Nestled in the cool, misty ferns and brilliantly colored orchids and bromeliads of northern Nicaragua, the Jaguar Reserve is centered on an organic coffee farm run by Lili and Georges Duriaux Chavarria. Over the years Lili and Georges have transformed their coffee production into a shade crop that serves as useful habitat for many species of birds. This includes resident species such as the Highland Guan (VU), Three-wattled Bellbird (VU), and Great Curassow (NT). It also includes more than 25 neo-tropical migrants that winter in the area such as the Golden-winged Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cerulean Warbler, and the Golden-cheeked Warbler (EN).

A visit to this area should include a hike on at least one of the six different trails on the property that will take you through the breathtaking Jinotega Highlands. Your stay at El Jaguar is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about sustainable coffee and food production, and to see how Georges follows traditional wet-milling techniques to process the coffee in a manner that is environmentally friendly. The result is a cup of coffee intense in flavor, with hints of cocoa and hazelnut.

In addition to a great site for birding and an amazing cup of coffee, the reserve offers an environmental education program in nearby communities to promote Golden-Winged Warbler Conservation. The Golden-winged Warbler is one of the most threatened migratory bird species in America due to significant loss and deterioration of critical wintering grounds like El Jaguar Reserve. Recent surveys have revealed that northern Nicaragua is one of the most important wintering locations for the species. Come visit El Jaguar reserve to see local conservation in action!