Community
Since the beginning, our vision has been to support educated, healthy, and prosperous communities. Our mission has always been to improve the quality of life in our local community by strengthening education, health and infrastructure.
Community is at the heart of Coco Loco. We work closely with the people and families in the surrounding area and support projects that respond to real local needs through a community-based tourism approach. Over time, these initiatives have grown into long- term programs focused on education, health and essential infrastructure - always built through trust, collaboration, and local ownership, and guided by the values of responsible travel.
Local Employment, Real Impact
Coco Loco employs only local staff as a deliberate choice to support the regional economy - Learn more about our Team.
Creating jobs within the community helps build long-term stability and keeps value in the area. Behind every role is a person with deep local knowledge and a personal connection to this place. A Resort Built With Its Neighbors. From landscaping to daily operations, Coco Loco was developed with community involvement. Many of the plants on the property came directly from neighboring land, creating a physical and symbolic connection between the resort and the people around it. Responsible tourism means thinking beyond the guest experience and giving back to the community around us. All our experiences are led by people who grew up here. Their understanding of the land, ocean, and seasons shapes authentic experiences - Check out our Experiences.
Community Projects
We support community-led projects focused on education, health, and essential infrastructure. These initiatives respond to real needs and evolve over time, guided by close relationships with the local community. Below you can find background information and an overview of a few of the projects we have supported over the years. If you would like to support any of our projects, please reach out to us directly.
Building a Local High School
With the support of many volunteers and donors, Coco Loco helped make the construction of the community's first ever local high school possible. The school was completed in January 2014 and opened shortly after in February 2014. As student numbers grew, two additional classrooms were added to meet the demand. By 2017, the school was hosting more than 240 students. The total construction cost of the project to date has been approximately $175,000. The school offers a government-accredited five-year high school program and has also served as a space for additional learning opportunities, including English classes and arts education such as visual arts, music, and dance. A performance stage was also added for school and community activities.
Scholarship Program
In 2016, we established a scholarship program to support students from the surrounding community in continuing their education beyond secondary school. The program has been running ever since and continues to support students who pursue post-secondary studies in Nicaragua. The scholarships provide a monthly contribution to help cover registration fees, study materials, and tuition costs at universities and academic institutes. Many students combine their studies with work or family responsibilities and therefore attend classes on a part-time basis. Support is granted based on academic commitment and available resources. The Scholarship Program aims to create long-term educational opportunities and strengthen access to education within the local community.
School Rehabilitation Projects
In 2016, we began supporting school rehabilitation projects in the local community, starting with the elementary school in El Manzano #1. When we first became involved, the school building had very limited basic infrastructure-there were no doors or windows, no electricity or running water, and very few resources for students. Over the following years, improvements were made step by step. This included adding essential infrastructure, expanding the school space with an additional classroom for grades 4-6, and upgrading bathroom facilities. During this time, school attendance increased from 27 to 77 students. In early 2016, the school underwent a broader renovation together with supporting groups. The work included new flooring, improvements to irrigation and sanitation, repainting, and refurbishing desks and classroom furniture. Similar rehabilitation projects have been completed over the years at a half dozen elementary schools in the greater community.
Fransisco Laguna Elementary School Reconstruction
Fransisco Laguna is one of the most economically challenged communities in the area. Before this project, the local school consisted of a simple shelter built by community members, with limited space and dirt floors. It was not sufficient or safe to properly support the 130 children attending classes at the time. A full reconstruction project was completed and the new school opened in June 2014. The local students are now able to focus on learning in a safe environment at the Fransisco Laguna elementary school.