Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve

Located in south east Nicaragua, the Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve covers almost 3,200 sq kms, making it one of the largest nature reserves in Central America.

Almost entirely flat and covered in lowland jungle, the Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve boasts incredible biodiversity, with a greater number of species of trees, birds and insects than the entire European continent.

In terms of fauna, Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve is home to 65 species of mammals, 221 species of bird, 55 species of reptiles, 34 species of amphibians and 149 species of insects.

Mammals found in the reserve include jaguars, pumas, sloths, racoons and armadillos as well as several species of monkey including howler, spider and white-headed capuchin.

Notable reptiles include crocodiles, turtles, snakes, iguanas and frogs while the Rio San Juan, which runs along the southern edge of the reserve (with Costa Rica to the south) is even home to the world’s last remaining freshwater sharks.

Birdlife within the Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve is also both plentiful and varied and includes scarlet macaws, harpy eagle, three-wattled bellbird, great curassow and royal flycatcher.

Some 70% of the reserve also forms the ancestral territory of the indigenous Rama, as well as more recent arrivals, the African-descended Kriol.

Getting to Indio Maiz

Getting to the reserve certainly isn’t easy but then that is part-and-parcel of the sense of adventure and general appeal of visiting the region which still receives very few visitors.

With domestic flights to the region still suspended, it’s therefore a good 5 hour drive from Managua or Granada south to San Carlos and, from there, a 2 ½ hour boat ride along the Rio San Juan.

Where To Stay at Indio Maiz

Despite its huge eco-tourism potential, the reserve and its surroundings remains hugely underdeveloped in terms of tourist infrastructure including accommodation. This is not Costa Rica with its plethora of luxury lodges.

The nearest accommodation to the reserve is Guacimo Lodge which is located on the buffer zone just outside the reserve. This well run property offers comfortable but very natural accommodation as well as a wide number of tours and activities that can be booked in advance or in situ.

Accommodation is also available in the nearby riverside town of El Castillo at Hotel Victoria and Hotel Luna del Rio.

Itineraries

Beyond The Ordinary specialize in independent, tailor made holidays to Nicaragua including the Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve & Rio San Juan.

Due to the travelling time involved getting both there and back, we would recommend staying a minimum of 3 nights in the area.

A stay here can easily be combined with visits to Nicaragua’s other, numerous natural highlights, the colonial towns of Leon & Granada and its wonderful beaches.

For ideas and inspiration, please either check out our sample Itineraries, give us a call or drop us an email.