Day 15: Solar weather station at Universidad Centroamericana UCA de Nicaragua

Today brought lessons in solar energy and setting up a solar farm at the Universidad Centroamericana UCA de Nicaragua.

Day 13: More time at ULSA and a tour of the Cathedral of Leon

Today, we continued our tour of ULSA, with time spent working on our projects in their workshop.

Day 14: Wind energy to pump water

Today we visited a farm to observe water pumping systems for farming and irrigation that harness wind energy to pump water, and later, a factory that manufactures rubber stoppers to help with pumping water.

Day 12: Tours of Universidad Tecnológica La Salle (ULSA) energy labs and the Polaris geothermal plant

Tours of a local university and its technical labs and a new experience for many of us at the Polaris Geothermal Plant highlighted today's adventures.

Day 11: More Leon tourism and a new adventure—volcano boarding!

A little more exploring, shopping and a brief history lesson in Leon in the morning, followed by sledding down a volcano in the afternoon.

Day 10: Leon Tourism

Shopping, dining and the beach! We're getting things ready for next week's projects, but first—a little time for relaxing and a taste of the local flavor.

Day 9: We're traveling to Leon today with a visit to a coffee planation on the way.

Today is a travel day as we head to Leon. But first, a visit to a coffee planation along the way.

Day 8: A hydroelectric workshop, a nature reserve, and cooling off in a waterfall

Visits to a hydroelectric workshop and a nature reserve helped us understand the community's plans for sustainability, restoration of Nicaragua's forests, and ways to use water for energy. Later, we hiked to the reserve's waterfall.

Day 7: Hydroelectric Energy of Nicaragua

Today brought a beautiful early-morning hike up the El Cerro La Cruz, a visit to hydroelectric power plants, and a coffee production tour!

Day 6: Solar-powered irrigation

Today, we learned about solar-powered irrigation systems at two farms near Jinotega and met some great local families.

Day 5: Travel day

Today we traveled to Jinotega and enjoyed our first hot shower this week.

Day 4: New Year's tradition

We experienced some new traditions for the New Year's holiday in San Juan and hiked up the Jesus En Ti Confio to see the large statue of Jesus.

Day 3: Free time at Hostal Mexico

We had a short break from learning for the holidays and enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the beach.

Day 2: New power of Nicaragua

Today, we visited a power plant on Ometepe Island, visited a wind turbine graveyard, and took a break by swimming in a mineral sprint that allegedly restores youth and cures ailments.

Day 1: The power of solar energy

On our first day in Nicaragua, we saw solar energy in action at the National Nicaraguan Brewery and the American Nicaraguan School. We also visited the island Ometepe where we stayed with host families and saw a volcano on our ferry boat ride to the island.

The New Energy of Nicaragua

Through site visits, shop time, community engagement, hands-on work, and time spent with university host faculty, this program in Nicaragua will introduce students to renewable energy production methods on the large and small scale.