Birdwatching in the Cloud Forest

Mombacho's cloud forest is a unique ecosystem in Nicaragua, a product of the volcano's altitude and steady humidity. Marcos, a University of León-trained ornithologist, has been guiding here for two decades. Departure is at 6am when birds are most active. He walks slowly, stops often, listens before he looks. On a good morning you'll see quetzals, toucans, several hummingbirds, and raptors. Marcos keeps a notebook logging every sighting and gives you the list at the end. Coffee and a light lunch at a lookout before heading down.