El Chocoyero El Brujo hike: Waterfall & howler monkeys

Howler monkeys call from the canopy while you walk the forest floor to a waterfall.

El Chocoyero El Brujo Nature Reserve hike from Managua is a guided forest walk where you follow trails through pristine woodland to reach a waterfall, listening for howler monkeys and watching for native birds and Blue Morpho butterflies along the way. The tour runs 3 to 5 hours with hotel pickup included, a professional English-speaking guide, and a maximum of 10 people per group. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required, and travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike El Chocoyero Nature Reserve

• Walk forest trails
• Spot green parakeets
• See howler monkeys
• Observe Blue Morpho butterflies
• Visit waterfall

The experience

El Chocoyero El Brujo Nature Reserve sits a world away from Managua's city center, a stretch of pristine forest where hundreds of bird species live. Your guide meets you at your hotel and drives you to the reserve, where the hike begins on forest trails that wind through dense woodland. The path leads to the reserve's signature waterfall, where green parakeets nest in the rock walls above the water. Along the way you'll listen for howler monkeys calling from the canopy, spot the iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly, and watch for the variety of native birds that make this reserve a destination for birdwatchers.

The walk takes between 3 and 5 hours depending on how long you linger at the waterfall and how many animals you encounter. Your guide speaks English and knows where to listen for the monkeys and which trees attract the birds you came to see. The group stays small, no more than 10 people, which means you're not competing for sightlines or waiting for others to move along the trail. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the reserve.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Managua accommodation.
• a professional guide who speaks English.
• access to all forest trails and the waterfall within the reserve.
• small-group format with a maximum of 10 travelers per departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 13:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Vapues Travel

Is this one for you?This is a guided group hike, so you walk at the guide's pace and stop when they point out wildlife: ideal if you want expert knowledge of where to find howler monkeys and birds without navigating the trails yourself. If you prefer to explore at your own speed or hike alone, a self-guided option would suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What kind of wildlife will I actually see at El Chocoyero El Brujo?

Howler monkeys, green parakeets, Blue Morpho butterflies, and hundreds of native bird species live in the reserve's forest. Your guide knows where to listen and look for them, though sightings depend on the day and the time of year.

How difficult is the hike to the waterfall?

The trail requires at least moderate physical fitness. The walk follows forest paths for 3 to 5 hours total, so you should be comfortable walking at a steady pace and climbing uneven terrain.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Bring water and snacks, or arrange them before you go.

Will I have time to swim or rest at the waterfall?

The tour includes time at the waterfall itself, though how long you spend there depends on the group's pace and the guide's schedule for the full 3 to 5 hour walk.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional English-speaking guide, and access to the reserve trails are included. The group size is capped at 10 people.