Day 2 - Mombacho

Today was a long day starting with a tour of Mombacho Volcano with a zip line at the bottom. We visited Las Flores coffee plantation and learned about the process of coffee making. This particular plantation has now received a certification for its sustainability and organic growing process. For example, they generate gas by fermenting the waste left over from processing the beans. We learned that it’s actually much more complicated than we had thought. Eventually each bean that is used for the final product is hand selected and the unwanted beans are used for instant coffee.
Although we had some rain and clouds, by the time we reached the lookout we were able to see the isletas and take some good shots. We also found the elusive red-eyed frog in a camouflaged slumber under a leaf.
We experienced a new zip line towards the bottom of Mombacho with 18 platforms and 11 cables I believe. Needless to say everyone had a blast. There were sightings of some Howler monkeys in one of the trees but mainly everyone was focused on doing tricks and making sure they slowed down before slamming into trees.
We had a late lunch in Corinto, at the top of Laguna de Apoyo’s crater with an amazing view of the volcanic lake and Lago Cocibolca in the background. Finally, we headed to Pueblos Blancos, a ceramics cultural center where 95% of the residents make a living selling pottery. We visited a well-known family that has been working in pottery for generations. We were treated to an explanation and exhibition of each step of the process by various family members and of course we took the opportunity to buy directly from the manufacturers.
After an exhausting day, we arrived to a dark and rainy Granada. However, this group was not once troubled by the lack of electricity or running water.