Rio Blanco

This protected national reserve, known to the Sumos people as the mountain of water, is actually an eroded volcano dating from Jurassic period. At 4,757 feet above sea level, it is the second highest peak in the country. Cerro Musun is home to stunning biodiversity as well as fincas, botanical gardens, and the largest waterfalls in Nicaragua. It is home to 84 species of birds and 51 types of mammals including giant anteaters, three toed sloths, ocelots, pumas and jaguars. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this area was rather inhospitable to tourists and was mostly frequented by biologists and other scientists. Located in the nearby Rio Blanco, an organization called FUNDENIC (278-3040, fundenic@ibw.com.ni) can help arrange for guides if you’re hell bent on experiencing this virgin forest. You can camp in Musun or you may be able to arrange to sleep at the biological station, but bring your own tent as there are no rentals. Buses from the Cotran Guanuca in Matagalapa will drop you off a kilometer and a half from town. From there hail down a taxi or a southbound bus (towards Managua or Boaco).