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El Arenal Hill is a Natural Reserve located in the department of Matagalpa, at km 140 of the highway to Jinotega. It covers an area of 14.28 km2, and is part of the Dariense mountain range which consists of high mountains, steep hills, sectional plains and enclosed valleys. Forests cover 66% of El Arenal’s territory and shade coffee plantations cover 9%. This is one of the protected areas in Nicaragua with the highest percentage of forest covering its surface. This Natural Reserve is owned by several private farmers who in addition to coffee also grow flowers, ferns, vegetables, grains and, to a lesser extent, raise cattle.
El Arenal is composed of two ecosystems, including the High altitude Rainforest and the Mountainous Rainforest, which are respectively the second and third richest habitats in variety of species found in Nicaragua. Bird species that can be found here include the quetzal, doves, the three-wattled bellbird, the mot-mot, the tropical mockingbird, toucans, the sharp-shinned hawk, the great curassow, and the black peacock.
Among the mammals that inhabit the area we can find the jaguar, deer, armadillos, spotted pacas, opossums, tigers, agoutis, howler monkeys, olingos, pumas, sloths, oncillas, margays, and peccaries, among other. These animals live in the mountains, in the nucleus forest, the secondary forest and the plantations.
Some of the reptiles that inhabit this area are the coral snake, the boa constrictor, vipers, and chacoya palm vipers. These endangered species can be found throughout the area. Some of the most common amphibians include frogs and toads that live in the local ponds and rivers.
El Arenal’s ecosystem is very humid. Vegetation has been preserved and is largely intact, and is composed of mature trees covered with mosses, ferns, epiphytes, chamaephytes, some araceae, a few shrubs, palms, heliconias, bromeliads and orchids.
A walk through the cloudy jungle.
El Arenal’s dense rain and cloud forests have a wide variety of flora and fauna that can be appreciated by walking through its trails. You can also visit the coffee plantations to see the entire process for growing and preparing the coffee beans. During the hike, tour guides provide a biological interpretation and teach visitors about the terrain features. You will also be able to see some species in their own habitat and enjoy a beautiful view of lush mountain landscapes. The hike takes nearly 5 hours.
As this tour is done in a forest that remains wet throughout the year, and you will walk on steep and sometimes very slippery slopes, it is important that you bring good hiking shoes, plus some water, a raincoat, a camera, a plastic bag to protect any electronic equipment and no bright-colored clothes (preferably green or brown). It is not recommended to bring cell phones, mp3 players, or any bright-colored clothing. Avoid red, yellow or white clothes, as these colors might scare birds away.
For more information you can contact:
Matagalpa Tours at:
www.matagalpatours.com
From Banpro, ½ a block east
Matagalpa, Nicaragua
P.O. Box #40 Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Phone: (+505) 27720108
Cel. phone: (+505) 83506328
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