Travel Responsibly: Stay at a Nicaragua Ecolodge

While vacation is the time to escape routine and forget daily stress, it’s also important to be conscious of how your travels can impact the environment and the culture of local host communities. Especially in a country like Nicaragua, where a very high level of biodiversity can be found, ensure that your stay leaves the least possible impact on the environment. A great way to travel sustainably is by staying at an ecolodge like Pacaya Lodge and Spa.

What is an Ecolodge?

An ecolodge is a travel accommodation designed to reduce environmental impact to a minimum. Equipped with energy-saving technologies, ecolodges protect the environment from pollution and degradation. With an emphasis on conservation, visitors are provided with an enhanced nature based experience and information on the value of a healthy ecosystem. Distinct from hotels, ecolodges are usually located in natural areas untouched by noise, traffic, or pollution and have less than 30 rooms. The small size not only ensures minimal environmental impact, but also allows quality, individualized attention to be given to each guest. Another goal behind sustainable ecolodges is to ensure that the business benefits the local host community. For instance, ecolodges tend to provide employment or training opportunities.   

Pacaya Lodge and Spa: Your Choice Nicaragua Ecolodge

Dedicated to sustainability, Pacaya Lodge and Spa is a great choice when it comes to Nicaragua ecolodges. Situated within Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve and near Volcán Masaya and Lake Nicaragua, Pacaya Lodge’s 26-room boutique resort is enveloped in nature.

The lodge’s commitment to conserving surrounding natural environment is evident in its design. The buildings, grounds, and operations were developed in accordance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for hotels and tour operators–the gold standard for responsible tourism practices. For instance, Pacaya Lodge is equipped with on-site solar panels for clean energy. Ingredients used at Pacaya Lodge’s restaurant are locally sourced and sustainably grown in their own organic garden. And, the lodge is designed to maximize air-flow and thus reduce air-conditioning usage. Pacaya Lodge and Spa also strives to educate guests on opportunities to reduce their environmental impact while staying at the lodge.

On top of adhering to high standards of environmental sustainability, Pacaya Lodge and Spa is committed to giving back to its surrounding communities. In a country where fewer than 10% of rural youth finish high school, Pacaya Lodge and Spa supports the education of 240 students from surrounding communities by contributing a percentage of all lodge revenues to Emprendedora, a technical high school located 10km from the lodge. The school offers students technical education in tourism or agriculture, Nicaragua’s two leading industries. In addition to contributing revenues directly to the school, Pacaya Lodge engages school services such as laundry, sources produce from its working farm, and offers internships and professional development opportunities to outstanding students. Furthermore, Pacaya Lodge’s interior design features furniture, art, and decor created by local artisans. By buying and showcasing local handicrafts and artwork, Pacaya Lodge helps bolster local economy and arts communities.

Come experience it all for yourself at Pacaya Lodge & Spa! Book your visit here.