Getting to Nicaragua
The Selva Negra Ecolodge and Coffee Estate is located in the Matagalpa highlands region of Nicaragua. Nicaragua, a Central American country, is located north of Costa Rica, and south of Honduras. If you're flying in to Nicaragua you will arrive at the Augusto C. Sandino International airport in the capital city of Managua Nicaragua. International airlines flying into Managua include:
| Airline | Originating City |
| Aerocaribbean | La Havana |
| American Airlines | Miami |
| CanJet Airlines | Montréal-Trudeau |
| Continental Airlines | Houston-Intercontinental |
| Copa Airlines | Guatemala City, Panama City, San José de Costa Rica, San Salvador |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Los Angeles [seasonal] |
| Spirit Airlines | Fort Lauderdale |
| TACA Airlines | Guatemala City [seasonal], Los Angeles [seasonal], Miami, San José de Costa Rica, San Salvador |
Getting to Selva Negra
By Car from Managua Airport
The drive from Managua to Selva Negra takes less than two hours on two-lane paved highways in excellent condition. It's hard to get lost because the route is direct and the highways are well-signed. You will be able to drive in comfort from Managua to Selva Negra in a vehicle with an automatic or manual transmission. However, it is best that you rent a four-wheel drive vehicle if you want to go exploring down country roads during your stay.
The route to Selva Negra skirts Lake Managua, traverses the lowland plains north of the city, then climbs the foothills and highlands of northern Nicaragua to Selva Negra. The latter half of the drive is amazingly scenic. Please read the Drive to the Highlands article to learn about the many towns and landmarks that you will pass on your way.
Upon leaving the airport, turn right and travel east on the Northern Highway (in Spanish, Carretera Norte). On the outskirts of Managua the highway jogs due north. After passing by the Managua suburb of Tipitapa, stay on the highway for approximately 110 kilometers until you reach the city of Sebaco.
Upon approaching Sebaco, follow the road signs and turn right (that is, northeast) for the highway that leads you to Matagalpa. The distance between Sebaco and Matagalpa is approximately 30 kilometers.
Once in Matagalpa, follow the road signs that direct you northeast toward the city of Jinotega. The turn-off to Selva Negra is approximately 15 minutes' drive north of Matagalpa. Look for a burned-out military tank on the right-hand side of the road. Turn right at the tank down a one-mile gravel road that will lead you directly to our entrance gate.
Car Rental
Several car rental agencies such as Avis and Budget operate inside Managua's International Airport. Their customer service representatives speak English. Remember to book your vehicle in advance.
By Bus
Express bus service from most cities in Nicaragua to Matagalpa, the nearest city to Selva Negra, is fast, frequent, comfortable and very inexpensive. Buses from Managua to Matagalpa leave the capital city's northern terminal.
An express bus from Managua may take from 1.5 to two hours to reach Matagalpa. The local "chicken" bus can take as long as four hours. Bus schedules vary, but usually there are two express buses from Managua to Matagalpa every day, one leaving early in the morning and another early in the afternoon. Local buses leave throughout the day.
Once you arrive in Matagalpa, catch the local bus to Jinotega, which usually leaves every half-hour until early evening. Tell the driver that you want to be let out at Selva Negra, or Kilometer 140. The entrance road is marked by an old military tank. The bus ride from Matagalpa takes about 15 minutes.
Group Travel
If you will be travelling with a group and need transportation, please contact us to arrange a pick- up.
The Tank
Although, not placed here intentionally, the military tank at the turn-off to Selva Negra is an icon of Nicaragua's turbulent past and a symbol of its hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. A relic of the Nicaraguan civil war, it was disabled during battle and abandoned in its current location. Down through the years the local communities have painted it gaily in the colors of the rainbow and planted flowers around it.
Whether you choose to reach Selva Negra by bus or car. You will enjoy a wonderful drive and it will lead to an even grander stay at the Ecolodge.