12 Most Sustainable Eco-Lodges in Nicaragua
Nicaragua offers breathtaking landscapes, from volcanic peaks to golden beaches and pristine lakes. Its rich culinary scene blends Spanish, Mesoamerican, Caribbean, and African influences, making it a foodie’s paradise. Unlike crowded tourist hotspots, Nicaragua remains an off-the-beaten-path gem.
For eco-conscious travelers, the country is embracing sustainability, with eco lodges leading the way in responsible tourism. Stay in an eco-lodges and experience Nicaragua while preserving its natural beauty.
What are eco-lodges?
Eco-lodges are accommodations in undisturbed, remote natural areas where both construction and operation have the lowest impact possible on the environment. They are not only part of the local community, but they are active participants in protecting nature and culturally sensitive areas.
Nicaraguan Eco-Lodges
Here is a map to see where these eco-lodges are located:
Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge
Head to San Juan del Sur, and you’ll find Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge, an adorable little eco-hotel that lies just a stone’s throw from Playa Ocotal. Here, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing sea breeze and views that could put even Michelangelo to shame.
Aside from impressive hospitality, Morgan’s Rock is a private property reserve, so honeymooners and travelers seeking privacy will find solace in its embrace. Morgan’s Rock also has a spa and yoga retreat, perfect for exhausted dwellers. The lodge was designed with sustainability in mind, so you can rest here without any worries. Morgan’s Rock also supports local and indigenous artisans.
Jicaro Island Ecolodge
If you’re seeking a destination that brings you the best of Nicaragua but minus the crowd, head to Jicaro Island Ecolodge, where privacy, solace, and comfort come knocking at your door. Jicaro Island Ecolodge contains just nine casitas, all situated a short distance from each other, so guests can explore without having to run into each other. Of course, they’re all lined with the coziest furniture and the most comfortable bedding.
Jicaro Island Ecolodge was constructed sustainably; it utilized timber reclaimed from trees blown down by Hurricane Felix and uses wastewater treatment. It also conserves electricity usage. That’s not all; Jicaro Island Ecolodge is also involved with multiple sustainable food projects and constantly supports community programs to pursue sustainability.
Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa
Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa is a Caribbean retreat on Little Corn Island, allowing guests to explore the best of Nicaragua. Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa is perfect for sea and adventure lovers; the ecolodge offers multiple tourist activities, including but not limited to surfing, fishing, paddle boarding, and exploring the island’s gorgeous reefs.
You’ll also find a lovely spa ready to wash all your worries away with just the touch of a hand. The hotel offers multiple rooms designed to mimic the surroundings, creating the perfect ambiance.
Yemaya Reefs also offers the Roam and Wild, a gorgeous boutique retreat located just at the doorstep of the ocean. Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa and Roam and Wild are eco-conscious, dabbling in multiple activities to preserve and conserve the environment.
TreeCasa Resort
You won’t find a destination that’s more committed to giving back to Mother Nature than TreeCasa Resort. TreeCasa Resort not only collaborates with the Ellen McArthur Foundation, which is dedicated to a healthy and circular economy, but it also signed the UN’s Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. In brief, the resort is actively working to rehabilitate the environment and provide a sustainable experience.
Here, you’ll find a collection of suites, all uniquely designed to suit the needs of the guests. From elaborate master suites to unique canopy suites and family rooms, this eco-resort is perfect for people seeking a friendly destination. There’s also an extensive spa and wellness retreat, themed food nights, onsite eateries, and even hotel-guided tours and excursions.
Selva Negra Mountain Resort
A gorgeous little retreat tucked between the foothills of Matagalpa’s mountains, Selva Negra Mountain Resort is Nicaragua’s promise of heaven. Functioning as a full-service organic farm and eco-lodge, Selva Negra makes it possible to stay in a place as beautiful as the mountains without a moment’s worry about mother nature’s health.
Here, you’ll find top-notch service and hospitality that will keep you smiling for days. Offering a mix of independent bungalows, hotel-style rooms, and even a youth hostel, Selva Negra ensures it appeals to every type of traveler. Selva Negra isn’t only affordable; it’s pretty adorable too. The resort has a bird-friendly coffee farm, which isn’t the only way it’s sustainable. Ultimately, it’s the best choice for travelers seeking warmth and comfort.
Los Cardones Ecolodge
In 2000, a couple set out to discover their purpose in life. After settling in San Diego, Nicaragua, the couple ended up falling in love with the destination and embarked on a lifelong mission to share their passion with the rest of the world. Thus came the Los Cardones Ecolodge, crafted out of love and irreplaceable respect for the earth.
Los Cardones, though set in the ruggedness close to the shore, is an ideal destination for families and solo travelers. It provides multiple accommodation options, including bungalows, lodgings, hotel-style rooms and suites, and even house rentals. Its surfing program attracts all adventure seekers, while a yoga and massage center allows them to cool off after a wild ride.
Rancho Santana
Perhaps one of the most versatile resorts, Rancho Santana isn’t just a singular destination; it offers a collection of unique and eco-conscious retreats and resorts, all sprawled across the 2700 acres of the Emerald Coast. You can stay in one of many Rancho Santana accommodations: ocean-view homes, the Inn, multiple residences, villas, and garden-view casitas.
There’s something to choose from for every nature lover, but you’ll love the seasonal activities catered to give every guest a memorable experience. Rancho Santana’s farm-to-table dining and unique culinary experiences bring every guest back to the good old days; there’s a stunning spa, too. But don’t worry about the environment; Rancho Santana is committed to sustainability in unimaginable ways.
Eden on the Chocolata
Another gem located in San Juan del Sur, Eden on the Chocolata, has a fun name and lives up to it. Eden on the Chocolata is a three-star hotel, but it’s slowly making its way to the top. Eden on the Chocolata offers a variety of excellent amenities, including free parking and shuttle services, complimentary WiFi, housekeeping, and complimentary breakfast. It also has an outdoor fitness center and a swimming pool that overlooks the ocean.
Eden on the Chocolata is also purely vegetarian, so tourists who usually can’t find an accommodating eatery can finally enjoy three-course dinners to their heart’s delight. From surf and beach trips to yoga retreats and Granada tours, Eden on the Chocolata has everything plus eco-consciousness!
Costa Dulce Retreat
Costa Dulce Retreat is one of the only resorts that planned every step and planted every brick with sustainability in mind. Constructed with local and regenerative building materials, Costa Dulce Retreat promises a stay embedded with love and care. Costa Dulce Retreat uses wind energy, reducing its and its guests’ carbon footprint to a dramatic degree. Costa Dulce Retreat recycles grey water, waters its garden, and caters to every diet and lifestyle.
Here, you’ll also meet lovely staff members, all eager to help you out. A holistic wellness retreat, yoga program, spa, and surf program are all available for tourists. It’s also open for long-term rentals.
Surfing Turtle Lodge
Imagine staying at a destination that’s earned the respect of media companies like Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, and National Geographic. That’s what you’re getting at the Surfing Turtle Lodge, where a night’s stay becomes one of your best experiences.
Surfing Turtle Lodge, as its name suggests, has a turtle hatchery, allowing tourists to explore and learn about the life of these beautiful marine creatures. The hatchery isn’t just open all the time; you’ll have to join detailed and guided tours to ensure you don’t harm the turtles, but the effort is worth the view. Surfing Turtle Lodge’s hatchery is also one of many reasons the lodge is eco-friendly. Aside from its eco-friendly efforts, the lodge consistently impresses tourists with its comfortable amenities and facilities.
Isleta El Espino Ecolodge
Isleta El Espino Ecolodge lies just off the coast of Granada, offering the perfect mix of seclusion and relaxation. Isleta El Espino Ecolodge features just five guest rooms, which makes staying all the more enjoyable because you’ll have an extremely accommodating staff willing to drop everything to help you out.
Isleta El Espino Ecolodge’s specialty isn’t only its hospitality; the ecolodge has practically everything to suit a traveler’s needs, so whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a homebody, you’ll find everything impeccable. It offers spa services, kayaking, swimming pools, dining, and intimate bars. If you’re up for an adventure, you can even take on hiking and rugged exploration. Isleta El Espino is wholly off-the-grid and solar-powered.
Guacimo Ecolodge
Imagine waking up to the chirping of birds and the rustling of trees as the wind slowly embraces you; this isn’t just a dream but one that comes true at the Guacimo Eco Lodge, which is intricately located in a forest, allowing you to become one with Mother Nature literally. Guacimo Ecolodge’s unique location demands it stays hidden and well-connected, so the ecolodge utilizes multiple sustainable practices to ensure it remains a top-notch destination.
All cabanas and bungalows use 100% solar power and have smart architectural designs to facilitate ventilation and maximize cooling during summer. You can even take guided night tours or take on the forest yourself. Bird watching, horseback riding, a nearby fortress, and a museum are also perks of staying here.
Map
More eco-lodges around the world
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.