One of the unique experiences you can have in Nicaragua is visiting the surrounding rural communities around Esteli. There are several to choose from. We went to the Natural Reserve of Miraflor which is a large area comprised of multitudes of small villages, cloud forests and farm land. It is easy to arrange to stay with a family and we stayed in 2 different houses. Everything is arranged from the city of Esteli by a non-profit that makes sure the whole community will benefit from the flow of visitors. We get up before dawn to catch the very first bus. It will be bumpy ride! Each time you think that there is no room in the bus for people, and a few more people hop on.
We get there and are greeted by several dogs. That obviously makes some people very happy!
The traditional Nicaraguan breakfast. All homemade. It tastes great!
After breakfast, we go on a first hike through the cloud forest.
Coffee fruit! The beans are inside.
The machete is very popular here.
Our guide, Nelson who is from Miraflor.
Our host for the first night. He is a teacher in the local school.
The following day, we go horseback riding across Miraflor. A lot of locals actually use horses as their main way of transportation. So do as the locals do.
This gentleman was very proud of his horse (he had every right as his horse was gorgeous).
Discussing politics and life near the river.
Our host the second night! She was super active, super smart (she had no problem finding all my games on my iphone).
Lunch the second day! It was delicious and all organic!
Ok a little bit of adventure: we went and bought one of the local sodas. Bright red (it’s called Big Red). First picture is before testing it, Second is after.
Back to nature.
One of the really fun experiences for me was going to visit the grandfather who gave us a quick demo of how to make coffee. He took us to his garden to pick coffee berries and took us through the whole process of cleaning, drying, roasting.
The end result!
Afterwards, we went to visit their garden where they are growing vegetables and fruits for a restaurant in Esteli.
Last diner in Mariflor. So good!
Back to Esteli.
Next up, the mountains of Matagalpa and Jinotega!
