Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, Nicaragua

Internet Now Available to Our Guests

Study Spanish and Volunteer at the oldest and most experienced Spanish school in Nicaragua!

Between Masaya and Granada lies the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful spots in Central America. The Laguna de Apoyo Spanish School is there!

Hidden along the shoreline of the spectacular freshwater preserve, the biological research station "Estación Biológica FUNDECI/GAIA" offers students intensive instruction in the Spanish language while facilitating the exploration of Nicaragua’s ecological and cultural surroundings. In accordance with the nature of our nonprofit organization, your stay with us provides scholarships and grants for educational, research, and conservation projects within the local community of Laguna de Apoyo as well as in local universities.

The crater, a nationally designated protected area, is especially noted for the biodiversity encountered there. Nature lovers can take walks through the high-quality dry tropical forest near the school. The school grounds alone make for excellent birdwatching: the Turquoise-browed Motmot, Montezuma Oropendola, Collared Aracari, and the Black-headed Trogon can be seen often in the trees overhead. Bring your binoculars, and join us on a nature walk! Iguanas, variegated squirrels, kinkajous, and many of Nicaragua’s 65 species of bats can be seen on the premises. Howler monkeys can be heard from the deeper forest nearby. Endangered fishes found only in Lake Apoyo are easily sighted by snorkeling near our site.

Our school is the oldest school in Nicaragua, with the most experienced teachers in the country. We have trained many of the teachers in other programs throughout the country. Our school is the only registered-not-for-profit school in the country. All our proceeds are used to promote environmental awareness and train local community members in important skills.

To assure the best educational experience, you can make an advance reservation by payment via paypal. Please let us know your needs and we will determine availability and pricing details. You can now make reservations easily via paypal.