Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

Indio Maíz Biological Reserve is a lowland tropical rainforest protection area in southeastern Nicaragua with wetlands, river systems, and mangrove forests along the San Juan River. The terrain consists of dense woodland crossed by waterways and natural channels that link the reserve to the river.

The Nicaraguan government established the protected area in 1990 and reorganized it into four smaller conservation zones in 1999. This restructuring enabled better management and protection of the various habitats within the reserve.

The Rama-Kriol Territorial Government oversees much of this protected area, safeguarding ancestral lands of the Rama and Kriol communities. These groups continue to shape daily life in the reserve and their presence is felt throughout the region.

Visiting requires guided boat tours departing from the Bartola River or San Juan del Norte, with journeys available from early morning until early afternoon. Physical preparation helps since boat rides are lengthy and walking trails on land can be demanding.

The reserve holds more species of trees, birds, and insects than the entire European continent combined. This natural wealth makes it globally significant for conservation and scientific study.