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Trip Report

Volunteering via Workaway in Nicaragua

We traveled to Nicaragua in order to volunteer via workaway and made the journey from Panama through Costa Rica by bus.

  • InanItah+ 14
  • Escamequita
  • Escamequita
  • Volunteering via Workaway in Nicaragua
moritz_
About Me:Quit my job to travel open end, let’s see what the adventure brings. read more

North AmericaNicaragua180 days / March - April - May - June - July - August 2022

Highs & Lows

Ometepe volcanic island

Buying a used motorbike and trying to get it fixed

Itinerary Overview

After some trouble at the border due to my drone, which was confiscated since it is prohibited in Nicaragua, we made it to the town of San Juan del sur.

From San Juan we were picked up by our host and traveled another 40 minutes by 4 wheel drive to our final destination.

The farm was located close to the village and about 2 km walking distance to the beach.

Living conditions were very simple but absolutely adequate for the climate and our needs.

The second half of our trip to Nicaragua, I spent in a community called Inanitah where I went to the waterseason.

Inanitah is located on the foot of the volcano Madeiras on the island of Ometepe.

Ometepe is a very quiet and unique island with its very own charm and peacefulness. 

  • 90 Nights: Escamequita
    Learning about permaculture and way of life in Nicaragua
  • 90 Nights: InanItah
    Experiencing community life and the slow pace of Ometepe
Escamequita - Learning about permaculture and way of life in Nicaragua
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Escamequita Learning about permaculture and way of life in Nicaragua

Escamequita - Learning about permaculture and way of life in Nicaragua - null
Escamequita - Learning about permaculture and way of life in Nicaragua - null
Escamequita - Learning about permaculture and way of life in Nicaragua - null4+

Our time at Colina de la luna started with a very warm welcome of the owners and the community members.

 

We were given 2 days time to settle in and adjust to the surroundings prior to the start of our volunteering work.

We mainly helped with construction projects, building triangles for accommodation and a new structure for a future area to practice yoga. In addition they were daily tasks in the garden, from a plant nursery to weeding, setting up new flowerbeds and many other tasks.

 

San Juan del sur is known for the many beaches around and its ¨Sunday funday¨parties.

The beaches I can certainly recommend, my favourite being playa el Yankee, close to Escamecita.

If you come to SJDS San Juan del Sur, I¨d recommend to rent a motorbike or car in order to explore the beaches around.

 

In my opinion the surrounding beaches and areas are much nicer than the town its self.

If you want to try surfing than it is certainly the right place, there are multiple surf schools and placed to rent your equipment around.

 

I never participated in a Sunday funday, but if you´re looking to party it might be just for you. 

InanItah - Experiencing community life and the slow pace of Ometepe
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InanItah Experiencing community life and the slow pace of Ometepe

InanItah - Experiencing community life and the slow pace of Ometepe - null
InanItah - Experiencing community life and the slow pace of Ometepe - null
InanItah - Experiencing community life and the slow pace of Ometepe - null7+

In order to get to Ometepe you need to take a ferry from Nicaragua mainland, San Jose to Moyagalpa, Ometepe.

The ferry ride takes about an hour and passengers and moto bikes don´t need a reservation.

I was glad to make it to Ometepe, since the bike I had purchased in Nicaragua was breaking down more than I could have ever imagined. With the bike running on it last fumes I made it up the hill to Inanitah and was greeted in an absolute magical way, by thousands of fireflys.

Inanitah is a community based on co-creation and a simple vegan respect and mindful lifestyle.

People from all over the world gather to share their knowledge in different workshops living of what the land in and around the community provides.

Time is easily spent hiking one of the volcanoes or simply enjoying the beautiful views from the natural pool or hot tub.

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    Buy a new motorbike instead of a used one.
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    The locals are very helpful, usually there is always on around to help if needed. In case of o motorbike broken down or similar.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    One weekend in San Juan del Sur is enough, rather stay longer in the surrounding area on one of the beaches. Try free diving in laguna de Apoyo.
  • Packing tips?

    Dress shirts definitely saved me sometimes, good for sun and mosquito protection.
  • Transportation Tips?

    Use the chicken buses and take your time.
  • Any surprises?

    Nicaragua seems very safe in general, we didn’t run into any uncomfortable or unsafe situations.

Lodging