The variety of Nicaragua’s geography and wide range of ecological habitats make it the ideal destination for the environmentally minded. Although many remote areas have remained dangerous for foreigners, even after the the 1990 move to democracy (due to banditry, old ammunition stockpiles and landmines), these areas have been cleaned up over the last decade and are now considered increasingly safe.
In fact, the wilderness that was once off limits to all but Sandinistas or, later, Contra guerrillas, has been recognized for its value by both the Nicaraguan people and their government. Nicaragua now has 76 nationally protected areas. With such beauty and diversity, and the recent rise in safety, it is no wonder that Nicaragua is becoming a popular destination for birdwatchers, biologists, nature lovers and hikers.
Across the country an increasingly large network of eco-lodges is providing accommodation for those who want to do as little damage to the environment as possible. As the tourism infrastructure is still not fully developed in Nicaragua, eco-lodges are reasonably priced compared to neighboring Costa Rica, and in all likelihood you will have a get a more rustic, authentic experience.
When choosing an eco-lodge it is worth doing a little research to make sure that the place you stay has actually been built and run in an environmentally friendly manner. Nicaraguan hotel owners, like all entrepreneurs, recognize that “eco” is a buzzword that drives the tourism industry. Beware of the hotels and lodges that have eco-lodge in the name just as a gimmick to gain more business.