Nicaragua National Parks and Nature Preserves

Reserva de Biosfera Bosawás

The Bosawas Nature Wildlife Refuge is the largest in all of Central America. It contains thousands of acres of typical rainforests, swamps, mountains forests, and other types of habitats. Until now, not much of it has been really discovered, and access is still a little bit uncertain.

Reserva Biológica Cayos Miskitos

The Miskitus Cays are beautiful pearls situated on front of the North Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. They are famous for white sand, palm trees and clear waters. From Cabo Gracias a Dios until Puerto Cabezas, one can find many hundreds of islets, white sand beaches, coral reefs, lagoons and other all part of the Cayo Miskitos Nature Preserve since 1991.

Laguna de Karatá

The Karata Lagoon is situated in the RAAS Caribbean Region, near Wawashang Preserve. The area is inhabited by the local Miskito population, which have been fishing in the lagoon, the rivers and the ocean for hundreds of years. It is an important ecosystem for fish and other aquatic wildlife species.

Reserva Natural Miraflor

The Miraflor Nature Preserve is situated in the mountains in the north of Nicaragua. Famous for its many cliffs, canyons and steep valleys, its highest peak is at 1450 meters above sea level. The forest here is evergreen. Miraflor is also famous for having a large variety of orquids. Today, only 10 % of the area has been explored, with 150 species found so far but many more to be discovered.

Reserva Natural del la isla de Juan Venado

The island Isla Juan Venado is a sandy island situated in from of the pacific coastal shores of Leon. It is 18 kilometers long and only 300 meters wide. Towards mainland it is bordered by the Las Peñitas estuary and La Garita estuary. There are many water and land creatures that inhabit this curious islands. Also, its mangroves and marine soils are extremely interesting and important, since they are part of the food chain that feeds the rest of the wildlife in the area.

Parque Nacional Volcan Masaya

Masaya, with a height of 635 meters, is situated near Managua, near Granada and other localities. Also, its most active crater, the Santiago, is easy to access. Therefore, and because of its interesting gas activity, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the south of Nicaragua. Its last eruption took place in 2003. Currently, it is a national park.

Reserva Volcan Mombacho

This amazing nature preserve was created in 1983. At a height of 1345 above sea level, it has both cloud forest and also dwarf forest, typical of areas in higher altitudes and more moisture. Nearby you can find Mombacho Volcano, which is said had its last eruption around 1.5 million years ago, creating the Granada Islets.

Archipiélago de Zapatera

Zapatera Islands is situated 20 kms. Southeast from Granada, in front of the Lake Nicaragua Coast and the Ochomogo river delta. Around 5000 people live in the city and its a very important arqueological site. Many objects are being found. Because of the few inhabitants, the nature is well conserved.

Reserva Natural Tisey

The Tisey Nature Preserve is situated in the mountains in the center of Nicaragua. The mountains here are covered with tobacco and or pine trees, typical of the area. Great cuisine is also a distinctive feature of this privileged region. From the top you can observe the Esteli valley. The scenery here is very pretty, with colorful and large farms everywhere.

Refugio La Flor

Famous for the arrival of large groups of different species of sea turtles, La Flora and Ostional are among the most important turtle nesting sites in Central America. Usually, turtles arrive between the months of November and December. Three species are famous for its arrivals and the area therefore is very popular among ecotourism lovers and conservationists.

Selva Negra

Selva Negra is a nature preserve situated at a short distance from Matagalpa and at height of 1450 meters above sea level. Here you can observe the Paradise Bird ( Quetzales ) and also many species of birds, plants, trees and wildlife.

Reserva Natural Cerro Musun

Cerro Musun Nature Preserve at a height of 1438 meters above sea level was once called the mountain of water, by the local natives. Here the visitor can find 8 wells and creeks with extremely clear water and constant water supply, rolling down the mountain from one cascade to another, creating a very humid tropical forest and a perfect habitat for local animal and plant species.

Indio Maiz

Indio Maiz Biological Preserve is one of the most important biological preserves of Nicaragua and Central America. Its large size, rich variety of wildlife and the secluded ness and undiscovered habitats make this a real natural treasure for all man kina. Some species are the jaguar, the white faced peccaries, species of monkeys and many other water and land creatures.

Los Guatuzos

The Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge has many habitats, including swamps, tropical rain and dry forests. It is also a sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds and other animals like the jaguar, reptiles and more. The most interesting areas to visit are the Esperanza Verde wildlife refuge and ecological center.

Reserva de Volcan Maderas

Maderas Volcano is situated in Ometepe Island, next to Concepción Volcano. Although it is extinct, a disastrous landslide affected the north side in the 90`s. It s last activity period occurred 3000 years ago. Its crater is filled with a lagoon.

Reserva de La Maquina

La Maquina Nature Preserve is situated near Carazo city, at only 40 minutes from Managua. Here you can discover trails, creeks, waterfalls and many species of flora and fauna. Many trails make it easy to explore.

Reserva Natural Volcan Cosiguina - El Viejo

Because of its eruption in 1835, Nicaragua first appeared in the Guiness Book of records, since the explosion was the third most potent in all of America. The sound wave went all the way to Colombia, Jamaica and Mexico, while its ashes covered Central America. It is one of Nicaragua’s highlights.

Islotes de Cosiguina

The Islets of Cosiguina were created alter the potent Cosiguina Volcnao eruption in 1853. They are situated in front of the costs of Nicaragua. You can visit them by renting a boat in a nearby fishing village.

Cosiguina Volcano Nature Preserve

Its last eruption occurred in 1835. Its eruption was so potent; the sound wave went all the way to Colombia. It was categorized as the third most potent eruption in America ever to be recorded. It even created the Islets of Cosiguina.

Reserva Privada El Jaguar

El Jaguar private Nature preserve is situated near Jinotega. It used to be a hiding ground for guerrillas in times of war. Nowadays, its forests, habitats and microclimate is convenient for the conservation of many species of birds, plants, trees, insects, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. You can explore it by following trails. A local guide is recommended. Nearby is Laguna de Apanas.

Cantagallo

In the north of Nicaragua is Cantagallo, in the region of Condega. It is a high mountain with different types of vegetation and forests, including cloud forests, rainforests and the typical pine tree forests that are abundant in the northern areas of Nicaragua and Honduras. There bare facilities and services in nearby towns.

Parque Nacional El Chocoyero

At only 30 kilometers from Managua is El Chocoyero Nacional Park. It is a narrow and steep canyon valley, surrounded by high walls and stone cliffs. Creeks and rivers run through the area. There is an evergreen forest with an abundance of wildlife and plants and trees.

Reserva de Cerro Arenal

The Arenal Nature Preserve protects a variety of endangered species of plants, trees and animals. The area is of 1300 acres, and it is situated in a mountainous area near Jinotega. Its highest peak is 1570 meters high. Many types of forests are present in the area.

Reserva de Esperanza Verde

This Eco Lodge situated in Yucul, San Ramon, near La Chispa, at 18 kilometers from Matagalpa is one of the most famous highlights in Nicaragua. The forests and ecosystems surrounding it are very rich in wildlife, plants and animal species alike. Many trails make it easy and safe to explore. Many facilities and services are also available.

Reserva de La Patasta

The mountain El Cerro Tepesomoto, 1700 meters high, is covered by dense forests. Also, from its top you can admire the amazing panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Facilities and services are nearby. You can discover the park area Esther by foot or by horseback.

Reserva de Domitila

Domtilia protects an important extension of tropical dry forest, typical of the Pacific COSAT side of Nicaragua and the western part of Lake Nicaragua. It is situated on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Many species of wildlife inhabit its forests, from monkeys, dears and many species of insects, reptiles and birds. There are trails through which you can explore the area.

Reserva Privada Montibelli

At only 30 kilometers from Managua, Montibelli is a famous nature preserve. It is a private preserve situated near Managua. Its area of 360 acres protects many endangered species of plants and animals. Its climate is regularly fresh.

Reserva Privada La Primavera

La Primavera Farm and Preserve is situated near Rivas. It serves as an example for conservation and cattle ranching. Although only 20 acres in size, it is a well known visit spot for tourists and locals alike.

Reserva Biologica Charco Verde

Between Concepción and Maderas Volcano is Chico Largo. This preservation area protects the lagoon, forests and a beautiful beach called Bancon. The preserve is situated in the land bridge that unifies both volcanoes called Istian. Here you can swim in the water, relax or discover the nature.

Reserva de Wawashang

It is located near the small town of Pueblo Nuevo, which is greatly dependant on agriculture as its source of income and employment. Some of the inhabitants of this area live in settlements on the borders of the Wawashang Nature Reserve, and are being educated on the dangers of deforestation and incorrect agricultural practices.

Rio Escalante

Rio Escalante Nature preserve is among the most important turtle nesting sites in the world. Here three species of sea turtles ( Tortugas Paslama (Lepidochelys olivacea) , Tortuga Tora (Dermochelys coriacea) and other species come to nest. The months of July until January are famous among naturalists, conservationists and eco tourists because they know that an amazing natural spectacle takes place.

Other nature preserves and national parks of Nicaragua are:::

Alamikamaba Natural Reserve
Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve
Apacunca Genetic Reserve
Asososca Lagoon Natural Reserve
Bismuna Raya Lagoon Natural Reserve
Bosawás Biosphere Reserve
Cabo Viejo-Tala-Sulamas Natural Reserve
Cayos Miskitos Biological Reserve
Cerro Apante Natural Reserve
Cerro Arenal Natural Reserve
Cerro Banacruz Natural Reserve
Cerro Cola Blanca Natural Reserve
Cerro Cumaica-Cerro Alegre Natural Reserve
Cerro Guabule Natural Reserve
Cerro Kilambé Natural Reserve
Cerro Mombachito - La Vieja Natural Reserve
Cerro Musún Natural Reserve
Cerro Pancasan Natural Reserve
Cerro Quiabuc-Las Brisas Natural Reserve
Cerro Silva Natural Reserve
Cerro Wawashang Natural Reserve
Chacocente Wildlife Refuge
Chiltepe Peninsula Natural Reserve
Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve
Cordillera de Yolaina Natural Reserve
Coordillera Dipilto and Jalapa Natural Reserve
Cosigüina Volcano Natural Reserve
El Arenal Natural Reserve
Estero Padre Ramos Natural Reserve
Estero Real Natural Reserve
Fila Masigüe Natural Reserve
Hurricane Mitch Victims National Monument
Indio Maíz Biological Reserve
Juan Venado Island Natural Reserve
Kligna Natural Reserve
Kukalaya Lagoon Natural Reserve
La Inmaculada Fort Historical Site
La Máquina Natural Reserve
Layasika Lagoon Natural Reserve
Limbaika Natural Reserve
Llanos de Apacunca Genetic Reserve
Llanos de Karawala Natural Reserve
Llanos de Makantaka Natural Reserve
Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge
Macizos de Peñas Blancas Natural Reserve
Maderas Volcano Natural Reserve
Makantaka Natural Reserve
Mesas de Moropotente Natural Reserve
Masaya Volcano National Park
Mecatepe Lagoon Natural Reserve
Miraflor Natural Reserve
Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve
Nejapa Lagoon Natural Reserve
Pahara Lagoon Natural Reserve
Punta Gorda Natural Reserve
Río Manares Natural Reserve
Río San Juan Wildlife Refugee
Salto Río Yasika Natural Reserve
Selva Negra Cloud Forest Reserve
Sierra Amerrisique Natural Reserve
Sierra Quirragua Natural Reserve
Solentiname National Monument
Somoto Canyon National Monument
Tepesomoto-Pataste Natural Reserve
Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve
Tisey Estanzuela Natural Reserve
Tisma Lagoon Natural Reserve
Volcán Maderas Natural Reserve
Volcán Telica Rota Natural Reserve
Volcán Pilas El Hoyo Natural Reserve
Volcán San Cristóbal Natural Reserve
Volcán San Cristóbal-Casita Natural Reserve
Volcán Yali Natural Reserve
Yolaina Natural Reserve
Yucul Genetic Reserve
Yulu Natural Reserve
Yulu Karata Natural Reserve
Zapatera Archipelago National Park