Refugio de Vida Silvestre Los Guatuzos
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Los Guatuzos, Nature reserve near San Carlos, Nicaragua
The refuge spreads across tropical wetlands and forests along the southern shore of Lake Nicaragua, covering an area suitable for diverse plant and animal life. A network of 18 rivers and numerous lagoons forms the backbone of this water-rich landscape.
The area takes its name from an indigenous people who once lived in this region before disappearing. The territory became a protected reserve to safeguard its natural resources and water systems.
Local settlements here have adapted to living with seasonal floods, using the waterways as their main routes and relying on fishing traditions.
Visit during the dry season when waterways are easier to navigate and wildlife viewing is more comfortable. Boat trips from San Carlos take several hours, so plan accordingly with experienced local guides.
The refuge hosts one of Central America's richest collections of water bird species. Birdwatchers from around the world come here to observe this exceptional variety.
Location: Río San Juan Department
Inception: 1997
Operator: Ministerio del Ambiente y Los Recursos Naturales (MARENA)
Address: Reserva, Refugio de Vida Silvestre Los Guatuzos, Nicaragua
Website: https://protectedplanet.net/145539
GPS coordinates: 10.99200,-84.90700
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46
Nicaragua offers a diverse and lively nature. You will see still-smoking volcanoes, beaches stretching from the Pacific to the Caribbean, and tropical islands sitting on volcanic lakes. The country also has large natural reserves with thick forests and mangroves along the coasts. Everywhere, paths lead to hidden waterfalls, and fishing villages keep their old customs. The story of Nicaragua is told through its buildings. Churches and cathedrals from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries show how the conquerors brought Spanish colonial styles and Moorish influences. These sturdy religious buildings mark the old towns. You can also find old houses turned into museums that hold the stories of the country's past. Whether you like rocks and mountains, nature, or historic buildings, Nicaragua offers a full experience. You might climb an active volcano in the morning, relax on a beach in the evening, and spend days walking in primary forests or visiting villages where life still follows the rhythm of the seasons.
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