How do I get to Selva Negra
Please visit our directions for a comprehensive description on reaching on.
What is the best time of the year to visit Selva Negra Ecolodge and Coffee Estate?
That depends on you. If you are interested in birding, migratory paths and breeding patterns will determine the best time. If you are interested in coffee cultivation, make sure to visit between November and February when harvesting season is at its peak. The driest, sunniest, warmest season of the year at Selva Negra is from November to May. The period from June to November is our greenest time of year, a marvellous time to visit and witness the lush greenery of the rainforest and the life that comes with it.
Are the bungalows air conditioned/heated?
You won't need air conditioners or heaters at Selva Negra. We are blessed with a moderate climate. The daytime average temperature throughout the year is 65F/18C. Our lodgings feature large windows and ceiling fans for natural air circulation, and comfy heavy blankets you can snuggle into on cooler nights.
What should I bring for my visit?
With the variety of activities to choose from, what to bring depends on what you would like to get from your visit.
For hiking and nature tours we recommend:
- a good pair of hiking shoes
- rain gear
- good binoculars for wildlife viewing
- insect repellent (no see-ums and chiggers are common in the mountain)
- lightweight sweater or jacket
- a camera to capture your memories
- we recommend using rechargeable batteries during your visit -- and please drop them off at a battery recycling depot when they can no longer be recharged
- extra batteries, camera cards, film and videotape
- a mix of long and short sleeve shirts for hot days and cooler nights. Instead of denim blue jeans, opt for breathable materials for shorts and pants. Pack light - we have our own laundry service.
- photocopy your passport and pack the copy separately in case your passport is lost.
Do you have bird lists and bird reports from your area?
Yes, Cooper Ecological Monitoring, Inc. has developed Selva Negra's bird list available for downloading. Click on the following links:
Birds-part a | Birds-part bOur birding guides can be hired for the full day. Please contact us in advance to arrange a guide.
Do I need to bring reference books on plants, birds and other animals?
Yes, if you have them they will come in handy. Our library carries a selection of nature reference books and manuals on loan free of charge to guests.
Are there snakes?
Yes, snakes are essential species in cloud forests. Few of the snakes at Selva Negra are poisonous and all of them shy from human contact. As extra precautions, stay on the marked trails, keep out of tall grass, walk around large logs instead of over them, and wear good hiking shoes and long pants. If you are especially terrified of snakes, bang a stick against the ground as you walk.
Is there Internet access at Selva Negra
Yes, wireless internet is available free-of-charge to our guests. We also offer a computer station with high-speed internet at the front desk for a modest charge. Our front desk staff will only be able to place domestic phone calls to land lines. No calls to cell phones may be placed at the front desk. Long-distance and international calls may be placed through the operator and charges will apply.
Please note that cell phone and internet service interruptions are more common in Nicaragua than in North America. We also sometimes experience service interruptions and delays because of our mountain location.
What is your policy regarding smoking?
All lodging accommodations and indoor spaces are smoke-free. Smoking is allowed in the outdoor spaces and the patio of the restaurant.
What is your Check-in / Check-out Policy?
Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m. but we're flexible if the bungalow is not reserved for the next night.
How late may I arrive?
Please telephone our front desk if you think you may arrive after 9 p.m. The entrance gate is staffed 24 hours per day.
How about early breakfasts?
We offer coffee service to your room starting at 6:00AM, the restaurant is open for a full breakfast starting at 7AM.
Do I need a VISA to enter Nicaragua?
Residents of the USA, Canada and most European countries need only a valid passport to enter Nicaragua. Your passport will be stamped with a tourist visa upon entering Nicaragua (which currently costs US$10). The tourist visa permits you to stay in Nicaragua for 90 days, and you can renew it for another 90-day period before the first 90 days are up. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival.
Do I need local currency?
No. We accept payment in US dollars, in cash or by Visa, MasterCard and American Express. In fact, you won't need any cash at Selva Negra because all of our services and products can be charged to your credit card.
We also accept payment in Nicaragua's national currency, the Cordoba. We will gladly change your US dollars into Cordobas at our front desk. We offer an exchange rate that is more attractive than the rate you would receive at a bank in North America or Nicaragua. Please note that almost all businesses and restaurants in Nicaragua will accept payment in US dollars. However, almost none will accept Canadian dollars, the Euro or travellers checks.
Is the water safe to drink?
We draw our water from natural springs and purify and treat it ourselves. It is heavy in natural minerals, just like the water sold in exclusive spas. For people whose digestion might be upset by mineral-rich water, we provide bottled water in all lodgings. Refills are free for the asking from the water cooler in our restaurant.
What is your policy regarding tips?
As in resorts and restaurants in North America and Europe, our staff people greatly appreciate your tips if you are satisfied with their service. Our wait staff shares tips equally with other personnel, such as kitchen workers and cleaners. As a rule of thumb, a tip of 15% is customary for satisfactory service. You may leave a tip after you receive the service or add it to your bill when you check out. Please note one exception about adding a tip to your bill at check-out: if you would like to tip your nature guide, please do so directly.
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