Wildlife Watching in Nicaragua - Birdwatching - Nicaragua

With over 78 wildlife refuges and natural reserves (making up 20% of the country’s land mass), Nicaragua does not lack for protected flora and fauna. Such an incredible amount of wild animal species, along with lush rainforests, mountains, volcanoes and lakes, Nicaragua is a beautiful and extremely diverse place for wildlife watching. One can trek, boat, or safari around the land, either solo or in an organized tour, and will undoubtedly be impressed by the numerous levels of biodiversity and the incredible sites only Nicaragua can offer. Depending on where you are in Nicaragua, you are likely to see awesome and exclusive wildlife, like the famed, though endangered sea turtle, giant highway-crossing iguanas, the slow moving three-toed sloth, and even nature’s largest cat, the jaguar. 

If you’re making your own itinerary, note popular reserves (like The Bosawás Biosphere Reserve or Montibelli Private Wildlife Reserve) and plan to camp or stay at ecolodges in the area. Here you can talk with guides, set up walks or longer treks, or just bring your binoculars and hope for the best! The alternative option is to pre-plan a tour. Nicaragua’s tourism infrastructure is pretty developed, and booking beforehand, or finding one while you are on the road, should be simple enough. Check out tours that meet your wildlife wants, whether its birding or volcanoing, luxury or budget, you shouldn’t have to compromise since it’s all out there. As for any means of travel, remember to stay responsible and sustainable, respecting the land you are traveling on and the people it supports. 

For before-you-go resources, check out www.nicaragua.com/wildlife, as well as the Rainforest Alliance and Eco-Index. 

Location:
Nicaragua

Birdwatching

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

About this Page

By Margaret Rode
A self-professed city girl, sassy staff writer Margaret Rode hails from Chicago where she received Bachelor degrees in English Literature and Spanish...

Updated: 18 Jun 2009