Description
La Máquina encompasses 13 hectares of tropical dry forest, plus 15 hectares with forest plantations that include tree species like mahogany and cedar, and 60 more hectares of regenerating forest. This last area is part of the reserve’s reforestation program. Animals that can be seen include birds, small mammals, lizards, snakes, and other animals common to tropical dry forest. The reserve also houses some huge, ancient trees that are a spectacle for the eye.
The reserve offers a wide variety of possibilities to its visitors. First of all, the reserve offers several trails of varying length and difficulty. One of them leads to an ancient rock cliff that tells the geological history of the site. Another one reaches a beautiful viewpoint that provides some excellent views of the surrounding area. Other trails guide visitors through the large tropical dry forest.
Yet there are more natural attractions at La Máquina. A beautiful waterfall is located right at the entrance of the reserve. The river that supplies water for this cascade runs for two kilometers through the reserve, humidifying the area even during the dry season. There is also a simple restaurant located right at the entrance, great for grabbing a bite and enjoying nature.
Furthermore, cultural events are organized at the reserve on Sunday. Folkloric dances and performances tell the famous story of El Güegüense, which is a famous, internationally recognized play depicting indigenous resistance against the Spanish colonizers.
Getting There
The reserve is located less than 60 kilometers away from Managua, in the department of Carazo. It is easily reachable by road. To get there, take the road from Diriamba that leads to the beach towns of La Boquita and Casares. La Máquina is located halfway down this paved road. The entrance is to the right, and there is a large sign at kilometer point 58½. It takes about 15 minutes from Diriamba to reach the reserve. There are also buses that connect Diriamba and the beach towns, which can also be used to reach the reserve.
Comments
JAIME GUERRA wrote on Oct 2, 2015:
Saludos, soy Jaime Guerra, Asesor tecnico de La Reserva Ecologica La Makina. La Resserva La Makina esta abierta al publico todos los dias de la semana a partir de las 10:00am hasta las 4::00pm. Hay horarios especiales para acomodar grupos incluyendo estudiantes, y grupos de interes especifico (investigativo, religioso, yoga, meditacion, etc).
La cuota ambiental de ingreso a la Reserva La Makina para los meses de Mayo hasta Noviembre es de c$100 por persona. Menores de 10 años no pagan.
PAQUETES Y OFERTAS: La Makina ofrece una variedad de paquetes a grupos de visitantes, los cuales incluyen senderismo, paseo a caballo, capacitaciones en diversos temas incluyendo Acuaponia Sostenible, temas de Medio-ambiente, permacultura, acuicultura y Seguridad Alimentaria, entre otros. Les invite a visitor nuestra Reserva y compartir nuestro paraiso "Pulmon de Carazo". Comuniquense conmigo para cualquier informacion. Gracias: Jaimeguerra54@yahoo.com
wrote on Aug 11, 2014:
Se mantiene el altar de Las Mariposas?
Jaime Guerra wrote on Aug 31, 2013:
Hello my name is Jaime Guerra. I am an Aquaponic Consultant and designer of TheGreenMachine Integrated Aquaponic Project located at La Makina Private Preserve in Nicaragua. The GreenMachine is currently the largest Aquaponic Project in Nicaragua, and I hope you take time to visit the Preserve and also enjoy a guided tour through the GreenMachine. I appreciate your comments regarding La Makina. The Preserve is open to the public from Tue - Sunday (9:00am - 5pm). Entry fee is c$50 / per. (fifty Cordobas per person) . La Makina and the GreenMachine Integrated Aquaponic Project offers aquaponic training to school groups, university students, and other special interest groups. Feel free to send your inquires directly to me at jaimeguerra54@yahoo.com Please visit us at Face Book pages Aquaponic On-Site Training for Communities
cristopher ponce wrote on Apr 3, 2013:
necesito saber el costo de entrada del lugar que si se puede llevar comida
SCARLETH wrote on Feb 16, 2013:
necesito saver cual es la direccion de este centro turistico
Sandra wrote on Oct 9, 2012:
Hola, buenas tardes, les escribo de parte de un colegio de Managua, quisiéramos ponernos en contacto con ustedes porque nos interesa realizar un paseo a sus instalaciones, responda a este comentario por favor, ya que no he encontrado numero de teléfono o un correo para contactarlos, gracias.
Sandra wrote on Oct 9, 2012:
Hola, buenas tardes, les escribo de parte de un colegio de Managua, quisiéramos ponernos en contacto con ustedes porque nos interesa realizar un paseo a sus instalaciones, responda a este comentario por favor, ya que no he encontrado numero de teléfono o un correo para contactarlos, gracias.
starleth wrote on Jun 7, 2012:
hola me llamo starleth estoy interesada en ir a este lugar el domingo con mi novio quiero saber si aqui hay lugar donde quedarse a dormir hay algun cuarto a algo parecido estos son mis numeros 86531745 claro
86751276 es mi movistar estare muy feliz si me escriben o me llaman para mas informacion gracias
www.vianica.com wrote on Jun 5, 2011:
En.. Smashing :)
www.vianica.com wrote on Jun 4, 2011:
En.. Reposted it :)
www.vianica.com wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
En.. OMG! :)
www.vianica.com wrote on Jun 2, 2011:
En.. Dandy :)
ana salamanca wrote on May 12, 2011:
hola soy ana soy biologa e tenido la oprtunidad de estar en esta reserva en multiples ocaciones es una opcion muy bella y gratificante para hacer ecoturismo en nicaragua y diriamba carazo`felicito a la prppietaria doña berenice marañao por su labor en pro de la conservacion de la naturaleza,CUIDEMOS NUESTROS VALIOSOS RECURSOS NATURALES
HASTA PRONTO
www.vianica.com wrote on May 7, 2011:
En.. Smashing :)
cesar wrote on Dec 3, 2010:
quiero saber cuanto es el valor para entrar a ese lugar y a que hora abren
Carlos Mondragon wrote on Nov 11, 2010:
I've had the chance to vist this reserve three times. The last one was in winter and I had a wonderful view of the roaring waterfall, the steep cliff and the lush greenery. I almost accidentally stepped on a green vine snake while hiking deep into the forest.
You can check my shots at my blog:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/cmondragon/3/tpod.html
cynthia thomas wrote on May 26, 2010:
how much is the entry fee?
Beth wrote on Sep 3, 2006:
We loved La Máquina. On a hot day in the dry season, there were still several lovely cascades to play under. The food was also good, though we spoiled our appetites with ice cream and soda. We highly recommend it. Yes, the highway from Diriamba should be on the Public Works List for renovation, but if you dodge the potholes (or go with a driver who can do it for you), it's worth the effort.