Set high in forested ground amid coffee plantations, Totoco Eco-Lodge offers stunning views of the lake and Concepcion Volcano – arguably best enjoyed from their pool. Eight private cabins that are generously spaced have been outfitted with dry composting toilets. Completely off-grid, Totoco uses solar energy for many of its facilities. Much of the food that's offered is harvested from an on-site organic garden, irrigated with greywater from biofilters, and from a farm where they practise animal husbandry. Waste is recycled and reused in a variety of ways. Their hogs get the bulk of the organic offerings. Glass is utilized in an array of applications such as getting mixed with cement in construction. Much of the plastic is taken to a shredder in Managua. Totoco also has a foundation that provides education, health and microfinance services to the local community.
Presenting magnificent views of the lake, Hotel Ecológico Tierra Blanca offers farm-style stays amid a sublime tropical landscape. Low tree-shaded accommodations on the lush estate receive their power from solar panels. Enjoy breakfast that uses locally sourced ingredients, with much of the fare produced on site. Tierra Blanca's gardens yeild vegetables, coffee and rice. Cheese is crafted from scratch on the grounds, and sweet honey is served directly from their own bee hives. Guests can also enjoy natural springs that are mere steps from their rooms, and hire a horse for a fuel-free ride around the island.
A short stroll from the shore, Finca del Sol has a terrace with sublime mountain views. Thatch-roofed cabins are constructed for natural cooling, using locally sourced material on hardwood floors and earthen cob walls. All of their energy is produced by solar, with a battery system that stores power for the structures and laundry. An abundance of organic food is produced on the green grounds. Enjoy all-natural jams, juices and humus, along with yogurt and cheese made with milk from their own goats. Add in a bounty of tropical fruits and vegetables. All waste goes into a composting system that eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.
Choose from a range of lodging options at Zopilote. The lush farm has private cabins, dorms and camping spots set in a “permaculture” system that integrates human behavior with the natural environment. Eco-friendly structures are made from bamboo and palm wood that's harvested on site, along with cob walls that are constructed from immediately sourced natural materials. Solar power provides energy, while greywater for irrigation is created with the innovative use of a bio-filtering canal system. Enjoy fresh produce from their organic garden, and sweet honey from Zopilote's bee hives.
Set on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Finca San Juan de la Isla offers beachfront cabins with magnificent volcano views. Enjoy organic cuisine at the lodge's restaurant, housed in a restored Spanish-colonial manor house that's over a century old. Spread over 150 acres, the plantain and dairy farm is dotted by fruit and cedar trees and home to rich wildlife. Solar power provides the energy, while waste is treated in an eco-friendly manner with composting toilets.
Nestled on a lounge-perfect stretch of black sand, Xalli Ometepe Beach Hotel was created by the team behind Totoco Eco-Lodge. Solar energy provides the power for hot showers, while the resulting greywater is recycled for irrigation with bio-filters. Organic food is locally sourced, including a daily delivery of cheese, tortillas and fresh milk. Start your morning with a steaming cup of fair-trade organic coffee and then rent a bicycle or horse for some eco-friendly exploration of the verdant surrounds.
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