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Maderas Volcano Hike to Lookout (5 hours) This hike (strenuous) starts after a 45-min. drive to Finca Magdalena, established in 1888 by the Blandon family, relatives of Somoza. Today it is a cooperative farm and hostal, having been confiscated by the Sandinistas and in 1979 given to 30 farm laborers. In the agrarian reform of the 1980s more than a third of Nicaragua 's farmable land was turned over to farmhands. It is said that the best properties, however, were reserved for Sandinista leaders, their allies and families. During this time, many landowning families fled the country. Magdalena is set on a hillside with a good view of Concepcion Volcano and the island's dark-sand coastline. From here you will start walking uphill, through the co-op's fields of corn, beans, tobacco and a little higher up, coffee. After about one hour you will reach a petroglyph, probably made by the Chorotega people more than 1000 years ago. The symbols and figures carved into the stone have not been deciphered, but often represent animal figures or gods. Continuing uphill, passing innumerable butterflies, you will walk through one of the co-op's cacao plantations, with fruit hanging from the trunks of the trees. You may see White-faced Capuchin or Mantled Howler Monkeys in the treetops. Soon the forest changes from secondary to primary, where trees are smaller and brush is dense. As you climb, the terrain becomes steeper during the last 45 mins. to the 2,300-foot-high lookout (700 m). Here you will have the chance to rest and take in the view of Concepcion Volcano. The return trip takes about 1 ½ hours down a sometimes steep and slippery trail. Birds inhabiting the area include the Crested Guan, Yellow-naped Parrot, Crimson-fronted Parakeet, Masked Tityra and others. Hot climate. Maderas Petroglyphs (1 hour) A collection of dozens of petroglyphs can be found just 15 mins. from Finca Magdalena . Follow your guide along the well-marked, easy trail to the site. Learn about the Chorotega settlement dating back to 2,000 B.C., which probably made the petroglyphs. It is believed the Choretegas moved south from Mexico to the region, bringing with them Mayan traditions and rites, including human sacrifice and ritual cannibalism. Hot climate. Finca El Porvenir Horseback Ride (8 hours) Meet your guides, waiting with the horses, at the stables in front of the hotel. The ride begins on the dirt road in front of the hotel then heads to the beach, where you may see the Great Egret, Cormorants and other birds. As you turn away from Lake Nicaragua , the road climbs toward Finca El Porvenir on the slopes of Maderas Volcano. On the way you will see volcanic rock bombs littering both sides of the road. Stop here to examine the rocks, some with petroglyphs. Your guide will tell you about the indigenous cultures that inhabited the island and you can try to interpret the drawings yourself. (Since little is known about the significance of the carvings, your guess is as good as the experts'.) At El Porvenir more petroglyphs are scattered around the gardens. After glass of fresh pitaya juice (dragon fruit), continue up Maderas Volcano, riding through Don Jose's farm with chicken, turkey, pigs and cattle. Notice the variety of crops grown in the fertile volcanic soil here, including organic coffee, sorghum, rice, corn, tomatoes and cucumbers – all planted and harvested without machines. As you climb higher, remember to look behind for the view of the plains of Ometepe, Lake Nicaragua on either side of you, and the active Concepcion Volcano. When you reach the final destination your guide will have cold water, fruit and snacks for you. Sit in the field, take in the view or try making conversation with a worker in the nearby field. When you're ready, ride down the mountain with your guides. Lunch awaits you back at El Porvenir. Home grown roast chicken, beef, pork chops and lamb are on the menu. Hot climate.
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