Eat, Pray , Love ; experience all in Jicaro

Posted on September 12, 2016 by James Anderson

Elizabeth Gilbert’s book one woman’s search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia narrates an envious journey. However, her travels require a tremendous time commitment, a tireless body, and a limitless credit card. Self discovery comes with a price! What if you could discover great food, yourself, and love all in one pristine piece of heaven on earth? Welcome to Jicaro, an island that will transform your life.

Eat

“I think I deserve something beautiful.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

And we all deserve something delicious! At Jicaro all the food is prepared with fresh local ingredients. Our team prepare light snacks for you to enjoy before diving into the delightful eateries. The amazing view of lake Nicaragua will make this flavour party a heavenly experience. Experiment with our mind-blowing dishes that have been prepared with locally grown ingredients producing an utterly unique treat for your palate. You can have Avocado toast for breakfast like a champion or try Fresh Watermelon Salad with Feta cheese for a perfect end to your day. Our menu is filled with yummy possibilities! Check out our menu, and local eateries .

Pray

“I’m choosing happiness over suffering, I know I am. I’m making space for the unknown future to fill up my life with yet-to-come surprises.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Break away from the shackles of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Choose to embrace peace, serenity, and your inner beauty. Get centered and reconnect with yourself on Jicaro, an island that will naturally shield you from all worries and troubles because Jicaro is secluded by miles of calm blue water. Breathe out all the negative thoughts and breathe in tranquility on our yoga deck that overlooks Lake Nicaragua. Visit our Wellness and Spa centre to treat your body to a massage while your eyes are gifted with a spectacular view of Lake Nicaragua.

Love

“To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

If you want to lose balance in love with your significant other Jicaro is the place. The private island gives couples the rare opportunity to revel in passion and love somewhere excotic and private. From candle lit dinner on a floating deck to gorgeous sunsets Jicaro will nourish your love until it becomes all consuming. Reconnect to your loves one, to yourself, and experience the peace that love has to offer. Whether you are honeymooning or looking for a romantic escape, we recommend hiding on this gorgeous island.

You can check out the various packages and book your visit here

Shark Week! Lake Nicaragua’s Freshwater Sharks

Posted on August 29, 2016 by James Anderson

Lake Nicaragua is Central America’s largest lake. It’s so large that the first Spaniards to set foot on Nicaraguan soil mistook it for an ocean! But, its size isn’t what makes the 110 mile body of water one of the world’s most fascinating lakes. Rather, it’s what lies below its silvery surface: one of the world’s few freshwater shark species. NICARGUA-VOLCANO_3077363b

Nicaragua’s bull shark is one of the few shark species capable of surviving in fresh water. It can measure up to 11ft and splits its time between the vast fresh waters of Lake Nicaragua and the salty ones of the Caribbean sea- adapting its body’s salinity levels according to its environment.

When living in fresh water, the shark’s blood is saltier than the water around it. In order to survive, it must lower its body’s salinity levels to match the water around it. It does this by by urinating frequently and making use of the special set of filtration glands near its tail.

Bull sharks access Lake Nicaragua via the San Juan River, which connects the lake to the Caribbean sea. Like salmon, bull sharks jump upstream until they reach the lake where they are able to swim in warm, shallow waters and feed on the lake’s fresh water fish. The lake also provides juvenile bull sharks with a place to mature away from predators like other shark species.

Bull sharks are slate grey with a bright white underbelly and pointed dorsal fin that sticks up out of the water when they are about to breach the surface. Although they are often found in shallow waters, very few humans come in contact with the mighty creatures…So paddleboard away! You won’t be running into one of these guys any time soon.

Leon Eateries You Need to Try

Posted on August 25, 2016 by James Anderson

Planning a day trip to Leon during your stay at Jicaro? There’s no shortage of things to do in the bustling college town. But, a full day spent exploring the city’s museums, historical sites, art galleries, and markets can leave one feeling pretty famished. Luckily, Leon is full of cosmopolitan eateries that serve up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! So stop, rest your feet, and treat yourself to one of Leon’s finest feasts! Here are the eateries you have to try.

Pan Y Paz

Attention gluten lovers! If you’re looking for somewhere to stop for a loaf a fluffy french bread, an eclair stuffed with fresh cream, or a buttery croissant, look no further. Pan Y Paz is your one stop shop for all the authentic french “pattiseries” your heart desires. The quaint little bakery is run by European couple Christian and Miranda who fell in love with Leon on vacation in 2008. Shortly after their trip, they decided to open a bakery just a few blocks from Leon’s Cathedral and bring the people of Nicaragua a taste of Europe. This may not be your authentic Nicaraguan eatery but it is definitely worth a stop!

Cocinarte

You know that vegetarian friend who is always forcing you to accompany them to every hippy-dippy restaurant they come across? Well you’ll thank them for dragging you to this meat-free eatery. Cocinarte’s menu features vegetarian options from around the world like falafel, spicy Indian curry, and veggie fajitas all bursting with spice and flavour. The ingredients are fresh, cooked to order, and served in heaps big enough to fill any belly. The restaurant itself is tucked away in Leon’s historic Laborío neighborhood in a beautiful colonial house- the perfect place to enjoy a veggie-filled feast.

Cafe La Nicaraguita

Punctuate your day with a quick stop at Cafe La Nicaraguita where you’ll find everything from Nicaraguan small plates, to fruit smoothies, to good old fashioned burgers. The atmosphere is funky with local art lining the brightly painted walls and framed chalk boards spelling out the day’s specials.

Stop by any of these Leon eateries? Post a picture of your meal on our Facebook page!

Our Little Chunk of Volcano: How Jicaro Was Formed

Posted on August 18, 2016 by James Anderson

It’s not everyday you get to sleep on a chunk of volcano…Unless you’re sleeping at Jicaro, which is located on one of the tiny islands dotting the waters of Lake Nicaragua known as the Granada Islets. Central America’s largest lake, Lake Nicaragua contains 365 islets that are home to over 1200 people. Were you to travel back in time several thousand years however, these isletas would be conspicuously absent.

It wasn’t until a particularly violent explosion of Mombacho Volcano nearly 20 thousand years ago that Lake Nicaragua’s silky surface was pocked with the hundreds of rocky landmasses that make up the Granada Isletas.

The volcano exploded with enough force to send much of its cone spewing into the lake. These chunks of volcanic rock formed the isletas, which range in size from 100 square feet to 100 square acres.

Over time the islands populated with eco lodges, communities of fishermen, and wealthy Nicaraguans. Some, however, remain uninhabited and teem with lush flora that provides shelter to several of Nicaragua’s native monkeys and bird species. Kayak the shallow channels of water between the isletas and you will see their large hanging nests swinging from the trees. Paddle to Monkey Island and you will be greeted by a colony of monkeys that were rescued and relocated there by a veterinarian.

Eager to explore the isletas? Ask us about our boat tour!

Eat Like a Local! Traditional Nicaraguan Bites to Try

Posted on August 11, 2016 by James Anderson

Nicaragua’s culinary history is as rich as the country’s itself, dating all the way back to pre columbian times. Their was transformed by colonization and is a delightful fusion of Nicaraguan and Spanish flavors unlike anything else in the world. This unique marriage of the two cultures’ ingredients and spices is known in Spanish as “criollio.”

Here are a few plates you have to try.

Sopa de Mondongo

This soup—popular in the region of Masaya—is made from the slow-cooked intestines of a cow, but don’t be alarmed. It’s actually quite delicious! Plus, according to Nicaraguan folklore, it has healing powers.

To prepare this soups, intestines are soaked in bicarbonate, orange and lemon then cut into small pieces and cooked with vegetables. The vegetables and spices used vary from region to region. The soup is thickened with ground rice and often served with avocado and tortillas.

Nacatamal

Nacatamals are essentially the Nicaraguan version of mexican tamales. They are made from dough prepared with a special type of corn flour known as “masas de harina”—which can be found in Nicaraguan markets—and butter. The dough is stuffed full of sliced chicken, rice, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and onions then wrapped in plantain leaves. The whole thing is then tied shut and boiled for several hours until it reaches toasty perfection.

The Quesillo

More cheese please! If Nacatamals are the Nicaraguan version of tamales, then quesillos are the Nicaraguan version of grilled cheese. And oh boy are they ever delicious! The main two ingredients in a quesillo are warm corn tortillas and cheese. The cheese is layered on top of the tortilla then topped with onions, vinegar, and sour cream. You can find these scrumptious bites at stands all over the country. They are especially popular in Leon.

Try any of these dishes on your travels through Nicaragua? Post a picture on our Facebook page!

Jicaro Island Gift Guide

Posted on August 4, 2016 by James Anderson

Scrambling to find a gift to bring back for your bestie? You boss? Your mother in law? Never fear! You can find cool local crafts right here on our private island. Jicaro is a proud supporter of Nicaragua’s local artisans and our boutique is brimming with colourful goodies you can buy for your friends. But be warned: you just might want to keep them for yourself. Here are our favorite items.

Hand-Painted Vases

These gorgeous hand painted vases are made by local craftsmen and women from Nicaragua’s white towns. Found in the area around Granada and Masaya, white towns like Nindiri, Diria, and Diriomo earned their nickname thanks to the the traditional whitewash used on the houses. Each white town produces its own unique art, several specializing in ceramics and pottery. Visit a white town during your stay and you can watch these local artisans at work!

Macen Bags

Here at Jicaro we love anything recycled and planet friendly, which is why we absolutely adore these bright macen bags made in Matagalpa. Macen is a coarse material made of recycled plastic that is used by Nicaraguans to make everything from hammocks to hats. As well as with being pretty to look at, macen is waterproof and extremely durable which makes for one long lasting bag.

Granada Salt Shakers

These shiny coconut shaped shakers are made right in Granada by young craftsmen and women. They money they earn selling their art helps to support their families.

What cool local art did you find on your trip to Nicaragua? Post a picture of it on our Facebook Page!

What the Heck is a Cloud Forest Ecosystem?

Posted on July 29, 2016 by James Anderson

What the heck is a cloud forest?! Sounds like something straight off of Lord of the Rings doesn’t it? A mythical place where trees talk and ferries roam? Nicaragua’s cloud forest ecosystems aren’t quite this cool but they’re pretty darn close. rainforest

A cloud rainforest is an extremely rare ecosystem usually found around 1000 meters or more above sea level. At this elevation, the ecosystems are shrouded in a layer of clouds earning them the name cloud forests. One of the world’s most rare climate conditions, cloud forest ecosystems are home to a plethora plants and creatures you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Located on the the inactive Mombacho Volcano (just a short trip from the ecolodge) is one of the world’s few cloud forest ecosystems. Mombacho’s pristine 2,500 acre cloud forest is a spectacle of nature speckled with brightly coloured orchids and meandering bromeliads.

Hundreds of animal species linger within Mombacho’s trees but the two most spectacular are the Mombacho salamander and Mombacho butterly, two creatures found nowhere else in the world. With over 700 different plant species, Mombacho also has its fair share of unique flora and fauna—perhaps the most beautiful being the hundreds of orchid species that range in colour from a spunky orange to soft creamy white.

Just below the cloud forest several organic coffee farms sprawl across the slope of Mombacho sprouting some of the world’s best beans. The high elevation and cool climate allow for optimal growing temperatures and conservation groups have worked hard to ensure all farms practice sustainable agroforestry methods.

Reach the top of Mombach, and the clouds will clear offering a spectacular view of Lake Nicaragua and the city of Granada that is guaranteed to be the cherry on top of your trip to Nicaragua. Don’t miss this ecosystem of a lifetime!

Interested in exploring the Mombacho cloud forest? Ask us about our volcano tours!

Come Fly With Us! History of the Zip Line

Posted on July 22, 2016 by James Anderson

There are plenty of ways to see Nicaragua—by boat, plane, paddle board, by foot (to name a few.) But the best way is by zip line. Skimming over the trees, while a warm breeze fills your lungs with tropical air, zip lining lets you experience your surroundings in a completely new way. As you slice through the air, you’ll feel not unlike one of Nicaragua’s broad winged hawks. Once you land you’re going to want to do it again. So how did this miraculous adventure activity come to be? NIC_131213_00009

Legend has it zip lines date all the way back to ancient times when people living in mountain regions like the Himalayas and the Alps used them to get around the country. In the 1900s mountaineers brought zip lining into the mainstream, using it as a way to shuttle across crevasses, chasms, and canyons. Zip lining above forest canopies like we do here at Jicaro, however, was popularized much later by wildlife biologists who needed a way to study leafy forest canopies from above and explore untouched terrain.

The eco tourism industry now uses zip line tours as a way to teach adventure seekers about the importance of biological zones like Nicaragua’s Canopy Miravalles. Zip lining is one of the fastest growing eco tourism activities in the world and, once you try it, it is easy to see why. There is truly no experience more surreal or more exhilarating.

Come fly with us! Ask us about our zip line tours.

Cool off with Our Favorite Cocktail

Posted on July 14, 2016 by James Anderson

As a sustainable eco lodge, we’re all about sourcing local. We eat local fruit, hire local staff, decorate our casitas with local art. The list goes on! Nicaragua is a country full of tropical treasures and practically everything we need here at the lodge can be found nearby, including local liquor!

Jicor is a Nicaraguan liqueur distilled from the pulp of jicaro fruit—a hard woody fruit that grows on Nicaragua’s jicaro trees—mixed with sugar and water. The perfect cocktail component, jicor’s flavor is bold and its alcohol content even bolder…

Enjoy its unique taste in this cool cocktail, which is best paired with a deck chair, a good book, and one of our beautiful lake views.

The El Jicaro

Ingredients

3 oz jicor liqueur

1oz sugar syrup

2 oz lemon juice

3 oz iced tea

1 oz club soda

Preparation

1. In a cocktail shaker, mix the jicor, iced tea, sugar syrup, and lemon juice.

2. Add a scoop of ice and shake for 10 seconds. Mix with club soda and garnish with a lemon or lime.

**If you happen to have a jicaro nut lying around, use that as a glass!

3. Kick back, relax, and enjoy!

Did you make this at home? Show-us! Post your own El Jicaro on our Facebook Page OR Know a foodie who would love this? Share it with a friend!

Your Taco Tuesday Survival Guide

Posted on July 9, 2016 by James Anderson

Here at Jicaro we love our tacos. We love them so much, you might even say Taco Tuesday is our favourite day of the week! If you’ve visited Jicaro and experienced the magic of our chef’s chicken, fish, or shrimp tacos first hand you know what where talking about…

In honor of Taco Tuesdays everywhere here is our extra special taco recipe—from our kitchen to yours.

Ingredients

1 oz minced garlic

½ oz vegetable oil

7 oz fish, chicken, or Shrimp

1 oz mayonnaise

½ a lemon, grated

¼ oz water

½ oz lemon juice

2 Corn tortillas

1 side portion pico de gallo (chopped salad)

1 side portion cabbage salad

2 oz refried beans

Preparation

1. Mix the mayonnaise, grated lemon, water, and lemon juice, to make a dressing.

2. Fry the protein together with the garlic, salt, and pepper, on both sides.

3. Heat the tortillas, place them on the serving dish, then place the beans, fish, and pico de gallo on top. Accompany with a cabbage salad, and small dish of dressing.

Happy taco eating everyone!

Jicaro Island Ecolodge

Nicaragua Luxury Ecolodge

Eat, Pray , Love ; experience all in Jicaro

Shark Week! Lake Nicaragua’s Freshwater Sharks

Leon Eateries You Need to Try

Pan Y Paz

Cocinarte

Cafe La Nicaraguita

Stop by any of these Leon eateries? Post a picture of your meal on our Facebook page!

Our Little Chunk of Volcano: How Jicaro Was Formed

Eager to explore the isletas? Ask us about our boat tour!

Eat Like a Local! Traditional Nicaraguan Bites to Try

Sopa de Mondongo

Try any of these dishes on your travels through Nicaragua? Post a picture on our Facebook page!

Jicaro Island Gift Guide

Hand-Painted Vases

Macen Bags

Granada Salt Shakers

Come Fly With Us! History of the Zip Line

Come fly with us! Ask us about our zip line tours.

Cool off with Our Favorite Cocktail

The El Jicaro

Preparation

Did you make this at home? Show-us! Post your own El Jicaro on our Facebook Page OR Know a foodie who would love this? Share it with a friend!

Your Taco Tuesday Survival Guide

Preparation

Did you make this at home? Show-us! Post your own Jicaro Tacos on our Facebook Page OR Know a foodie who would love this? Share it with a friend!