Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a tropical country and the "heart" of Central America. It has the region's largest variety of landscapes and natural diversity. Besides active volcanoes, big lakes and rivers there are Caribbean islands and the paradise beaches of the Pacific Coast. - a surfer's heaven. Nicaragua has Central America's largest natural parks with a unique fauna and flora. 

Despite of the widely spread poverty, Nicaragua has a diverse cultural life. Music, dance, poetry and naive sociocritical painting play an important part in everyday life. The combination of Spanish-colonial and Indian heritage is visible in architecture, traditions and daily life.  

But besides this, it is particularly the charm, the authenticity and the hospitality of the Nicaraguans who call themselves 'Nicas', which make this country so special and adorable.

Politically, Nicaragua has been quiet for more than 20 years and it has the reputation to be one of the safest countries in Latin America.

Several airlines fly from the US and Europe to the capital Managua, either directly or with one stopover.

Languages spoken are Spanish (in the whole country) and English (at the Caribbean coast). In rural areas Indian languages are additionally spoken.

We offer Spanish language course (single or group lessons), either as the sole reason for your stay in Nicaragua or in combination with volunteering work or holidays.

At the moment, we focus on the city of León for our volunteering options.

León

León (175.000 inhabitants) is an old Spanish colonial city.  The placid town is at a distance of around 90 km from the capital Managua with its international airport. The paradise beaches of the Pacific coast are only 15 km away.

The city has a special atmosphere which makes one think of its wealthy past. Today León is a centre for the peanuts and sugar cane industry. For a long time however the university city has also been the country's intellectual hub. Particularly during the university terms, the city if full of young people and has a vivid student life. Tourism is not yet developed a lot, but is constantly growing.

Problems of the country that volunteers will be facing are the lack of development, poverty, high unemployment and insufficient educational, medical and social systems, particularly in the rural areas. Many rural Nicas are migrating to the cities or leaving the country altogether. Around 20% of all Nicaraguans are living outside their own country.

Accommodation in León

Accommodation in León will typically be with a host family who will provide breakfast and dinner. You will have your own single room. 

Entertainment in and around León

The beaches of the Pacific coast are only 15-20 km away. Within the distance of a day trip you can also visit natural parks with crater lakes or mangrove lagoons where boat trips are possible. You will see many birds and alligators. 

Hiking to the top of the volcanoes Momotombo, Momotombito and Cerro Negro are an exciting thing to do. On Cerro Negro you can even slide down the ashes on a snowboard. There are several small towns around León where you can visit colonial or Indian ruins and see  local handcraft production sites.

Throughout the year there are many festivals which often have religious reasons. Due to the student life León has many bars, restaurants, live music and nightclubs.