You want to slow down and enjoy learning in a natural environment with close contacts with the local community, contributing to the local economy in one of the poorest countries in the world. And are prepared to do your bit to be eco-friendly – for example, switching off lights and fans when not in use, keep showers short, don’t wash clothes unless they are dirty, reusing shower water to flush or – better still – use the latrine.
Are interested and want to know more about the history, politics and culture of Nicaragua. Help us to dispel some of the myths – for example, around the crime rate which is actually half that of the USA. (But to ensure peace of mind – and also to help out with any contingency – we do have all night security staff on duty.)
Want to sample freshly cooked, mostly organic, Nicaraguan food. We provide a typical Nicaraguan breakfast (with loads of fresh fruit), family style meals at lunchtime and in the evenings. We eat mostly vegetarian, as do the majority of Nicaraguans, with occassional chicken or fish for those who want it (always veggie alternatives available). We encourage guests to eat together in a convivial atmosphere. Please note that the chicken we buy is now factory farmed .
Want to meet welcoming, friendly people, who are happy to share their wealth of local knowledge – from teaching Spanish language to showing you the medicinal plants which grow on our land.
Enjoy animals and birds – we have several rescued dogs, cats, horses – as well as some parakeets and monkeys. We do not have a zoo and most of the wild aniamls brought us are released into the nature reserve. However some animals stay with us as they are too vulnerable to survive in the wild or they have no habitat left. We work hard to encourage wild plants, birds and animals to take up residence at the Mariposa. We now host a wide variety of both resident and migratory birds who can be spotted at our feeding and watering stations.
Please DO NOT Come Here if…
If you want the ultimate in anything: we do not do luxury or speed.
If you are not willing to treat the Nicaraguans you meet with respect, especially understanding the history that people have endured. If you don’t want to try and talk to our workers (even if your Spanish is limited, the effort is greatly appreciated!) and learn names!
If you want meat with every meal, or like lots of junk food/drink, or don’t like fruit and veggies. This is especially important to note if you are bringing young children and/or teenagers. Please make sure they know what to expect with the food. We do respond to dietary needs such as allergies.
Please don’t encourage too many aluminum wrapped snacks or polystyrene take aways – the trash is non biodegradable! There is a horrific amount of discarded trash in the streets…please don’t add to it.
If you don’t understand the following: even though touching or approaching a strange female in any way is culturally taboo in Nicaragua, it is advisable to remember that Nicaragua, a largely Catholic country, is still very conservative. and for that reason IT IS NOT OK to wear revealing tops or shorts (except at the beach) – you will be regarded as, at the very least, a legitimate target for serious male attention.
If you do not understand that we do not have “staff” at the Mariposa – what we have is an amazing group of people who happen to work here and who offer a unique combination of openness, generosity and humour – we ask students to be responsive to this and to find a way of giving something back – frankly people earn so little that money (in the form of a general tip) is the best but a little of your time to help out is also appreciated.
If you think Nicaragua is the most dangerous country in the world: it is simply not true.
If you expect gourmet meals, we cannot and do not provide a restaurant-style service. Serving family style meals also reduces food waste.
If you don’t like animals. We have a lot! Dogs and cats live freely in the hotel grounds. The dogs and birds can be somewhat noisy from time to time.
We work on a balance between human requirements for a clean living space and the need to use poisons as little as possible – during the 12 years we have noticed an almost total decline in bees and butterflies due to neighbor fumigations, for example.
If you think that Nicaragua (or indeed other so-called Third World countries) is a cheap option. Prices of food and fuel are actually very expensive compared to the West. It is only labor that is cheap.
Want to learn Spanish within the context of a full immersion experience?
