Nicaragua tailor made holiday

Planet

As specialists in our destinations, we aim to work responsibly with the local suppliers, guides and hosts involved in our itineraries. Our approach is based on developing long-term relationships with local businesses and incorporating locally based services into our tours wherever appropriate. Rather than relying solely on charitable donations, we focus on specific practices such as using local suppliers, working with local guides and selecting accommodation that has introduced documented environmental or community initiatives.

We were the first tour operator in the UK to form a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to work towards the implementation of improved management practices in tourism. This work involved engaging with hotels and other tourism businesses on practices relating to areas such as environmental management, social responsibility and relationships with local communities.

The itinerary includes visits to Juan Venado Nature Reserve, Montibelli Private Wildlife Reserve and Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. Visitors pay the applicable entrance fees at these protected areas which contribute towards the conservation and management of these sites. Local guides accompany wildlife experiences, helping visitors to observe wildlife while following the guidelines applicable to the protected area. Juan Venado Nature Reserve is a Pacific coastal wetland and an important nesting area for Olive Ridley sea turtles, with nesting activity occurring during part of the year, including approximately May to November.

The itinerary uses locally owned accommodation where available and includes Totoco Eco-lodge on Ometepe Island for 3 nights. The lodge has introduced a number of specific environmental measures, including independent renewable-energy systems for its guest cabins and grey-water recycling. Human waste is composted, while other waste is separated for appropriate disposal. The lodge's six-hectare property is managed using organic and permaculture practices, with local staff and volunteers involved in its management.

People

Nicaragua is a very special country, blessed with wonderful scenery, a rich colonial heritage, a taste for the arts, and a strong sense of community and humanity. The impressive scenery of Nicaragua’s Pacific basin and the rich colonial architecture of its two historic cities, Granada and León, are a perfect complement to neighbouring Costa Rica. Although it has been through recent periods of political unrest and remains one of the poorest countries in the world, day-to-day life in tourist areas remains peaceful and travellers report a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The tourism infrastructure has grown steadily in recent years, with a range of new hotels, retreat centres and small nature focused lodges appearing.

By incorporating locally owned hotels, restaurants and the services of local guides and drivers into our itineraries, we work with businesses and individuals based in the destinations we visit. Expenditure on these services is paid to the relevant local businesses and service providers, supporting tourism-related economic activity in the area.

Totoco Eco-Lodge, on Ometepe Island, has established the Totoco Foundation to support locally run community projects. According to the lodge, the foundation provides financial, material and human resources for initiatives including subsidised transport for local university students, the installation of a medical testing laboratory at the local health clinic and the development and promotion of a community library.