Things to see and do North And Central

A few kilometres east and north of the city, the famous Cordillère Cordillère protects one of the most beautiful natural sites in Nicaragua. It is a small 30 km long cordillera bordered by vertical cliffs more than 100 m high in some places and houses many vestiges of an indigenous civilization, probably always the same chontales civilization. You can camp one night at the top of one of these mountains, in the middle of a former cemetery, between tombs and remains of pre-Columbian dwellings. The views during the walk and the summit are stunning.

Of course, you can go independently if you master Spanish, or through the DETOUR agency to go into trek with a professional French guide and/or a local guide passionate about archaeology that knows by heart every corner of the Cordillera and its secrets.

Grave robbers, no, there is nothing shining under these stones and it is strictly forbidden to search or take a rest of pottery as small as it is, due to penalties and severe fines. Walkers must be careful, by rubbing with grass grass, to bunches of ticks sticking to the skin.

A cluster can contain some tens to a few hundred ticks, of almost invisible size to normal adult tick size (depending on the stage of development). They can cause you tickle and surprises once the cluster spread on your trousers without your knowledge. So beware of the high grass along the trails, watch your pants and ask your guide to tell you the good stuff before the departure to avoid and repel them.

Outside the park, you can bathe in the "La Golondrina de los Valles", in the river within an authorized area, that is, below the water catchment area. Magnificent bathing site composed of three beautiful small pozas or natural pools.

Las Piscinas, 5 km west of the city, is thermal waters. You can bathe in a variety of rustic pools that are fed by a crystalline natural spring water source.

This natural reserve is located on one of the highest mountains surrounding Matagalpa (elevation 1 150 metres). One cannot miss it, it is the one where a large white cross (33 m high) is asked, illuminated at night. During the hike you can see small waterfalls, squirrels, lizards, different birds and butterflies… From the top of the mountain you can enjoy a nice view of the city and its surroundings.

Situated in the south-east of Matagalpa, this view is 854 metres away and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. Ideal for making nice photos.

The canyon of Somoto has been open to tourism since 2004 after its «discovery» by a group of Czech and Nicaraguan geologists. Its original name is the canyon of Namancambre (the name of a large tree in nahuatl language). Its existence has been well known to the local population for many years, but tourism development in the area is very recent. A real geological marvel, of volcanic origin, was formed following a fracture in pyroclastic deposits resulting from a strong volcanic activity in the region 5 to 10 million years ago. With erosion, the canyon widens gradually, reaching 150 metres high in its narrowest part. The canyon is almost 6 km long and gives birth to the Rio Coco, the longest river in Central America (which leads to the Caribbean in Cabo Gracias a Dios). These waters are quite fresh (given the high temperatures in the region, it is very pleasant), quiet and shallow (no rafting possible). We're doing the water hike, that's going down the river by alternating walking and swimming. It is open to visitors all year round, but access is sometimes restricted in the event of heavy rains (September and October). Whether you are alone or in groups, the prices of the tours offered in the canyon do not change really. The canyon of Somoto becomes a little more popular every year with international visitors. There is no need to be very sporty to go there and many well-trained guides will accompany you.

Petit Tower: This excursion is preferred by nicaraguyennes families (weekends, holidays and holidays, periods to avoid for more tranquillity). Go to the main entrance to the canyon, pay the entrance fee, and walk 30 minutes; The small boats wait (pay $ 25 C) to climb the river over 300 meters. You can then swim, observe the entrance (or rather the exit) of the canyon and jump from the top of several large rocks.

Average tower: count around US $ 20 for 3-4 hours (lunch is sometimes included). This circuit starts upstream from the river, and then descend it over 2,5 km, with small jumps of 1 meters compulsory in some passages (and possibility to jump up to 15 meters high for fans of strong sensations). Note that the tour starts with 2 km walking on a trail to reach the river. Finally, you arrive at the exit of the canyon (the place described in the small tower above).

Grand Tour: count around US $ 25 for 5-6 h excursion (only more expensive than the average tower). We walk only 500 meters to reach the river, and then we descend the entire canyon over 6 km.

Watchtowers Trail: If you don't want to wet and/or prefer walking, we recommend this hike about 3 h. Attention, the difference being important, it is better to be in good physical condition and have good shoes, especially as the trail is quite rugged. Superb views of the canyon, especially from the three watchtowers (views). At the end of the trail you will reach a small self-sufficient farm, the Finca Mejia, where it is possible to eat and spend the night.

The Fider Foundation manages the facilities. A relatively dry area where walking is possible all year round in pine and oak forests, lichens and daisy. There is a blue bird with black belly (zayaquique) and a green lizard unknown elsewhere. Several points of interest, including a natural lookout at 1 550 m altitude, a greenhouse of orchids and a tropical ornamental plant nursery. " Choi "is grown in the area (one can discover a clever method of biological control of a parasite). The park guard station is located in La Garnacha, a few kilometres from the Ecoposada. Do not miss to visit a nearby farmer, a sculptor who has shaped, for his pleasure, imaginary creatures in the rock; it also cultivates pineapples and sugar cane. You can stay in the reserve, at the Ecoposada Tisey or in Tisey Posada Ecoturistica, 13,5 km southwest of Estelí (you can try sending an email to [email protected]). Every day, bus from Estelí at am, return to pm. The site is incredible and enchanting. Don't miss this discovery. Nohelia welcomes you with a heat that makes the good where it hurts. 100% ecological and ecotourism, an initiative that we support and recommend.