Day 1: SAN CARLOS – PADRE ISLAND
Transfer to South Padre Island, well known for being the place where the priests officiated Mass in Spanish colonial time. Arrival and assembly of the camp. Then meeting with the members of this cooperative working on a project for the conservation and sustainable use of wood Balsa (Ochoma Pyramidale), raw material for carving the beautiful and colorful replicas of wildlife species Solentiname.
In the center of interpretation and visitor information it will be explained the objectives and scopes of the project of involvement in the process of care, management and plantation of trees of balsa. After we will go in the workshop where the wood is processed, then dried and distributed to Solentiname artisans´. Lunch at the Cooperative.
We will paddle to the island of San Fernando to take our first lesson of balsa wood sculpture. Back to South Padre Island, dinner at the campsite and activities led by youth group leaders. This program can also be operated in Mancarroncito Biological Station where there are spaces for camping.
Day 2: PADRE ISLAND – SAN FERNANDO – MANCARRONCITO – PADRE ISLAND
Breakfast and departure to join a farming family in San Fernando. Today we will learn how people in Solentiname work the cultivation of beans in the traditional way. Lunch.
In the afternoon, walk along the path of the petroglyphs to learn from pre-Columbian cultures that inhabited the archipelago. With the assistance of an expert guide in birdwatching we will watch and learn more about their habits and habitat. Back at camp, dinner and activities of the group led by camp leaders.
Day 3: PADRE ISLAND – ISLAND SAN FERNANDO – Mancarrón – PADRE ISLAND
Breakfast and departure by kayak to the Island of San Fernando. Today we will learn to make artisan bread baking with Solentiname, who taught us the techniques for mixing, kneading and baking the delicious and traditional wood bread simple, peaks, pies, bonnets, dishes that are part of the Nicaraguan pastries.
Lunch and departure to Mancarroncito Biological Station, a sanctuary where is protected the yellow-naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata). Back at camp, dinner and activities with the group’s leaders.
Day 4: EL PADRE ISLAND – ISLE OF DOE – EL PADRE ISLAND
Breakfast and departure to the Isle of Venada. Our work with the community the project will focus on the Coo-aprenperativa Solentiname Fishermen (COOPESOL) who work in the eradication of an invasive species native to the Amazon River known as Diablo and Fish Pleco (Hypostomus Plecostomus), which has displaced native species of Lake Co-op members have been given the task of raising native species to repopulate the lake and thus promote the sustainability of artisanal fisheries in the archipelago.
After learning the techniques of fishing and fish, we will have have lunch with the Cooperative. Visit the goblin cave to admire the petroglyphs Back to the island, free afternoon to enjoy kayaking or do some sporting activity at the camp.
Farewell dinner including local artistic presentation by the community of Solentiname with whom we have cooperated and learned about their lifestyles and the importance of conserving our natural resources. Delivery of community recognition as a Friend of Conservation and Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage Solentiname.
