Origins

The idea for Rancho Esperanza was born when Nate Yue came to Jiquilillo as a volunteer in 2001. He lived and worked here for a year as a health promoter with a project funded by a small NGO in the United States. He worked alongside the local health worker Doña Fran and the people of Jiquilillo to build wells and latrines, co-ordinate beach clean ups and provide health education.

Problems with funding meant the NGO pulled out of the village. But Nate, having already fallen in love with the place and it’s people, resolved to find a way to continue helping the village.

By combining community development and tourism in Rancho Esperanza, Nate has been able to show travelers and volunteers the real Nicaragua he is so passionate about, while benefiting the community.

Rancho Esperanza may have been Nate’s dream, but its realization has been achieved through the work of many talented, inspirational and just plain hardworking people. It’s the characters you meet here that make the experience. Without the ideas, input and inspiration of these people, guests and volunteers, Rancho Esperanza would not exist.

webmaster Brian VanGalder