Description
Currently closed indefinitely - starting from March 18, 2019
Finca Esperanza Verde is located near Matagalpa in the northern mountainous region of Nicaragua. The farm’s high elevation, 4000 ft. makes this nature reserve a cool, green, and tranquil oasis - a paradise for travelers seeking beautiful sunsets, refreshing climate, peaceful moments, delicious food, and many recreational and educational activities. Esperanza Verde is a small organic, shade grown coffee farm.
Finca Esperanza Verde was founded in 1998 by Sister Communities of San Ramón Nicaragua to promote economic development in the region. Since 2013, the farm has new owners, and the cabins have been renovated and built new ones in the same
Esperanza Verde’s vision is to create the perfect balance between the natural environment that exists and the "handmade" elements that we will provide. The 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.
Visitors can hike the forests of Esperanza Verde and encounter howler monkeys, sloths, butterflies, and more than 150 species of birds. The reserve is a good birding site. There are also trails leading to waterfalls and a picnic site. At night, a campfire with campesino music can be organized. 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$50 for nationals and US$6 for foreigners.
Getting There
Take the bus from Matagalpa (at the Guanuca station) that passes through San Ramón (15 minutes) and stops in Yúcul Community. Get off at Yúcul (40 minutes from Matagalpa). Prepare for a one hour uphill hike from Yúcul to Finca Esperanza Verde (follow the signs along the road).
If you travel in your own car, take the road from Matagalpa to San Ramón. 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. Once in Yúcul, turn left off the main road, following the signs toward Finca Esperanza Verde, please be advised to take a 4x4 vehicle during the rainy season. Transportation can be arranged calling the office in San Ramón.
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.