The Climate

There are three distinct tropical climate zones in the municipality (county) of San Ramón. The three zones vary in altitude and therefore have different weather and distinct flora and fauna.

 

FEV is located at an elevation of 4,000 ft. (1200 mts) above sea level and is classified as “semi-wet tropical”, "cloud forest", or “tropical mountain forest”.  The beauty of FEV is in the green and lush landscape we are able to experience due to its own microclimate. A phenomenon that even during the driest months of the year, we are blessed with the cloud mist and light rains in the early mornings or late afternoons. March and April are the warmest months with the least amount of rain. Daytime temperatures can reach into the 80sF/27C and drop down to the low 70sF/21C at night. December, January, and February are the coolest months of the year. Daytime temps around 65F/18C and nights can drop into the high 40'sF/4C. During the rainy season from June – December, both the days and nights can be cool and very wet with daytime temperatures reaching the 70sF/21C and dropping into the 50s/10C. 

 

Recommendations for Travelers

What to pack:

• Personal items, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.

• , Medicines: Pack your prescription medications in your carry-on. For your comfort, be prepared to treat yourself for bug bites (benedrylneosporin, cortison cream, bandaids), common cold, and constipation (consider a bag of prunes). Bring your own Epi-Pen if needed. 

• Footwear: supportive walking shoes or hiking boots (paths are muddy when it rains), flip flops or sandals. For those rainy days or for walking around the plantation, FEV provides rubber boots for your use and convenience while visiting the farm.

• Clothing: Our climate is cool and wet all year round, so fast drying clothing is highly recommended. For evenings consider a sweater, fleece, vest, wrap/shawl, lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirt, jacket, and rain gear. For the warmer months of March and April, shorts and tee-shirts are recommended. Of course, rain gear is a must for the months of June – December, our official rainy season.

• Accessories: flashlight with extra batteries, water bottle, sun hat, journal, pens, a camera with extra camera batteries, binoculars, photocopy of your passport.

• : If traveling around the country, $300 cash for a weeklong trip. Expenses: $10 arrival tax, $20-$40 Moneytip for staff at Finca Esperanza Verde, spending money for art work and crafts. Travelers checks are not useful. ATM machines at the airport. Closest ATM to the finca is in Matagalpa. Credit cards are NOT accepted everywhere. We do, of course.

• WiFi in the main dining room. We also provide an area in the library to charge up your batteries. 

 

Managua airport and customs

• Before you land, you will be given a customs declaration to fill out. If you have less than $500 worth of stuff to bring into the country, you do not have to itemize your belongings. Even though you won’t need to list the contents of your suitcases you’re bringing into the country (assuming the value is under $500), you’ll need to know what the contents are. For instance, if you are carrying suitcases full of material aid or donations which you didn’t pack yourself, open the suitcase ahead of time and check out the contents.

• Local address to put on your baggage tags: Your name, Finca Esperanza Verde, San Ramón, Matagalpa.

• Your entry visa, which you pay at the passport control counter costs $10. PAY THE EXACT AMOUNT since they will not change large bills. This covers your entry and exit fee. FYI – they will hand you a small white paper with your passport - When you leave the country, you will need to present this paper at the departure gate so keep it safe with your passport.

• At the baggage claim, there will be porters anxious to help you. THEY EXPECT TO BE PAID. One dollar for two bags will be plenty. US coins are not of any use to them. If you want to carry your own bags, tell them “No, gracias.”

• After gathering your bags, BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR BAGGAGE CLAIM TICKETS handy to show the attendant upon leaving. 

• Your bags will then be placed through the X-ray machine. The customs official might ask to look in your bags. Tell him or her that the contents are “used” or for personal use. (“Esta usada”) or (“Para mi uso personal”). Allow your bags to be inspected if asked. 

• When you exit the customs area and leave the terminal, look for the shuttle buses for your hotel in Managua or car rental agencies. If you have made prior arrangements with us for a FEV transfer service, look for the FEV greeter /driver holding a sign with your name. 

 

Other suggestions

• Get in shape! The finca is at an elevation of 4,000 feet (1200 mts) which makes hiking more strenuous than you will be used to if you live at a lower elevation.

• Learn some Spanish if visiting the North. Very little or no English is spoken in this region. Bring a phrase book or other device for easing communication. The FEV guides will know enough English for your guided nature walks.    

Tips

The staff appreciates this of course since it’s a sign that you had a good time and good service. There is a tip box at the reception desk. Tips are shared equally with the Finca hotel staff. Suggested tip is $20 - $50 for a 2 – 4 night stay at FEV.