Totoco Eco-Lodge

Overview

Description

Comfort and nature in its purest state! The island of Ometepe, declared as a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is a unique island that has two twin volcanoes – Maderas and Concepción - and is surrounded by the magnificent Nicaragua Lake. Totoco provides sustainable adventure in a place that is, by itself, a learning experience.

Totoco is on the flanks of the Maderas Volcano with spectacular views of the Concepción Volcano and Lake Nicaragua. Totoco has 15 acres (6 hectares) of land with an organic agroforestry farm that is promoting responsible tourism and sustainable agriculture. The quality of our product shows that it is possible to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort or luxury.

A few meters from the hotel is the tropical forest of the Maderas Volcano National Reserve. This virgin forest has a highly diverse fauna and flora and natural treasures such as the San Ramón waterfall and the magical lagoon in the Maderas Volcano crater. Other nearby attractions include the organic coffee farms of the local cooperatives and the numerous petroglyphs that the Nahuatl indigenous people left as their legacy.

Rooms

4 cabins and one dormitory.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 15

Percentage of local employees: 100%

Totoco's philosophy for ecotourism is based on three elements: business, people, and the environment. The essence of this philosophy is that all community projects should be focused on the needs identified by the local community. Project continuity and effectiveness depends on their being directed by locals. Totoco, through its development center, supports local projects with economic, material, and human resources. Volunteers are invited to work in local community projects according to their abilities and ambitions.

Totoco is implementing agroforestry programs based on the principles of permaculture and it is expanding a vegetable garden that can supply our restaurant and also serve as an example for the local community. We are always looking for individuals with experience in these areas who can help us develop our desire to become self-sufficient.

All 15 acres (6 hectares) of our private property are managed organically and with the aid of experts and common sense, we have implemented the principles of permaculture in all aspects on the farm. The farm also actively assists with the reforestation of the local area and shares its experience with its neighbors.

Totoco uses a wide range of sustainable tourism practices such as the recycling of gray waters, latrines, composters, sorting of wastes, and the provision of all energy via solar panels.

Rates

$76 – 100

We have luxury and rustic cabins with prices around US$100 and a dormitory that is more reasonably priced.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.totoco.com.ni/EN/accomodation.html (available in English).
• www.totoco.com.ni/ES/accomodation.html (available in Spanish).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Managua (MGA)

The distance from the Managua Airport to the port of San Jorge is 62 miles (100 km). Take the one-hour ferry ride to the island from the Moyogalpa port. From there, it is 50 minutes by car to the hotel. A raised carriage or double traction vehicle is recommended for the last 12 miles (20 km) of the trip.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

September 2011.

Photos courtesy of Totoco Eco-Lodge, Nicaragua, for SustainableTrip.org.