Telica [Quetzaltrekkers: Nicaragua]

See Nicaragua´s most impressive steaming crater!

In the morning we pack our backpacks and have breakfast in the Quetzaltrekkers office. Then we go by public transport to a small rural village close to the volcanoes Telica and Santa Clara where our trail starts. Our trail winds towards the agitated western slope of the volcano, offering great opportunities to see the Nicaraguan national bird Guardabarranca perching high on majestic Guanacaste trees. Walking on through fields and forest for about 5 hours, we head up to the impressive active crater of Volcán Telica. The steep walls of the 150 m wide crater drop down more than a hundred meters, providing a view that will make your head spin. From the top you have great views of the volcanoes San Cristobal, Cerro Negro and Momotombo and it is the ideal place to see the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

Glowing lava! Our campsite, just 15 minutes down from the active crater and nested within an older inactive crater, looks like a garden of Eden. When it is dark we go back to the crater for the best possible views of the glowing lava. Next morning we rise early to climb a ridge where we can see the sunrise. After breakfast we clear the camping area and go down the steep southern slope, walking through a beautiful dry forest. Crossing the corn and bean fields between the volcanoes Telica and Santa Clara, we walk towards the small town of San Jacinto where we visit the famous Hervideros - bubbling mud pools caused by a subterranean lava flow of Volcán Telica. After having lunch in a local comedor, we get on the bus back to León.

Start at 6:00 am in Quetzaltrekkers office
Back the next day at 2:00 pm in Quetzaltrekkers office.

Minimum Donation: 60 US$


	What the others say about it
	Click here to read Reto Baur's report of his Telica hike "Great opportunity for us, good mission toward the kids. Extreme adventure. I'll remember it for a really, really long time. Thanks for giving your time." (Alex, 04/13/08) "I was very impressed by the quality of the guides / organization / execution of this trip. In my experience, often grassroots organizations have great intentions but lack in certain areas, but this is not the case here. You guys obviously know what you're doing and are concerned with offering a positive experience to your clients. This trip to Telica was the most fun I've had in Nicaragua. Thumbs up for Quetzaltrekkers! I'll recommend you to everyone who'll listen." (Steve, 04/13/08) "We slept in the middle of an electric storm and still had a ball... and didn't die... great success! Thanks for a great time, and don't forget to setup that facebook group." (Lee and Laura from Ireland, 05/10/08)


	When to hike
	Upcoming hikes can be found on our monthly schedule! Even if there is no hike scheduled, we can leave whenever we have a minimum of two persons signed up and enough guides to do the hike. Please sign up at least one day before the hike by 4:30 pm.
	What to expect
	Our services include: all transport food purified water two Volunteer Guides camping equipment, i.e. tents, sleeping bags, etc. entrance fees to national parks a free T-shirt	Our services do NOT include: personal travel insurance alcoholic beverages costs incurred due to accident, illness or any other unforeseen circumstances tips to guides :-)
	All hikes are lead by a minimum of two guides. In general our guides are bilingual and have lived in Nicaragua for some time, working in tourist services, social and development work etc. The tour leaders are happy to explain the different cultures that you encounter and the significance of places that you visit. They will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring a smooth, stress-free, safe and enjoyable time. Quetzaltrekkers uses local transport and purchases food provided on trips from local markets and shops when possible.
	What to bring
	You will need the following equipment to join us on this adventure: hiking boots big backpack warm and dry clothes rain gear (only in rain season) hat sun screen mosquito repellent (only in rain season) flashlight or headlamp passport or copy of passport and valid visa of Nicaragua We can provide you with camping gear in case you don't have your own. Please note that our ressources are limited! Donations of old and used gear are very welcome and help us a lot to improve our service!
	Discounts
	We offer a 25% discount to owners of a Quetzaltrekkers Guatemala T-shirt volunteers working in León for at least 3 months people who have done a hike with us within the last month We offer a 50% discount to Nicaraguans