Albergue Rural Nicaragua Libre

Overview

Description

We are in the Monteverde district in Nicaragua, some 0.3 miles (500 meters) from the entrance to Monteverde (Km 60 ½ on the Granada - Nandaime highway). This is a rural area on the slopes of the Mombacho Volcano.

Visiting us, you will interact directly with the people of the community, becoming familiar with rural Nicaraguan culture and lifestyle.

Some of the main natural attractions of the area are Mombacho Volcano, Zapatera Island, Apoyo Lake, Lagunas de Mecatepe Nature Reserve, and Masaya Volcano. Other destinations are the city of Granada, Lake Cocibolca, and Pueblos Blancos - nearby villages with colonial-style buildings and wicker and pottery crafters, Catarina lookout, the city of Masaya, and more.

Rooms

3

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 30

Percentage of local employees: 100%

The Nicaragua Libre cooperative has 12 members (men and women) and encompasses a total population of 35 people; some of the families are farmers, others combine work in the field with salaried work. Since 2002, the cooperative has been part of the Rural Community-based Tourism Program as an alternative source of income. In addition to its activities that are directly related to attending tourists (lodging, food, guiding, etc.), it offers handicrafts made from natural seeds by a group of young people, and it sells organic coffee. The group continually works to conserve the environment and it conducts reforestation activities every year.

Rates

$25 or less

For more information about the rates, write to turismo@ucatierrayagua.org.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Managua (MGA)

Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 35 miles.

It is easy to get to the Albergue Rural Nicaragua Libre. We are 0.3 miles (500 meters) from the Pan-American Highway. The dirt road is somewhat rocky and we recommend that you do not use small vehicles; during the rainy season, four wheel drive vehicles are preferable.

Additional Information

Additional Web sites

• www.vianica.com/activity/112/visiting-the-rural-nicaragua-libre-community (available in English and Spanish). Visiting the Rural Nicaragua Libre Community. Article published on Vianica.com.
• www.vianica.com/hotels/191/albergue-rural-nicaragua-libre (available in English and Spanish). Article published on Vianica.com.
• zubiakeginez.org/es/projects.php (available in Spanish). Brief summary of the UCA's rural development project - Earth and Water, which was supported by the non-governmental organization Zubiak Eginez.
• www.viajes.sodepaz.tv/index.php?mod=viajes&accion=ver&id=8 (available in Spanish). Brief description of a 22-day trip for solidarity through Nicaragua, featuring responsible rural tourism in the country.

Date This Information Was Provided

February 2009.

Photo courtesy of Albergue Rural Nicaragua Libre, Nicaragua, for SustainableTrip.org.