Horseback Riding Vacations in Nicaragua

Nicaragua: Land of Lakes and Volcanoes

Nicaragua is a Central American country bordering both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its spectacular geography which includes lakes, volcanoes and beaches. It is bounded by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south.

Its capital, Managua, is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Xolotlán.

In Nicaragua there are three major geographical regions:

• Pacific Lowlands: Most of the area is flat, except for a line of young volcanoes. This region has a hot climate and fertile soil. The largest lakes in Nicaragua can be found here.
• Northern and Central Highlands: These rugged mountains are dotted with lush valleys and dense forests. Several mountain ranges run through the territory of the highlands from east to west. The highest range is the Cordillera Isabelia, of over 2,000 metres above sea level.
• The Caribbean region: the "Costa de Mosquitos" is broken by deltas and large coastal lagoons. Some of the most important rivers in Nicaragua flow through these lowlands. Since the climate is hot and humid, the whole area is covered with tropical forests and savannas.

In the Pacific area is Lake Cocibolca, the largest in Central America. Its distinctive feature is the Ometepe Island (274 km²), the largest island in the world in a freshwater lake.

The lake Cocibolca is connected to another lake, Lake Xolotlán, through the Tipitapa River.

Ometepe Island is guarded by two volcanic colossi, the Maderas and the Concepción, joined by a low isthmus that forms an island in the shape of an hourglass.

Other volcanoes to highlight are the Masaya, near Managua, with an impressive lava lake, and the San Cristóbal and Momotombo volcanoes.

Fauna and Flora

In Nicaragua, you will find many nature parks, nature reserves, biological reserves, biosphere reserves and wildlife refuges.

We can see monkeys, armadillos, anteaters, various reptile species such as snakes, lizards, iguanas or alligators, and birds, such as hummingbirds, vultures, magpies, pelicans, herons and even the mythical quetzal.

Nicaragua’s vegetation varies considerably according to its three major geographical regions. The different types of ecosystems range from the dry tropical forest, to the cloud and humid forest. All these ecosystems combined result in a fertile territory for botanical exploration.

Thus, along the Atlantic or Caribbean coast, the rainforest is characterized by lush vegetation with different species of tree ferns, grasses and exotic orchids.

Equestrian tourism in Nicaragua

As we have already seen, the biodiversity of this country offers different ecosystems where you can enjoy a horse riding holiday.

Mountains, jungles, volcanic landscapes or endless paradisiacal beaches are some of the settings where you can go riding.

All this accompanied by the most valuable “element” of tourism in Nicaragua is its people – gentle and hard-working folks, who are willing to help you live new experiences.

You can experience some of these natural wonders in its rural tourism farms. With their help you will be able to draw water from a well, milk a cow, tie its calf, cut fruit and vegetables and, of course, what we love doing – ride a horse to work cattle.

Coffee accounts for half of Nicaragua's exports and is the engine of its economy. You can visit the Nicaraguan regions where coffee is grown and walk under the canopy of native and exotic trees, or pick up ripe beans together with the hosts of a farmer cooperative.

Choose an operator in Nicaragua

Big Sky Ranch offer several routes and we recommend taking a look at them.

Big Sky Ranch

Located on the Pacific coast, in the Valle de Escamequita, it offers horseback rides in rural Nicaragua and nearby beaches.

Is the only equestrian center of in Nicaragua, offering complete boarding facilities, training, adventure trail rides with access to miles of trails and 3 nearby beaches.

You will have access to more than 300 acres of riding trails along the Pacific coastline.

Equestrian Activities

At Big Sky Ranch, they offer the following equestrian activities:

• Horseback tours: One- or two-hour rides on the beach during low tide. Tours include beach rides, sunset beach rides, full moon tours.
• Riding Lessons: Learn How to ride or improve your riding techniques with our highly skilled instructors. Private lessons available For adults and for children.

Horse Boarding

Big Sky Stables feature 18 stalls and fenced paddocks, schooling arena plus round pen.

They have a horse leasing program, which is one option for riding if you are an occasional rider or not yet ready for full ownership.

And if you prefer to bring your own horse, no problem! We can help you transport them down to Big Sky and board them in our new BSR Stables.

We of course also offer beach and trail rides from our stables with our trail herd. They have plenty of horses for you to ride and fun with!

For more information, go to their website: www.bigskyranchnicaragua.com.

The geographic diversity of Nicaragua is perfect for exhilarating horseback adventures. Enjoy its volcanic landscapes, fantastic Caribbean beaches and pristine rainforests. Discover the rural life of its people riding through coffee plantations or rice paddies.

Thinking about a horse riding holiday but don’t know how to book it?

Download our free eBook “How to plan your next horseback trip” and learn all you need to know when planning an unforgettable horse riding holiday.