip Cost:
Cost is $2995/person. Includes all lodging, all ground and air transportation to and from Nicaragua, as well as within the country. In addition, all meals and all activities are included (entrance fees to parks, reserves, preserves). An additional $395/person for those wishing to extend their stay for 2 days. Does not include alcoholic beverages; telephone calls, e-mails or faxes, laundry or other personal items, or departure taxes.

Deposit:
To make a reservation a $500 deposit is required per person with your registration form. The maximum number of attendees will be limited to 20 on a first come first serve basis. The due date for deposits is by 4/1/2009 with the remaining balance due by 4/15/2009. The Nicaragua 10-Day trip is $2995/person. The trip with the addition of the (2) day excusion is $3,390.00

Cancellation Policy:
On or before 4/1/2009 = Forfeit $500 (Deposit); 4/1/2009 to 6/1/2009 = Forfeit 50% of tour cost and deposit; 6/1/2009 to 7/16/2009 = forfeit 100% of tour cost and deposit.

Make sure registration forms and liability waivers are filled out, signed and returned. Forms can be found on FNPS website.