Caribbean Coast - Nicaragua - page 487

Continue upriver to arrive at the Reserva Natural Kahka Creek ( 8725-0766, 2570-0962;
Pueblo Nuevo) , a reforestation and ecotourism project set in lush gardens surrounded
by jungle. There are a number of hiking trails and a lookout tower above the forest can-
opy. Visitors can also get involved in the reforestation process by planting trees. Accom-
modations are in a solar-powered wooden lodge (dorm/room US$7/13) and simple meals
are available (US$3.50 to US$4). The project is a 30-minute walk or horseback ride from
the town of Pueblo Nuevo.
Orinoco
When you can hear the call of the djimbe (wood and animal-skin drum) spilling out across
the rippling water from the red-earth streets of Orinoco, you know you're approaching
Garifuna country.
Orinoco is home to 2000 of Nicaragua's approximately 5000 Garifuna. Here you can
learn to paddle dugout canoes, try artisanal fishing or take the 30-minute stroll northeast
along the water to Marshall Point, a neighbouring Creole village.
There are a couple of cheap guesthouses in town, the best of which is Hostal Garífuna (
8937 0123, 8648 4985; www.hostalgarifuna.net ; Muelle, 50m inland; s/d/tr US$7.50/10/15) ,
owned by anthropologist, activist and entrepreneur Kensy Sambola. It's a simple but very
comfortable affair with spotless tiled rooms and shared bathrooms. It serves tremendous
seafood meals (US$2.50 to US$3.50), and can arrange boat transportation to La Fe , a
charming Garifuna village on a grassy peninsula surrounded by bush and famous for its
troubadours.