[ click for menu ] El Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve  


a "guayabon" tree


another "chilamate" tree




cliff where the "chocoyos" live

cliff




surroundings













camping area







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FLORA
     El Chocoyero-El Brujo, declared a natural reserve in June of '93, covers an area of roughly 184 ha. in which all types of trees could be found within: towering, very old as well as very wide.

When touring the area, one will find amazing trees. For example, these "chilamate" trees (left, right). There're numerous centenary trees and some of them are as wide as 3 meters. Other trees go as high as 60 meters. Also, many types of flowers and orchids could be found throughout the reserve.


FAUNA
     When visiting the reserve, the one thing you'll see for sure are the "chocoyos". They can easily be found in the cliffs near El Chocoyero waterfall. But, if you've a binocular, it's a big advantage because not only will you be able to see the chocoyos closeup, but there's a better chance to spotting the howler monkeys since they live so high on the trees. Other bird found in the reserve is the "GUARDABARRANCO", the National Bird, and other migratory ones.

This reserve is home to many types of other animals. For instance, wildcats and ant-bears can be found, however, it's very difficult to spot them.
Nocturnal animals can be found as well but in order to see them, you'd have to camp here.


ACTIVITIES
     At El Chocoyero-El Brujo, there're many types of activities visitors can do. One could, and should, take the ecological route through the reserve that first leads to El Brujo and then El Chocoyero. For those who don't want to sweat, they should go directly to El Chocoyero and do some bird-watching and check out the amazing display of thousands of chocoyos flying around and making a lot of noise, especially when it's mating season. At El Chocoyero-El Brujo, not only can you do bird-watching, but you can also do some bat-watching. Obviously, this service is available at night.

In addition, one could go horseback riding and enjoy the reserve without having to sweat so much. Another activity that's pretty cool too is mountain biking.

For those very adventurous people, they can come during the night and go camping. The tour guides could take you to strategic places from where you could observe different types of nocturnal animals. Waking up to the loud, yet pleasant sounds of birds or monkeys, could be an unforgettable experience.

El Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve is an excellent option for those who enjoy nature walks. It could be an educational experience and an unforgettable one.


El Chocoyero-El Brujo Natural Reserve is located in Ticuantepe, Managua, about 30 km from the capital city. From Managua, it's reached by first taking the Carretera a Masaya (Masaya Highway) and at the intersection at the 14-km mark, by making a right-turn. This should take you to Ticuantepe. Once there, get on the road going to "La Concepción" and bid after the 21-km mark, making a right. There's a sign indicating to turn there. From there on, it's such an adventure. One has to walk/drive (I found out that they now a horseback riding and mountain biking service for visitors to get to the reserve; making the access to the reserve a bit easier) 7 km of unpaved road until reaching the place. The route is guided but not at all times, that's when the local "campesinos" could give you a hand. The entry cost is 30 Córdobas ($2).


"ceiba" tree
another "chilamate"




"chocoyos"
xolo.com.ni












cliff








Next:
Laguna de Apoyo
Volcán Masaya
La Máquina
El Chocoyero-El Brujo

Protected Areas
Nicaragua