Selva Negra Mountain Resort
Matagalpa
Selva Negra Mountain Resort, founded in 1891 by German immigrants Ludwig Elster and Katharina Braun, is a historic coffee farm located in the Matagalpa department of Nicaragua. It evolved into a tourist resort in 1976, preserving its German heritage through architecture and culture. The resort comprises mountain bungalows, hotel rooms, a youth hostel, a bar, restaurant, conference rooms, and a rustic non-denominational chapel, all surrounded by lush cloud forests. Its eco-tourism activities include mountain hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and guided tours of the coffee plantation, emphasizing conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The resort is adjacent to the Selva Negra Cloud Forest Reserve, a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. Proprietor Eddy Kühl, descendant of the original settlers, has been instrumental in preserving the region's history and natural environment. Selva Negra is renowned for its serene mountain beauty, rich biodiversity, and the authentic cultural experience it offers visitors, making it arguably Nicaragua's most famous hotel and a unique destination for eco-conscious travelers.
Plan your trip to Nicaragua with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Selva Negra is during the dry season for optimal hiking and wildlife viewing. Booking accommodations and tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel periods. Visitors can enjoy discounts by booking combined packages for lodging and activities. The resort encourages eco-friendly practices and offers farm-to-table dining experiences featuring sustainably harvested coffee and local cuisine.
Interesting facts
- •Selva Negra is considered arguably Nicaragua's most famous hotel according to Fodor's.
- •The resort was founded by German immigrants who named it after their homeland's Black Forest (Selva Negra in Spanish).
- •The estate includes a non-denominational chapel built in traditional German style.
- •It is adjacent to the Selva Negra Cloud Forest Reserve, a protected wildlife sanctuary.
- •The resort combines coffee farming with eco-tourism, promoting sustainable agriculture and conservation.
History
Selva Negra was established in 1891 by German immigrants who chose to settle in Nicaragua instead of continuing to California during the 1850s gold rush.
They planted some of the first coffee beans in the region, which soon gained a reputation for high quality.
In the mid-1970s, descendants Eddy Kühl and Mausi Hayn developed the coffee estate into a tourist resort, completed in 1976, with traditional German-style buildings.
Over the decades, the resort has maintained its commitment to ecological conservation and cultural heritage, becoming a landmark for sustainable tourism in Nicaragua.
Place Guide
Mountain Bungalows1975-1976
Twenty-three German-style mountain bungalows offering rustic yet comfortable accommodation immersed in the cloud forest environment.
Non-denominational Chapel1975-1976
A rustic chapel built in traditional German style, serving as a tranquil spiritual space within the resort.
Coffee Plantation ToursSince 1891
Guided tours of the historic coffee farm, showcasing sustainable cultivation methods and the estate's legacy in Nicaraguan coffee production.
Cloud Forest Reserve
The adjacent Selva Negra Cloud Forest Reserve is a protected area rich in biodiversity, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
Contact
Phone: 8509 4871
