Wildlife

Nicaragua is known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”, but why? Simply, it has 24 volcanoes and everywhere lakes, rivers and lagons that makes Nicaragua a paradise for nature!

Did you know that only in the country you can navigate through rivers and lakes from one coast to the other? During this trip you can find a wide variety of flora and fauna making the country a tremendous ecological paradise offering more than 70 unique eco-systems and offering 7% of the world´s bio-diversity. That is why the country is called: “The second lung of the Americas”.

With 24 volcanoes and countless lakes, rivers, and lagoons, Nicaragua is known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.”

Only in Nicaragua can you navigate through rivers and lakes from the Caribbean to the Pacific, because here the waters of the Río San Juan meet Lake Nicaragua. With a wide assortment of landscapes and habitats that allow for many different types of vegetation and animal species to flourish, Nicaragua is proud of its tremendous ecological diversity offering more than 70 unique eco-systems. In Nicaragua you will discover 7% of the world’s bio-diversity and learn why Nicaragua is considered “the second lung of the Americas.”

Nicaragua also has a number of other ecologically rich areas including swamps, waterways, lakes, lagoons and beaches. Migrating birds often visit these areas and large numbers, making Nicaragua a perfect spot for bird watching. Such prime spots include the swamps at Cosiguina Volcano, as well as the Rio Istián Estuary on Ometepe Island. Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake within Central America that not only houses the beautiful island of Ometepe, but also Solentiname, an archipelago of islands.

Due to the diverse ecological regions, a multitude of bird species can be found throughout Nicaragua. More than 700 species exist within the country; some permanently within the country while others are seasonal, escaping the winter blast. Though the countryside offers some of the better birding opportunities, such feathered friends as the hummingbirds and motmot can be spotted throughout the urban cities. With all shapes and sizes, Nicaragua is a birder watchers haven.

Another main attraction are the sea turtles that despite their population has decreased a lot, many still use the coasts of Nicaragua to nest. See the turtles spawning and even more, the little turtles heading to the sea is a spectacular experience!