Chacocente Wildlife Reserve

The Chacocente Natural Reserve stretches along a wild stretch of Pacific coast north of Popoyo and is one of Nicaragua's most important sea turtle nesting sites. Olive ridley turtles nest here in large numbers, and with advance permission visitors can join night patrols during nesting season (July–January) to watch females come ashore.

The reserve also protects a significant area of tropical dry forest, home to howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, iguanas, and over 100 species of birds. Guided hikes can be arranged through the reserve entrance. Entry costs are modest; the reserve is managed with community involvement from nearby villages.

From Popoyo, the reserve is about 20 minutes by road heading north.

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Chacocente is one of just a few beaches in the world where olive ridley sea turtles arrive in a mass nesting event called an "arribada" — thousands of turtles hauling themselves ashore in the same two or three nights. The reserve was established largely to protect these gatherings, which happen between July and January.

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