Rama River, Nicaragua - photography for NGO

One of my latest photograph assignments was with Fabretto Children’s Foundation - NGO I've been working with for a while now. We decided to visit Fabretto's newest region of influence: Southern Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region (abbreviated as RACCS, for its acronym in Spanish).  We travelled all the way from Managua to El Rama, and had the opportunity to visit two rural communities along Rama River. The goal was to spend some time with the locals to have a firsthand account of their reality, while witnessing the impact of Fabretto’s education programs in the area.

To reach our destination, we took a 5-hour drive to Rama city, and an overcrowded "panga" for 3 and a half hours (depending on weather) down the Rama river.  Later (once on land), we horsebacked for an hour through muddy terrain – not so much for a beginner horse-riding lesson (find out why below).

The Rama City is something like a connecting bridge between the Caribbean and Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. Both sides could easily be two separate countries, considering how different they are. It’s a place where you switch means of transport. When traveling both ways, it certainly is a ‘chicken bus – panga’ transport hub.  

For those of you who don’t know what a ‘panga’ looks like, here a photo of the one we took.

 To ride a panga across the Rama river can ensure some amazing views (see below), but the ride in the rain can be quite challenging. 

 Switching conveyance 

 Finally getting to the destination. Views are breathtaking. 

Yep. That's how we’re sleeping tonight..

 Night stories about revolution times, ancient indian habitants, and hidden ruins. 

5 AM in the morning. It’s time to wake up!

For breakfast: homemade cheese, rise, beans and salty eggs.

The morning bath in the nearby stream was a surprisingly pleasant experience. Really enjoyed the fresh water flowing from the mountains.  

On the left: distant view of one of the 175 rural schools Fabretto supports in the region.

Water peach, known as "pera del agua" in Nicaragua. Its taste was pretty bland but refreshing. 

Time to get ready to school.

Antonio needs to overcome strong current of Rama river in order to reach school, regardless of weather. This timeit was raining really hard. 

Before entering the school building, students need to clean their rubber boots.

Beans are not only nutritious seeds, but also of great help during math class!

It's raining hard again. Tropical rain can get you soaked within 10 seconds.

If you gonna ride, ride in style!

Based on my horseback riding skill level (none), this little friend was assigned to help me cross the muddy terrain.

It's good to be home - Chapter II

Warsaw

Called the Phoenix City, burnt to ashes during World War II by the Germans, rebuilt thanks to huge effort from its citizens. Distorted by the Soviet doctrine that dominated the country for almost 50 years. Where architecture is a reflection of its difficult history: old town, modern skyscrapers and communist housing projects. My Birthplace.

A lot has been told about Warsaw, good and bad, but my truth is that whenever I come here it feels like home.
It keeps surprising me. 

My brother, Marcin, is a student. :) what can I say, I'm a bit jealous!

San José de Cusmapa

Mostly portraits from my last trip to Cusmapa and nearby communities.

View of volcano San Cristobal from Cusmapa

My top 5 places in Nicaragua

I've been in Nicaragua for a while and I try to explore and photograph as much as possible. The list below is completely subjective. There are of course many other great places in the country, or some that I haven't discovered (yet ;)) .  

Best places in Nicaragua

1. San Juan del Sur

For its variety: You can surf at one of the nearby beaches, check out local food in many good restaurants, or enjoy its rich nightlife, all without straining the budget. San Juan is a little colorful "pueblo" located just 30 minutes away (by car) from the Costa Rican border, set on the beautiful bay and surrounded by dramatic coastline. Mostly visited by surfers, the town features a lot of energy and colors. What I personally appreciate is that it's still not spoiled by massive tourism and you can feel the local vibe and observe the life of a tropical village. On the other hand it's dynamically changing and new restaurants, little shops, hotels, or even local breweries are opening. One of the largest Christ statues is blessing the town from above the hill.

5 Things to do in San Juan del Sur:

1. Surf at Maderas beach - Surfing rentals start 10$/day, and classes 25/hour

2. Swim with a view of the paradise or a romantic dinner at Pelican Eyes Resort (best view of the bay)

3. Try local products - La Porteña Beer, Pan De Vida Bread, jewelry and clothes from Turquesa boutique.

4. Party! - town is pretty big on partying, most recently a wild Sunday pool party called "Sunday Funday" has become famous

5. Boat ride along the coast / fishing.

 

2. Corn Islands.

For being a charming quiet paradise. 

Corn Islands are two islands off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua called Big Corn and Little Corn. You can take a plane from Managua (1 hour flight) or a little fishing boat from Bluefields (5 bumpy hours on the ocean - more adventurous) to get to Big Corn. To get to Little Corn, you must spend 45 minutes extra in a panga (small motorboat).  

White Sand, turquoise water, blue sky, little white clouds, palm trees and really friendly Islanders - that's probably how most of us imagine paradise. You can snorkel, fish, soak up the sun, eat fresh sea food and relax with a book.  Big Fish Cafe is my favorite place to stay at Big Corn (best ratio - standards/vibe/price). Ah, Islanders do speak Creole English among themselves (result of British colonization of Caribbean coast). 

 

3. Tola region and Magnific Rock

If you want to surf and you are looking for really relaxed environment, the Tola region is perfect for you. Probably the best place to enjoy the sunset and the most breathtaking views can found at Magnific Rock. This hotel, restaurant and surf spot is based in the highlands, equipped with a 180 degree view of the ocean and surrounding beaches. If you have a bigger budget you can stay at Aqua Resort, Rancho Santana, or the most expensive and recently opened - Mukul Resort. 

 

4. Ometepe 

For the opportunity to really get back to nature and be active outdoors.

Ometepe is an Island composed of two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, rising from Lake Nicaragua, the biggest lake in Central America, where fresh water sharks used to live.

Travelers come here often to hike both volcanoes, horseback ride, or swim in the freshwater springs - Ojo del Agua. There is also a 40 meter waterfall located near the southern slope of Volcano Maderas.  Renting a motorbike or bicycle will help you travel around the island and be able to see as much as possible. Ometepe's river, Río Istiam, home to turtles, caimans, and countless species of birds, is really worth exploring (by kayak). 

For a good breakfast, try the Cornerhouse (Moyogalpa town). They have also a couple of nice rooms to rent.

Below I've attached short, really simple video, of my trip to Ometepe with a friend who was visiting from the US. It's a bit shaky but gives an idea of the Island.

 

5. Cusmapa 

For being off the beaten path.

My last one is not widely recognized, located close to Honduran border, San Jose de Cusmapa is the most elevated town in Nicaragua (1200 meters above sea level / nice when you are tired of the persistent heat). It's really an undiscovered area, surrounded by beautiful forests, highlands scenery, and offering some of most spectacular panoramic views.

 

All images by Kuba Okon. All rights reserved.