Many travelers to this country, which lies between Honduras and Costa Rica, will attest that Nicaragua has by far the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Central America. Its name derives from the earliest inhabitants, the Nicarao tribe, and the Spanish agua for water - so called for the massive clear lakes in the region. While Contras and Sandinistas may first come to mind when thinking of Nicaragua, the country is well over two decades and quite far from its turbulent past.

It is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, behind Haiti, and the largest of Central American countries, although the least densely populated. In the Americas only the Brazil Amazon rainforest is larger than Nicaragua's rainforest; twenty percent of Nicaragua is protected as national parks or biological reserves. The population is largely mestizo and youthful, forty percent is under the age of 18. While most of the indigenous people have been assimilated into the Hispanic mainstream, a few tribes in the eastern half of Nicaragua retain ethnical distinction, customs and languages.

VISIONS is home-based in the highland city of Jinotega roughly 100 miles northeast of Managua, the capital city. In the 'cloud forests' where the climate is cooler than the lowlands, Jinotega nestles at the base of a forested mountain range that surrounds the small city. Oak and pine trees, ferns and moss thrive here-as well as coffee beans. Jinotega Province is renowned for its coffee production in the higher slopes.

Our local projects partner is AVODEC (Asociación de Voluntarios para el Desarrollo Comunitario), a grassroots NGO that supports rural community organizations by providing materials, labor and expertise for a variety of sustainable endeavors such as potable water systems, compost latrines, plant nurseries and other environmental projects. You also may volunteer in an orphanage helping to teach handicrafts and building skills. The service projects in Nicaragua are a mix of construction, reforestation, agriculture, internships with micro-businesses and more.

Nicaraguans embrace life with openness and equal measures of tranquility and optimism. Fortunately, we spend much of our free time with our hosts and friends eating dinner together, dancing and karaoke nights together, talking about culture, customs, and history. There is a weekend home stay during which you may travel to the countryside with your family to visit the village they originally came from. Our explorations are and include an overnight stay on an ecological coffee farm, hiking in Reservas Datanli and up to La Peña de la Cruz to the panoramic view that takes in all of Jinotega, perhaps a fishing trip to Lago de Apanás. We'll visit the oldest colonial city in Central America, Granada, with its tree-lined plaza, cobblestone alleys and vibrantly restored colonial-era homes. The sprawling Masaya artisan market featuring wares from all over the country is a must-see stop.

From our bus drivers the Blandon brothers and their families to Victorino, Alex and more AVODEC friends to many other Nicaraguans you'll meet, authentic insight into Nicaragua's history, culture, and dramatic beauty are assured.