The Estero Padre Ramos Nature Reserve is one of the most ecologically important natural areas in Nicaragua and is one of the largest mangrove estuaries left in the world. With more than 175 species of birds, 3 species of sea turtles, iguanas, conch, mollusks, crabs, caimans, crocodiles, butterflies, tubeworms, and fish galore, this protected wildlife sanctuary is also a nature lover’s paradise. One of the least discovered traveler’s destinations in Nicaragua, the Estero Padre Ramos offers a special destination for sea kayakers and travelers who prefer to venture “off the beaten track”.

* The Padre Ramos Nature Reserve includes more than 22,500 acres (9000 hectares) of mangrove forests, mudflats, sandy beaches, rocky reef, and estuarine waters, measuring between 3 to 5 miles across and 18 miles long.
* The Estero’s shoreline is home to approximately 150 dispersed families who rely on the local natural resources for their livelihoods. Fishing, clamming, and harvesting wood is crucial to the survival of these rural communities.

Travel to Padre Ramos
The Estero Padre Ramos Nature Reserve is located 115 miles (185 kilometers) from Managua, on the Pacific Northwest Coast of Nicaragua. There are many ways to get from Managua to Padre Ramos, depending on your travel plans, budget, and time constraints. Please contact us at Ibis Exchange if you need any advice in planning your trip!

* Pacific Coast Expeditions: Transportation is included on all of our 8-day tours.

* Private Transportation: Rent a car at the airport. Or take a taxi from Managua to Leon (Cost $50, 1.5 hours). In Leon, we can arrange private transportation to Padre Ramos (Cost $70, 3 hours) for you, your friends or family. Just call ahead so that we can make all the arrangements.

* Public Transportation: Take a taxi from the airport in Managua to UCA, the University of Central America (Cost $5). Take a microbus from UCA to Leon (Cost $2, 1.5 hours). Take a bus or microbus from Leon to Chinandega (Cost $1, 1.5 hours). In Chinandega, take a bike or taxi from El Bisne bus station to El Mercadito bus station (Cost $0.50-$1). Buses leave from El Mercadito to Padre Ramos at 6:45am, 9:45am, 11:15am, 2:45pm, and 4:15pm (Cost $1, 1.5-2 hours).

Accommodations
There are several choices for comfortable accommodations in the surrounding communities of the Estero Padre Ramos Nature Reserve. We recommend the following options, depending on your budget and tastes as a traveler in Nicaragua. Please contact us at Ibis Exchange if you need any advice in planning your trip!

Rancho Esperanza, Jiquilillo
Camping, Dorms, Private Cabins (Cost $2-$7).
Contact Nate and Stephany at Rancho.Esperanza@yahoo.com or 011 (505)8 879-1795.

Monty’s Surf Camp, Jiquilillo
Dorms, Private Rooms.
Contact Monty at Monty@NicaraguaSurfBeach.com or 011 (505)8 884-4461.

Redwood Beach Resort, Mechapa
Private Cabanas (Cost $60-$75).
Contact Mike and Stacy at Info@RBRMechapa.com or 001 (800) 583-4289.