Visiting Jinotega

We at CdA understand the importance of world travel and are excited to offer sponsors, donors, and volunteers the opportunity to visit our community in Jinotega. Whether you intend to meet your sponsored student, have a leisurely vacation, or work at our community center, we encourage you to make the most of your time in Nicaragua.

Volunteer (far right, back) with students

Travel

While CdA does not make travel arrangements, we do offer our experience for your reference. Please contact us with any specific questions you may have.

Fly into Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (code: MGA) in Managua, the capital city, then take transportation 3 hours north to Jinotega. We can arrange for someone to meet you at the airport and help you onto the bus northbound. We will then pick you up from the bus station in Jinotega, and, finally, transport you to our community center.

Accommodation

We are happy to provide lodging for you at our center. We can easily accommodate groups of up to 9 people. With 9 beds in 5 rooms, we’ll work with you to figure out your housing needs. With a bit of imagination, we could potentially house many more.

Cost: $25/night per person and includes:

Healthy, authentic breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Personal Housekeeper (this is a cultural norm)
Indoor toilet and shower
Computer use and internet connection at our community computer lab
24-hour security

For very large groups or for those who prefer other lodging opportunities, we can help coordinate your stay at a local hotel. These range from $35-$75 per night.

Language

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Nicaragua. Obviously, some Spanish will help your travels, but this is an adventure and, remember, a smile goes a long way! While it is not necessary, it may be useful to take a semester of beginning Spanish at your local community college or on the web.

Site-seeing

Local attractions include:

BioSphere
Petroglyphs in Chaguitillo
Selva Negra, nature reserve and coffee estate
…more coming soon!

Volunteer Opportunities

We see value in giving service to others and highly encourage volunteerism at our community center. Because the critical aspects of our program are directed by local employees, volunteers have the opportunity to gear their work to their personal strengths. Unlike other programs that mandate you donate a specific amount of money, we build projects around the funding you are able to raise before your visit. Please contact us for specifics. Projects that are in the works include:

(List coming soon!)

Volunteer teaching students about filmmaking

Reminders

Please consult your physician before traveling internationally. He or she can give you the appropriate information for remaining well during your visit and council you on which vaccinations you’ll need. You may also find more information on the U.S. Center for Disease Control website.

CdA does not take responsibility for U.S. citizens traveling in Nicaragua. Please contact the U.S Embassy in Managua in case of emergency. We encourage you to follow their guidelines when traveling in-country.

For further information, please see visit the U.S. Department of State’s site for traveling abroad. Here you will find suggestions about (although not limited to) medical and traveling insurance, passport data, and customs restrictions.

Volunteer gives lesson to community