Selva Negra Ecolodge and Coffee Estate

Overview

Description

Selva Negra is a working coffee farm and ecolodge located north of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Protecting more than 247 acres (100 hectares) of pre-montane rain and cloud forests, (part of the 1,500-hectare Cerro Arenal Natural Reserve), Selva Negra maintains more than 12 miles (20 km) of hiking trails through the reserve. Most of the forest lies between 4,265 and 4,920 feet (1,300 and 1,500 meters). The property is situated along the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic lowlands - because of this unique location, the bird community represents a mix of both Pacific and Atlantic-slope bird species, as well as mountain species whose ranges extend south from Mexico.

Selva Negra is a model in sustainability and organic living. It produces more than 80% of the foods consumed both at the farm and the ecolodge restaurant through organic and sustainable growing practices. The ecolodge and farm host conferences and classes to teach sustainable and diversified living practices. Located in Nicaragua’s Ruta de Café, you will find a coffee museum with historical artifacts of the European settlers that starting exporting coffee in Nicaragua. An intensive coffee tour will teach you about the entire process from bean to cup.

Rooms

50

Making a Difference

Number of employees: ~20

Percentage of local employees: 99%

Selva Negra’s commitment to the environment and the local community is one of its primary missions. Here are just a few of our sustainable initiatives.

Ecolodge:

• Grow and serve organic meat, fruits, and vegetables.
• Utilize hydro power and solar energy.
• Landscape with native plants and "green" roofs.

Coffee estate and farm:

• Produce Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee.
• Raise grass-fed beef and free-range pigs.
• Make organic fertilizers, weed, and pest controls.
• Produce 7 million pounds of compost each year.

Forest reserve:

• Prohibit hunting, burning, and collecting firewood.
• Offer tours and nature education for our guests.

Community:

• Hire 95% of staff from the local community.
• Support workers with on-site school, library, and clinic.
• Showcase and sell local crafts and artwork.

Rates

$26 – $50

For more information about rates, please visit:

• selvanegra.com/en/l_pricing.html (available in English, German and Spanish).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Managua (MGA).

Travel time to nearest airport: 2 hours.

Selva Negra can easily be reached with any vehicle and is accessible year-round. Public transportation may be taken to the entrance of the property and after a two-mile walk into the property, you will reach the lodge.

Additional Information

Additional Web sites

• www.vianica.com/hotels/54/selva-negra-resort-de-montana (available in English and Spanish). A profile of Selva Negra available on Vianica.com.

Date This Information Was Provided

September 2010.

Photos courtesy of Selva Negra Ecolodge and Coffee Estate, Nicaragua, for SustainableTrip.org.