El Jaguar Cloud Forest Reserve, National Parks, Tourist Attractions
For a little bit of paradise and a splendid cup of coffee, head to the El Jaguar Cloud Forest Reserve. This privately owned forest reserve is situated roughly 1 300 meters above sea level and enjoys many majestic forest plants such as prehistoric ferns and giant oak trees – some of which are an incredible 50 meters in height. You will also find bromeliads, strangler figs and a dazzling array of orchids in this forest paradise. Bird lovers will find that there are over 150 different species of bird to identify in the forest canopy while other visitors will delight to spot any of the small creatures that have made this little piece of Cloud Forest their home. El Jaguar is also an organic shade coffee farm where great coffee is grown using ecologically friendly methods. The farm is owned by Lili and Georges Duriaux-Chavarria who have, along with their family, run the 200-acre property for the last 50-odd years.
The El Jaguar Cloud Forest Reserve is located roughly one hour north of Jinotega and, while it is accessed by rough dirt mountain roads, the destination definitely makes the trip worth it. One rustic cabin with two apartments provides private accommodation and six different nature trails help guests and researchers to get closer to nature. While the farm’s focus is that of producing a high-quality coffee, they make good use of the surrounding forest as an eco-tourism opportunity that helps to introduce visitors to the many wonders of nature. The coffee-plantation at El Jaguar makes use of the latest environmentally friendly coffee growing and processing methods and the farm owners interact with the community to ensure that this process benefits as many people as possible.
So if you are looking for a great place to relax and de-stress, a place where you can immerse yourself in nature whilst enjoying a great cup of coffee, look no further than the El Jaguar Cloud Forest Reserve. Bring your hiking shoes, most comfy sweats, some insect repellent, a raincoat and a good pair of binoculars and prepare yourself for warm, private accommodation and personalized attention from your hosts. You won’t regret it!
