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Smaller World Tour to Nicaragua
March 27 - April 4, 2010

This adventure will provide exposure to a range of Sustainable Harvest International's work in sustainable agriculture, reforestation, quality of life enhancement and business development.  The communities where SHI works in Nicaragua are located on the Atlantic Coast, and this trip will involve traveling from the capital city Managua to the rural communities we serve on the Atlantic Coast and SHI-Nicaragua's new Center for Families and the Environment in Bluefields.  You will meet families who live in challenging circumstances but still embrace the work of SHI to restore tree growth and work in sustainable agriculture.

We will be staying in, and near, communities where local families have requested SHI's assistance with a variety of projects.   The specific activities will depend on weather and work conditions, but will likely include touring family farms, taking part in reforestation projects, building a biogas digester and helping with companion planting and crop diversification.  No special training is needed to take part in these projects, as you will be working side-by-side with local farmers and staff who will show you local work methods and how to use appropriate tools.  The donation portion of your program fee makes these projects possible. Our participating families are really looking forward to your support!

Travel Costs - $1,500 per adult

This total includes project materials and supplies, flights between Managua and Bluefields and all other in-country transportation, rustic accommodations with a host family, and double occupancy hotel accommodations when we visit tourist areas, meals and guide / translation service.  In addition, $300 of your program fee is given as a direct donation to the local program. 

A deposit of $300 should be sent in with your registration form.  The balance $1,200 is due to be paid 60 days prior to the trip departure date.   If travel funding is an issue for you, please contact Sarah Kennedy at our outreach office to brainstorm some fundraising ideas.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY: March 27 - April 4
March 27: Arrival
·         Group arrives at the Managua airport
·         Orientation, discussion of trip schedule and group expectations
·         Evening cultural performance at Teatro Ruben Dario
·         Group will stay at Hotel Las Mercedes

March 28: Travel to Bluefields
·         Group travels to El Rama, stopping in Juigalpa for lunch (~ 5 hrs)
·         Presentation of Sustainable Harvest Nicaragua field staff
·         Visit to Center for Families and the Environment (demo farm)
·         Evening reflection
·         Group will stay at small hotel in town

March 29: Center for Families and the Environment
·         Morning work project at demo farm
·         Afternoon departure to Kukra River by boat (~ 3-4 hrs)
·         Presentation of host families
·         Evening reflection

March 30: Kukra River
·         Morning work project: making a garden, tree nursery
·         Lunch at work site
·         Afternoon family visits
·         Evening reflection
·         Group will stay with host families

March 31: Kukra River
·         Morning work project: wood-conserving stove, biodigester
·         Lunch at work site
·         Afternoon family visits
·         Evening reflection
·         Group will stay with host families

April 1: Kukra River
·         Morning work project: school projects
·         Lunch at work site
·         Afternoon family visits
·         Evening reflection
·         Group will stay with host families

April 2: Travel to Big Corn Island
·         Morning recognition of participants, farewell
·         Departure for Bluefields, Big Corn Island by boat
·         R&R on Big Corn Island
·         Evening reflection
·         Group will stay at hotel

April 3: R&R on Big Corn Island
·         Snorkeling, swimming, etc
·         Farewell group dinner
·         Evaluations

April 4: Travel to Managua
·         Morning flight to Managua International Airport

Click here to read about former SHI Program Director, Greg Bowles', trip to Nicaragua.

Please click here to view our Mindful Travel Guidelines.

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