Birdwatching and coffee tours are conveniently rolled into one at Gaia Estate, a lush, 90-acre organic coffee farm. Over 150 species of birds live here, and forested trails lead past 60 species of trees. From Diriamba's Puma gas station turn right towards Diriamba Stadium, then right again in front of the stadium and drive 4.5km to the village of San Carlos. The road curves left and the entrance to Bosques de Gaia (known locally as 'Miramar') is past the curve.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Museo Ecológico Trópico Seco

1.88 MILES

Nicaragua’s first natural history museum (sort of) offers informative, if low-budget, displays that focus primarily on the ecosystem of the Río Grande de…

2. Reserva Natural Chocoyero-El Brujo

8.1 MILES

This 184-hectare natural reserve, 30km outside Managua, is a small wilderness enclave within easy reach of the capital. Imagine: a hardwood forest, dense…

3. Reserva Ecológica La Maquina

8.86 MILES

Take a dip in the pools beneath spectacular waterfalls at this lovely nature reserve, then explore the short hiking trails that traverse the 154-hectare…

4. Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya

11.16 MILES

Described by the Spaniards as the gates of hell, the craters that comprise Volcán Masaya National Park are the most easily accessible active volcanoes in…

5. Biblioteca Augusto C Sandino

12.11 MILES

This simple corner building was the childhood home of revolutionary leader Augusto C Sandino. Now it's a library and small museum devoted to Sandino…

6. Malecón & Laguna de Masaya

13.47 MILES

Seven blocks west of the Parque Central is an inspiring view in a region famed for them: across Laguna de Masaya to the smoking Santiago crater. The…

7. Iglesia María Magdalena

13.7 MILES

Iglesia María Magdalena, sort of the sister church to San Sebastián, is where many of Monimbó's most important festivals begin or end.

8. Iglesia San Sebastián

13.9 MILES

The original church at this location, also called Iglesia San Sebastián, was built around 1700; it was burned down by William Walker in 1856. The current…