Volunteer in Nicaragua – The Land of Lakes & Volcanoes
Locating between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Nicaragua is known as the Land of Lakes & Volcanoes. It’s a heaven for nature lovers and mountain enthusiasts. You can hike, camp, and even board down the active volcanoes here. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and check out the colonial architecture that will throw you back in time. Our partner organization, Puentes de Esperanza, is excited to welcome the Mudita team to Jiquilillo for the first time and make sure our volunteering in Nicaragua will be fun and supportive. Let’s see what we’ve got waiting for you!
Nicaragua route 2020
ABOUT THE PROJECT – WHAT’S VOLUNTEERING IN NICARAGUA LIKE?
Mudita Adventures is collaborating with Puentes de Esperanza, a non-profit organization that provides the tools and support necessary to empower low-income communities through education. They have been working with many volunteers in Nicaragua and within the Jiquilillo community for over 14 years. Their team has an established an ongoing relationship with the local teachers, parents, and students, as well as the director of the school, and the Ministry of Education.
They run a number of projects that focus on education, including school sponsorships, an after-school program, tutoring and homework help, community guide training, English classes, school support and assistance, capacity-building workshops, and local business development assistance.
Puentes de Esperanza is both underfunded and under-resourced. Classes at both schools are overcrowded. At the primary school, over 60 children in two different grades are often taught in one classroom and under the guidance of one teacher. We want to offer the teachers materials and supplies they need to provide a productive learning environment. So on this project, we will be working at the primary school to replace desks and chairs and build a playground so the children have a safe and fun place to play during recess. All our infrastructure projects are conducted and carried out with local, skilled labor, under the supervision of local foremen and ourselves. Join the team and come volunteer in Nicaragua with us!
Kids Club getting ready to wash their hands as part of Health and Hygiene Week.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
VOLCANO BOARDING
Now that your volunteering in Nicaragua is done – it’s time for a legitimate adventure starting with the nation’s biggest claim to fame, volcano boarding! Yup, you heard that right. About 50-minute drive from Leon, we will be boarding (sitting on a board and whizzing down) a live volcano, Cerro Negro. It is still active but has not erupted since 1999 and on monitor regularly. Suit up and enjoy the black ash, fast speeds, and the whole mountain view for yourself. You can surf down this 728 high volcano in 3 minutes depending on how fast you go.
Volcano Boarding
HIKE THE ACTIVE MOMBACHO VOLCANO
Upon arrival in the beautiful colonial town of Grenada, we will spend the afternoon eating local food and exploring all the nooks and crannies that Granada has on offer. The game plan here is a 6-hour hike up and down the Mombacho volcano. Our guide will take the team through various viewpoints, walking through a dense cloud forest. There are so much wildlife and greenery, sloths, crazy luminous green frogs, and beautiful landscapes. Those hiking hours will be over in no time.
Scenery of the Mombacho
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
ESCAPE TO ISLA DE OMETEPE
Isla De Ometepe is an ancient volcanic island formed by two twin volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua and an absolute must-see. After the ferry we’ll settle in after lunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, bike rental is available and away you go! Whether you got a buddy for the day or by yourself, you can enjoy recreational activities like a short volcano hike, waterfall hunting or even kayaking. This place is the paradise for either a super chill day to recover or for those who are looking for something a little more exciting!
Concepcion Volcano on Ometepe Island
And that’s how we are going to give back while traveling! The project has started and is monitored by our proud local partner. Let’s volunteer in Nicaragua together to bring smiles and quality education to the children of Jiquilillo. Get your adventure gears ready and we will see you in Nicaragua!
