Description
Finca Esperanza Verde was founded in 1998 by Sister Communities of San Ramón Nicaragua; a community-based project run by volunteers from North Carolina. The organization’s aim is to have a sustainable and environmentally-friendly farm/reserve. The results can be seen in the solar-powering of the farm, the spring-fed water supply, the organic shade-grown coffee production, and above all a Sustainable Tourism Award received in 2004 by the Smithsonian Magazine.
Finca Esperanza Verde is located 30 kilometers from Matagalpa, at an elevation of 1,200 meters in the mountainous and forested region in the northern part of Nicaragua. Besides a cool climate, great views, and peaceful moments, the farm also offers lodging and many educational and recreational activities.
Visitors can hike the forests of Finca Esperanza Verde and encounter howler monkeys, sloths, butterflies, and more than 150 species of birds. The reserve is a good birding site, and a bird station has recently been installed as well. There are also trails leading to waterfalls and a picnic site. More nature can be absorbed by horseback riding through the reserve. At night, a campfire can be organized. Rental of a truck and driver is also possible.
When it comes to more educational activities, visitors can participate in harvesting, de-pulping, washing and selecting of coffee (December – February). It is also possible to learn how to make tortillas and roast coffee in the traditional Nicaraguan kitchen. Learning about herbal medicine is part the guided tours at Finca Esperanza Verde.
There is a butterfly farm you can visit as well, and it is even possible to receive an introduction to the process and the stages of life of the butterflies.
The entrance fee for day visitors is C$30 (about $1.5) for nationals and US$5 for foreigners.
Getting There
To get there please call the office in San Ramon where transportation can be arranged. You can also take the bus from Matagalpa (at the Guanuca station). Take the bus that passes through the center of San Ramón (15 min.) in the direction of Pancasan/ El Jobo. Get off at Yucul (40 min. from Matagalpa). Prepare for a one hour uphill hike from Yucul to Finca Esperanza Verde (follow the signs along the road).
In your own car, take the road from Matagalpa to San Ramon. After about 10 minutes from Matagalpa you will see signs to San Ramón. Finca Esperanza Verde is 30 minutes from San Ramón on open roads, please be advised to take a 4x4 vehicle. Once in Yucul, turn left off the main road, following the signs toward Finca Esperanza Verde.
Comments
Gerdur wrote on Mar 26, 2008:
I spent one day there with my family and it was .... wonderful doesn't quite get it - just so nice I didn't want the time to pass! Next time I will spend the night there.
Kenneth B. Knight wrote on Apr 23, 2005:
I have been to Finca Esperanza Verde and the village of San Ramon three times. I love it there. The natural beauty is astonishing and the loving attention from the people who host you is beyond compare. At trip to this beautiful place and these beautiful people will add grace to your life.
Susan Wyatt wrote on Apr 21, 2005:
My husband and I had a delightful week last February at FEV. We were most impressed with the friendly and helpful staff, the delicious food, and comfortable accommodations, including the the use of solar-powered energy throughout the farm. The hikes, nature walks to look at the wildlife, singing around the bon fire, picking coffee and learning how to process it, a visit to the local school, and a picnic at a nearby river all added to the magic of this experience. FEV is a pioneer and first-rate example of sustainable tourism.