Art & Natural Wonders
Archipelago of Solentiname

Nature and art complement each other in an exceptional way on the islands of the Solentiname Archipelago. Painters, sculptors and artisans take advantage of the serene beauty surrounding them in this natural paradise. The experience is a pleasure for the soul and body. The Solentiname Archipelago with its 36 islands is the result of a volcanic eruption. From pre-Columbian times, it was a sacred place for the Nahautl Indians. The Indian cemeteries and religious vestiges decorated with multiple engraved petroglyphs give evidence of their history. The unique flora and fauna of the Archipelago along with its sunsets transmit harmony to every visitor.

Solentiname´s El Viejo del Monte

The legend of El Viejo del Monte (the old man of the forest) is one of the archipelago´s most enduring folktales . No one is exactly sure around what time the story originated, but is has been told and retold and retold for at least the past seven generations.

The moral of the legend is a simple one - Don t mess with nature. It is said that the character now known throughout the numerous island of the Solentiname Archipelago as El Viejo del Monte, used to be a merciless hunter who practiced his aim by randomly killing all species of animals who stepped in his path. Without any respect for the life of the animal, El Viejo del Monte wouldn´t even honor his prey by eating it; he just slew it and left it to rot.

Partly to punish him and partly to teach him a lesson, turned the man into a part man/part simian creature (sisimico) and made him keeper of Solentiname s abundant wildlife. Now El Viejo del Monte protects the numerous species of birds, reptiles and mammals that live in Solentiname from poacher and irresponsible hunters, What he once disrespected and destroyed, he once disrespected and destroyed, he now protects just as viciously.

So, try to be on your best behavior when you visit Solentiname, for El Viejo del Monte is watching you.

HOTEL MANCARRÓN

12 standard rooms and 3 suites. Very nice mountain-like hotel with a relaxed environment, located on the main island of the Archipielago of Solentiname. It has a beautiful garden situated on a hill of volcanic rock with nice lake views. Excellent gastronomy and outstanding service!

Artsans and Painters Excursions

Travel by motorized canoe or "panga" to the homes and studios of famous painters and artisans who live in the archipelago. There will be many opportunities to speak with and enjoy the company of these talented people. Don`t hesitate to ask questions or to discuss anything of interest. Towards the end of the tour, we will pass by a fisherman's island to enjoy a refreshment. Half day.

El Castillo Excursion

This is an all day tour along the San Juan River. We journey to the picturesque fisherman`s village of El Castillo, located at the bottom of a Spanish fortress. Founded in the 18th Century, it is now a national museum. This attractive museum houses the artifacts of human history along the river. It stands within one of the world's last remaining wet tropical forests. Full day.

Mancarrón Island Circuit Tour

A slow-walking tour of the Hotel Mancarrón site and adjacent areas. You will see the local church with its decorations and paintings by "primitive"
artists. The tour takes you to the artist's colony, El Refugio, and from there to an indigenous cemetery-where you'll encounter petroglyphs, and, finally to an exceptional overlook, La Reconciliación. Half day.

Wildlife Refuge
"Los Guatuzos" Excursions

Early in the morning we start by motorized canoe or "panga" inside the Wildlife Refuge Los Guatuzos. This is the only internationally registered tropical wetland area in Nicaragua. We cruise across the Great Lake Cocibolca and up the Papaturro River. We always see monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas and
lizards of many types sloths, turtles, toucans, and white herons-the guardians of this natural wonder. If you do not see animals in this tour, we will gladly refund your money. Half day.