»Trekking for Fun and Charity
Quetzaltrekkers is a non profit organization located in the city of León in Nicaragua. Their mission is to offer those with wanderlust and a spirit of adventure some fantastic hikes that help raise funds for an organization that helps street kids and children at risk. A lean and mean operation, a full 100% of the profit made by Quetzaltrekkers is sent to Asociación Las Tias, a well known organization with over 15 years of experience taking care of street children in León.
Why take Spanish lessons Chicago when you can take a trip to the beautiful Le�n and learn Spanish directly from the source? By doing so, not only will you be able to take your language skills to the next level (getting the best feedback from those who master the language, similar to going to learn French in Toronto), but you will also have the chance to enjoy an adventure like you've never experienced before and also chip in for this great organization.
All the treks offered by Quetzaltrekkers provide really memorable experiences filled with excitement, fun and adventure. You have really not had your full Nicaraguan vacation until you set some time asside to discover the wonders of nature by the hand of some of their experienced guides. From their catalog of treks, these are some of our favorites:
Remember to Bring:
- hiking boots
- backpack
- Clothes (something warm and something waterproof)
- rain gear (for the rain season)
- hat or cap
- sun screen
- bug repellent
- flashlight or headlamp
- passport or copy of passport and valid visa of Nicaragua
Full Moon
Prepare for a fantastic journey lit up by golden fire and a silver moon. Every month when the moon is full a group of trekkers leave the city of León in the dark by a private transport arranged by the organization that will take you to a village where the trek starts. Using only the full moon as lightning, you will thread the paths, cornfields and forest until you arrive to the crater of Volcán Telica (an active volcano.)
With only the starry sky and the moon shinning above you will peak into the 130 meters deep crater with glowing lava at the bottom. After the sun rises you will have breakfast on site and then start your way back to the village of San Jacinto where you will visit the famous mud pools before you head back to León.
Cerro Negro
Born in 1850 this baby volcano has been one of the most active in the history of Nicaragua and one of the most beautiful ones as well. Rising out of a foliage of green trees, the black monolith of Cerro Negro creates an appealing contrast with its surroundings.
After an early breakfast and bus ride you will start the trek that leads up to black dunes formed by cold lava. Reaching the foot of the volcano you start the climb which takes you through two colorful and active craters and then towards the highest point of the volcano. Up there the sights are magnificent, and you can see the plains and highlands of Nicaragua as well as the Pacific Ocean. To finish off the trek you will get to run down at full speed through the loose rocks and sands of the black slopes and then rest for a while as you have lunch on a shaded area at the foot of the volcano.
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