Jicaro Island Lodge

Jicaro Island Lodge is Nicaragua’s best luxury nature resort, located on a private island in the Granada Isletas of Lake Nicaragua.

A member of the exclusive National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, our five star hotel is located just a short boat ride from the colonial town of Granada with spectacular views of the Mombacho Volcano across the lake.

Nine luxury casitas provide the perfect setting for romantic escapes, honeymoons, tours, and activities as well as wellness and yoga retreats. Immerse yourself in a magical island resort experience filled with peace and tranquility.

THE HISTORY
The story of Jicaro Island Lodge is the stuff of daydreams. It begins back in January of 2007 when Karen Emanuel, Jicaro’s owner, was on vacation in Nicaragua. Exploring the colonial city of Granada, Karen walked into a restaurant and saw a notice proclaiming “Island for Sale”.

Partly as a fantasy but also recognizing Nicaragua’s tourism potential, it caught her eye. A short boat ride later with the owners followed by a relaxing week at an outstanding eco-lodge on the Nicaraguan coast and an idea had started developing in Karen’s head.

After arriving back home to the bleak London winter, she scribbled down a few figures on the back of an envelope and within a few weeks had wired over a deposit for the island.

With the help of architect Matthew Falkiner and the Cayuga Collection team – a Costa Rica based hospitality company dedicated to managing sustainable luxury hotels and lodges in Latin America – the dream became reality: our secluded getaway lapped by the calm waters of Lake Nicaragua was born.

To learn more about the magic behind Jicaro Lodge you can read Karen’s blog, written during the building and opening of the lodge.

GETTING TO JICARO ISLAND
Jicaro Island is located in Lake Nicaragua, just a short boat ride from the colorful colonial city of Granada. To reach Jicaro, the fastest way is by air: Fly into Managua International Airport (MGA). We’ll pick you up at Arrivals and drive you to Asese Port in the city of Granada (1hr drive time).

Then we’ll take you by boat (15 mins) to Jicaro Island. Alternatively, we can make arrangements to pick you up from any other hotel or location in Nicaragua, or even across the border at Liberia Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica (3hr from Jicaro).

We are happy to arrange all domestic ground transportation for you – just ask. We can also provide you with detailed driving instructions should you wish to make your own way to Granada.

CASITAS
Rooms at Jicaro are one-of-a-kind, private two-storey houses, raised up above the ground like treehouses. Our nine luxury ‘Casitas’ all enjoy lake views and are within a short walk of the pool, restaurant and wellness center.

PEACEFUL LAKESIDE LIVING
All of our nine casitas are private, two-storey dwellings. Tucked away under the shade of tall rainforest trees, each features an airy upstairs bedroom and a spacious downstairs living area that opens onto an outdoor waterfront deck.

here, guests will find an inviting oversized hammock to while away their afternoons soaking up the peace of this magical lake.

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY AMONGST THE TREETOPS
Envisioned by architect Michael Falkner, our nine luxury casitas and their furniture are made from local Rainforest Alliance certified wood and blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings.

Mature trees and the natural forms of the island were preserved during the building process, and casitas feel thoroughly part of the island. Casitas are raised above the ground and feel like treehouses suspended amongst the island foliage.

Clever design promoting cross ventilation plus ceiling fans and shade from the trees keep them cool without the need for air conditioning.

PRIVATE ISLAND GOURMET
At Jicaro, dining lakeside is at the center of our island experience. With three meals included daily plus tasty snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, prepare to enjoy Nicaragua’s finest flavors – whatever your culinary preferences.

GLOBALLY INSPIRED FOOD FROM LOCAL INGREDIENTS
At Jicaro, we believe that when you use fresh, tasty ingredients, even the simplest of dishes can be extraordinary. That’s why we work exclusively with artisanal products sourced close to home, transforming them into gourmet fare fit for a luxury private island paradise.

Pull up a chair at our open kitchen for a taste of what’s cooking – we promise a memorable culinary experience for all who visit our peaceful shores. Three multi-course a-la-carte meals are included daily at Jicaro Island Lodge, plus snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

DELICIOUS MENUS FOR EVERY PALATE
A-la-carte menus at Jicaro are masterfully designed to delight the palates of each and every one of our guests, no matter their dietary requirements.

In addition to beautifully fresh fish and organic, sustainably sourced meats, each includes mouth-watering vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. What’s more, we’ll always accommodate – and gourmetfy – our guests’ food allergies.

RELAX AND REFRESH BESIDE PEACEFUL WATERS
Tucked away waterside, Jicaro’s intimate wellness center offers a range of massage and spa treatments. Its adjacent yoga deck makes a tranquil setting to develop your practice with a view.

ISLAND WELLNESS AT JICARO
Jicaro Island offers the ideal escape for those who wish to reconnect with themselves and leave their hectic lives behind if for a few days.

Our wellness center is located lakeside and comprises two breezy treatment rooms with private showers. Massages range from Swedish to Shiatsu to Hot Stone, and are available everyday for our guests.

YOGA OVERLOOKING LAKE NICARAGUA
A spot that seldom fails to inspire serenity, our dedicated yoga deck looks out over the sparkling lake towards Mombacho Volcano.

A beautiful environment to develop your individual practice, we offer mats, blocks and straps for complimentary use. Private yoga classes are also available for our guests at an additional charge.

Jicaro also offers a unique location for organized retreats, combining exceptional yoga experiences with opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in the destination and its culture on a number of inspiring tours.

ROMANTIC ESCAPES, HONEYMOONS AND WEDDINGS
Jicaro is a secluded island escape, ideal for honeymooners, an out of the ordinary romantic vacation or even an intimate exotic island wedding.

THE PERFECT ROMANTIC ISLAND ESCAPE
A stay at Jicaro allows for a perfect combination of relaxing in your room, revitalizing at the wellness center, and actively exploring the flora and fauna that this tropical paradise has to offer.

Candle lit dinner for two on your own floating deck! Let us help you plan your honeymoon or your romantic break and make it the most special vacation of your lives.

PRIVATE ISLAND HIRE FOR WEDDINGS
Jicaro Island can provide the most amazing setting for a wedding with everything you need to make the special day truly amazing for you, your friends and family.

ACTIVE EXPERIENCES FOR ADVENTURE-SEEKERS
From hiking Mombacho Volcano to zipping through the rainforest or kayaking around our islands, there’s no shortage of extraordinary adventures to be had beyond Jicaro.

MOMBACHO VOLCANO & CANOPY ZIP LINE
Spend the day at the Mombacho Natural Reserve hiking for some 2.5 hours before climbing to “La Roca” lookout to appreciate one of the most beautiful views of Granada’s Islands, Zapatera, and the volcanoes of Lake Nicaragua.

Take a quick breather and enjoy nature while you refuel with a tasty picnic lunch before your zip line adventure that’ll see you flying high at 30m above the treetops.

HORESEBACK RIDING
Enjoy a 1.5 hour horseback ride in the morning or evening at Hacienda La Puerta, situated in the foothills of the majestic Mombacho Volcano. Along the way you’ll pass through pastureland and traditional cacao and plantain farms, enjoying glorious views of Lake Nicaragua and its little islands from afar.

You’ll also be able to greet the farm animals you encounter en route. After your ride, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a picnic before returning to the lodge.

SUNRISE OR SUNSET KAYAKING OR SUP
Paddle out in by kayak or paddleboard and explore the wonderful ecosystem that surrounds our lodge. Your experienced guide will help you learn about the natural history of the islands, their importance in the region, and the theories around how they were formed.

Along the way you’ll visit secret spots where you can float amongst beautiful water lilies and glide through narrow canals between the islets. Don’t forget your binoculars – you’ll likely observe a number of shore birds during the tour, and if you’ve got particularly sharp eyes, you might even spot a lake turtle or two.

CERRO NEGRO SAND BOARDING AND LEON CITY TOUR
You’ve heard of snow boarding, but what about its sand counterpart? Experience this wild sport on the black sands of Cerro Negro Volcano before heading over to Leon city, the former capital of Nicaragua, where you’ll visit the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and do some further sightseeing around the city’s historical center.

A tasty beachfront lunch is included, and you’ll have time to enjoy the waters. Catch the sunset before returning to Jicaro.

ECOSYSTEMS THAT INSPIRE
From our lowland dry forests to the misty cloud forests perched atop our volcanoes, Nicaragua’s ecosystems are varied and wonderful. Discover them plus a whole world of flora and fauna on our curated selection of guided nature tours.

HACIENDA LA CALERA HIKE & HOT SPRINGS
Set out at the foot of the Mombacho Volcano on a 2.5-hour hike from Hacienda La Calera through fields of plantains, cacao and citrus fruits, plus stretches of tropical dry forest where you’ll observe the local flora and fauna.

Your expert guide will tell you all about the forest and the cultural implications of farming on Mombacho which dates back to colonial times. Recharge your batteries at the end of the hike with a delicious picnic lunch and a blissful dip in the hot springs on the shores of the lake before heading back to Jicaro.

BIRDWATCHING
Awaken at dawn to the fresh island breezes, or enjoy a memorable, fiery sunset on the lake as you paddle out by kayak or on our boat to discover the many birds that call the Isletas home.

On this morning or evening tour you’ll explore the nearby islands before heading to the peninsula in search of birds such as Montezuma Oropendolas, Ringed Kingfishers, Purple Gallinules, and Northern Jacanas amongst many others.

Don’t forget to bring the bird flashcard from your casita and your binoculars; if you don’t have your own, we’ll lend you some.

MOMBACHO VOLCANO CLOUD FOREST
Your adventure at the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve starts at the foot of the volcano and ends at its peak, with time en route to visit a coffee farm and enjoy a nice hot cup of Joe.

At the top of the volcano you’ll visit the biological station to learn all about the cloud forest ecosystem before heading out into the mystical forest itself on the Tigrillo, Puma or Crater Trail to observe dense vegetation and trees dripping with orchids and bromeliads.

You’ll enjoy fantastic views of Lake Nicaragua and the islands while on the trials, and your guide will keep you entertained along the way, educating you on the surrounding beautiful flora and fauna.

A REGION BURSTING WITH COLOR AND CULTURE
Discover the rich colonial history and culture of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Granada and its surroundings, including Masaya Volcano National Park, the outdoor craft market of Masaya town, and the beautiful crystal waters of Apoyo Lagoon.

GRANADA CITY TOUR
Discover the famous city of Granada – the oldest on mainland America -, established in 1524 by the Spaniard Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba. Considered one of the prettiest cities in Latin America, there’s plenty to explore.

You’ll visit sites and colonial buildings as well as the San Francisco Museum, which preserves some of the most interesting indigenous ceramic and statue collections.

Step back to pre-Columbian times to learn about Granada’s development; you’ll hear stories of real pirates and tales of civil wars that led to the city being burned to ashes, sacked and destroyed several times. Just like its streets and buildings, Granada’s history is colorful and impressive.

FLOR DE CAÑA RUM TOUR
Learn all about the history and production of Flor de Caña, the famous Nicaraguan rum on this expert-led tour of the factory. You’ll get to sample the unique flavors of this world-class rum as you explore the family reserve, and you’ll also visit the aging room where the rum acquires its color, aroma and flavor.

Having enjoyed one of the most awarded rums in the world, you’ll continue to the city of León to explore its beautiful architecture, history, culture and more.

MASAYA VOLCANO, HANDICRAFT MARKET & APOYO LAGOON
There’s nowhere quite like the Masaya Volcano National Park to see one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua up close and personal. It’s home to the bubbling Santiago crater, one of the few places in the world where such an active volcano can be observed from a matter of meters.

On this tour you’ll also visit the ecological museum and Nicaragua’s most popular openair handicraft market located in Masaya where crafts can be purchased.

Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve, considered to have some of the cleanest and deepest waters in Nicaragua, will also be on the itinerary. These warm waters are perfect for a quick dip or relaxing swim.

STREET FOOD TOUR FOR ADVENTUROUS FOODIES
Take a journey into the flavors, colors and aromas of the Nicaraguan cuisine as we take you through a number of our iconic dishes. We’ll begin in Granada’s central park with a famous Vigorón followed by something special for those of you with a sweet tooth including some delicious Cajeta in the town of Diriomo.

In Masaya and the white towns, we’ll go “a lo Nica”, taking you completely off the beaten path. In the town of San Juan de Oriente, you’ll try Chicha Bruja (Witch’s Brew) and Mondongo, a local soup, as tasted by Anthony Bourdain.

In Catarina, the must-try dishes include Rellenitas, Güirilas, and Atol – it’ll be hard to pick a favorite! In Masaya, the Capital of Folklore, we’ll try some meaty Baho and wash it all down with a well-deserved coffee.

DISCOVER THE GRANADA ISLETS
Explore the hundreds of islands around Jicaro by boat or try fishing the traditional way using nets and a rowing boat.

ISLETAS BOAT TOUR
Curious to explore the archipelago of Granada Islets? Join us for a unique and relaxing boat tour where you’ll be able to appreciate our many neighboring islands, surrounding nature and pristine landscapes.

Along the way you’ll learn about the lifestyle of the local people and about some of our sustainability projects as we pass by the peninsula.

We’ll pack a cooler with drinks and snacks that you can enjoy whilst taking in the stunning views, and we’ll also have towels at the ready for those who wish to jump into the lake for a swim in the fresh, warm water.

ARTISANAL FISHING ON LAKE NICARAGUA
During your stay with us at Jicaro, you’ll notice fishermen in their wooden boats using fishing lines or nets to catch fish. We invite you to be part of this unique experience where you’ll learn our traditional artisanal fishing techniques.

Your guide will take you to the hotspots in search of fish and will also tell you all about life on these little islands. If you catch a tasty fish like tilapia, snook or rainbow bass, bring it back to shore and we’ll prepare it for you at the lodge.

ISLAND TOUR
Jicaro Island Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore Lake Nicaragua, Granada Isletas and other attractions of Nicaragua. Whether you are looking to explore Nicaragua’s nature and culture or enjoy other activities in beautiful settings.

Our tours offer varied activities ranging from easy to challenging, and are all accompanied by a private guide who will teach you about local flora and fauna, as well as Nicaraguan history, culture and day-to-day living.

We also like to show our guests around Jicaro Island itself to show what a sustainable lodge is all about.

JICARO ISLAND SUSTAINABILITY TOURS
Did you ever wonder what’s going on behind the scenes of an eco-lodge? How is the water from the lake processed into a drinkable freshwater resource? What happens to the grey water; where does it go to? And where do the leftovers from our meals end up?

If you are interested in these kind of questions, please join our sustainability tour over the island, where you will get exclusive insights into everything that’s happening in the background.

You will be able to excess some of the staff only areas and will see and hear about processes that you probably did not even notice before.

TRAVEL TO THE LAND OF LAKES AND VOLCANOES
The land of lakes and volcanoes, a truly breathtaking, beautiful and unspoilt country rich in history and culture.

The only thing you should be afraid of when thinking about a vacation in Nicaragua and Jicaro Island ecolodge is that you might not want to leave ever again. Nicaragua has had its share of negative publicity in the past, but today it is one of the safest countries to travel in all of Latin America.

Nicaragua offers a range of memorable experiences for lovers of nature, adventure, active sports, beaches, history and culture.

With vast stretches of untouched rainforests and cloud forests preserved as national parks, more than 70 different eco-systems and comfortable eco-lodges throughout the country, Nicaragua is developing a thriving ecotourism industry.

A top draw are the beaches and the Pacific Coast has miles of pristine white-sand beaches, many with perfect surf breaks. If you have a sense of adventure, you will really appreciate all that Nicaragua has to offer.

The Nicaraguans are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and the country´s culture and nature are incredible.

A GLIMPSE OF GRANADA AND LAKE NICARAGUA
Jicaro Island Lodge is located on a small private islet in Lake Nicaragua, just minutes by boat from Granada. The city itself is a beautiful example of a Central America’s colonial past with a slightly faded grandeur and vibrant color all of its own.

Its bustling markets and historic buildings are a must-visit for our guests, and its lakeside location make it all the more charming. Just southeast of Granada amidst the waters of Lake Nicaragua is an archipelago of 365 small islands, all formed by Mombacho Volcano over 20,000 years ago.

The freshwater lake is the largest of its kind in Central America, and connects with the Caribbean Sea via the San Juan River. This technically makes Granada an Atlantic port, despite being geographically closer to the Pacific.

Lake Nicaragua has a fascinating history of Caribbean pirates such as Captain Morgan who assaulted Granada several times during the Spanish colonial period.

There were once serious plans to build a canal connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific using the San Juan River and Lake Nicaragua, but eventually it was built in Panama.

Website: www.jicarolodge.com

Rooms: 9

Price: from 364 EUR per night