As tourism increases in Jiquilillo our ultimate goal is to create alternative sustainable income for local families by providing you with community powered excursions and activities where all proceeds stay in the hands of the tour guides.

Surfing

Heading out for offshore surfing

Waves at Playa Jiquilillo are fun for all, from beginner to advanced. We rent surf boards and provide surf lessons with either Nate the owner or with Jairo, a local fisherman and surfer.
For more advanced surfers looking for bigger swells off the coast we can arrange for transportation with a local fisherman. There are two breaks; a river mouth break off the point of Padre Ramos and an offshore reef break.

If you want to check out the surf report before you head down, a good surf site: magicseaweed.com

Kayaking


Kayaking on Estuary Padre Ramos

Ibis Kayaking offers guided kayaking trips in the Padre Ramos Estuary and Nature Reserve. Kayak in the mangroves, along the beaches, and through the communities, guided by local and bilingual guides. Ibis’ tours focus on fun and relaxation, as well as the birds, fish, mangroves, and sea turtles. No experience is required. www.IbisKayaking.com

Boat Tours

Eddy Maradiaga leads a boat tour.

Boat tours are lead by Eddy Maradiaga, the prior community leader of Padre Ramos and a university student studying eco-tourism and English at UNAN in Leon. Eddy is a fantastic resource for the local flora and fauna of the area and has received recognition for his projects in conservation from the Earth Island Institute. Several tour options exist including winding through the mangroves to heading out to the Gulf of Fonseca.
Tours available in Spanish only.

Hiking trips to Volcano Cosigüina


Hiking up Volcano Cosigüina to the breath taking views and the majestic crater lake.

You have two choices to explore the volcano and view it’s majestic turquoise crater lake. One option is to hire our Spanish speaking guide Eddy who will arrange transportation to and from the volcano entering from the town of Cosigünia. The second option involves taking the local bus and spending the night at Brisas de Gulfo, a local family run hotel in Potosi. Rafael, the hotel owner, can arrange for you to hike with local guides.

Horse back riding


We use two different farms owned by Don Juan and Don Guerrmo who supply you with horses. All horse rentals are unguided giving you freedom to explore the beach and nearby communities at your leisure. Horses can be rented by the hour.

Cultural Excursions


As of January 2010, we have been barinstorming how to promote tourism for the local community members and some new activites are in the making. Below are the latest cultural excursions available. These excursions are led by local women and young adults and are used as a way to share a bit of their culture and traditions with travelers passing through this area.

Learning the ways of homemade tortillas.

 

Led by our neighbor, Chepita, you will be invited into her home and learn how to transform corn kernels into steaming hot tortillas. Once finished enjoy your creation as a tasty snack with cheese and sour cream, pure Nica style!

 

Victoria showing off her catch during the crabbing tour in the mangroves.

 

 

Led by vetran kids club member Jackson who will take you through the farmlands and into the mud flats within the mangroves of Estuary Padre Ramos. Learn how to scramble through the forest of walking trees and dig shoulder deep in mud without being pinched by crabs. Afterwards you can enjoy your treats as a "sopa tipica" made by Jackson's grandmother.

 

Doña Francisca leads our Community Tour.

 

 

 

Led by health promoter Doña Francisca Davila, the community tour will take you through the streets of Jiquilillo to discover the lifestyles of the local people.