Community powered excursions, activites and classes

Surfing

Waves at Playa Jiquilillo are fun for all, from beginner to advanced. We rent surf boards and provide surf lessons via our Surf Camp & Club.

As surfing becomes popular in Jiquilillo, we are working directly with local fishermen to provide boat ferries to offshore breaks and nearby beaches such as Boom Wavos located in Asseradores and the off shore point break on Isla Asseradores.

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

Kayaking

Ibis Kayaking, owned and operated by biologist Jennifer Shulzitski, and located in Padre Ramos leads kayaking trips throughout the mangrove lined estuary. The tours are guided by Jennifer and local fisherman David, who are both very knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna within the estuary. Tours are available in both Spanish and English. www.ibiskayaking.com

Boat tours

Boat tours are lead by two local groups: a local cooperative called Padre Ramos Tours and Carlos Hernandez and his family. The cooperative consists of seven local guides who are all fantastic resources for the local flora and fauna of the area. Several tour options exist including winding through the mangroves to heading out to the Gulf of Fonseca. Tours available in Spanish only.

Carlos Hernandez also offers boat tours that include sports fishing and mangrove trips. If you are interested in site seeing and sports fishing with less informative discussion, this may be your cheaper option.

Hiking trips to Volcano Cosigüina

You have two choices to explore the volcano and view it's majestic turquoise crater lake. One option is to use the local tourism cooperative 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 horses supplied by Carlos Hernandez. Horse rentals are available, giving you freedom to explore the beach and nearby communities at your leisure. Horses can be rented by the hour with a Spanish speaking guide.

Cultural excursions

Our mission at Rancho Esperanza is to help provide work opportunities for the local community through the growing tourism economy. Rancho Esperanza works to train local guides and now offers the following cultural excursions and classes. Proceeds go directly to your guide, you can rest easy knowing that your participation goes directly to the local people. 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.

Tortilla making

Led by our neighbor Doña Chapita, you will be invited into her home and learn how to transform corn kernels into steaming hot tortillas. Once finished enjoy your creation with a tasty snack of tortillas and cheese, Nica style.

Crabbing

Led by veteran Kids Club member Jackson, age seventeen, you will take a walk through the farmland and into the mud flats located within the mangroves. Learn how to scramble through the forest and dig shoulder deep in mud without being pinched by crabs. Your catch can be gifted to Jackson's family or made into a "sopa tipica".

Community tour

Led by health promoter Doña Francisca Davila you will have the opportunity to meet Francisca's family and visit her home. The community tour will take you through the streets of Jiquilillo to discover the lifestyles of the local people. This will include exploring the school, learning more of the local industries including fishing and farming.

Hand-line fishing

Led by veteran Kids Club member, seventeen year old Ricardo Antonio will teach you how to hand-line fish in the shallow waters on the beach. Learn how to bait the hook, throw the line, entice the fish with your bait, and reel it in. Take your catch home for dinner or gift it to a local family.

Coconut tree climbing

Led by veteran Kids Club member nineteen year old Juan "Pancho" Escalante will teach you to climb a coconut tree like a local pro. You will not only learn to climb and pick your fresh coconut, but also learn to dehusk the coconut and have the option of turning it into a "coco loco" which is accompanied by a shot of Flor de Caña rum.