Project Somos Children's Village ProjectProjects
Help Mother Nature reclaim her land
Nicaragua has immense natural beauty, but for centuries clear-cutting the dry tropical forest has damaged the soil, rivers and streams, placing extreme pressure on the delicate wildlife in the area. Sonati is partnering with local farm owners to help Mother Nature reclaim the forest by creating the nature reserve Reserva Los Madroños. This is a private nature reserve in which the locals are educated on the importance of the natural flora and fauna to the ecosystem. This movement is essential to saving the forests of the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast. They are also promoting biodiversity and natural fertilization farming techniques in the region.
With this VolunTour, not only do you help Mother Nature reclaim the forest, you help fund the project. Approximately 25% of the tour cost goes directly to the project for materials and worker wages. You work side by side with locals tree planting, fencing the reserve, creating and improving trails, producing educational signage, rain water catchment systems, improving volunteer accommodations, schools, and improving living conditions for people and wildlife in the area. Fun excursions include nature and volcano hikes, blue water lagoons, optional surfing, and more.
No construction experience necessary.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day into Managua. You will be met at the airport by your tour leader who will hold a sign with your name on it at the arrivals area and then transferred to the hostel in Leon. Your tour leader and Nony, the founder of Sonati will then hold an orientation with the entire group that evening. Overnight at the Sonati Hostel in Leon.
Day 2: Travel day. This morning, after breakfast, we leave Leon for the Los Modronos Nature Reserve. Here you will be settled in your sleeping quarters and given a brief tour of the reserve. You will meet the local families and workers at the reserve and get a good sense of the work required from you. The work project vary according to the needs of the moment, so there will be a variety of work activities to choose from. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Workday. After breakfast, the group will begin work. The evenings are free to enjoy life at the Camposino (family farm). Feel free to bring a guitar, a drum, or your singing voice. Play pool with the local children in the area. Celebrate what nature has to offer! (B,L,D)
Day 4: Workday. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Workday: (B,L,D)
Day 6: Excursion day. Today we will go VOLCANO BOARDING! Enjoy a 90 minute hike to Nicaragua's youngest and most active volcano, Cerro Negro! This volcano is one of many along the volcano belt, where you can see several other volcanoes in the distance and from time to time, hear the rumbles. This is an experience not to be missed! That evening we steu in Leon at the Sonati Hostel. (B,D)
Day 7: This morning, we return to the reserve and continue our work. (L,D)
Day 8: Workday. This is the final workday, so this evening you celebrate what you have accomplished with your group. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Today we travel to the historical city of Granada to see the colonial buildings an many things the city offers. For tonight and the next night, we have a special treat: The Monkey Hut at Laguna de Apoyo. The perfect place to relax and unwind, swim and party! (B)
Day 10: Relaxation day. Laguna de Apoyo offers fun activities such as swimming, kayaking, sailing, hiking, or just sun bathing. Enjoy your day of leisure, you deserve it. And you will need to rest up for your final night in Nicaragua. Tonight we party!!! (B)
Day 11: Final day of the tour. Today, your tour leader will help you find your way back to Managua for your flight home, or suggest other fun things to do in Nicaragua if you plan to stick around for a few more days.
* Itinerary subject to minor changes if necessary.
Click here to fill out your booking information. An El Camino VolunTours agent will contact you within 24 hours to confirm your booking.
