Things to see and do Nicaragua

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.

Declared biological reserve in 1991, the Miskito Miskito are a set of 76 small islands covered with palm trees and mangrove trees spread over an area of about 120 kilometres, at the level of the Cabo Gracias a Dios and to Puerto Cabezas, 45 kilometres from the coast. The greatest cayo is called Big Cay; It is 37 km ² and there is drinking water. According to legend, he would be inhabited by the ghosts of pirates who came to the Atlantic coast several centuries ago… so that nobody sleeps, and that the island is only visited during the day. There are little cabana of stilts fishing. However, it is very complicated and therefore very costly to go there. Apart from the budding explorers, nobody visits the Miskito Miskito at the moment. In spite of all the small paradise islands? Instead, we recommend the Cayos Perlas (access from Laguna de Perlas via Bluefields).

The charming statue at the entrance invites you to enjoy. Etienne, the owner, wanted to make this site an alternative to his hotel in the city centre to allow his clients but also outside visitors to spend a day in calm and on the edge of the water. Solar panels, a beautiful palapa, hammocks placed on white sand, a big barbecue: The day is good at Coco beach.

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.

Place of laying of Paslama turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), which may reach 45 kg. Carnivores are empiffrent from crabs, molluscs and shrimp. They lay eggs between July and early February, only or by groups: The show is then incomparable. 3 000 turtles can be observed in one night during the arribada (arrival). A "road map" of these arrivals is distributed at the entrance. The other places where it can be observed are Juan Venado Island and Chacocente.

Nahuátl name that means "water mirror". A canopy (set in trees high enough to observe wildlife) is installed in the middle of the capital! We recognize the location of the impressive Silhouette silhouette, which looks like the sleep of the inhabitants of the capital. The view is beautiful at night, but during the day we better appreciate the strange configuration of Managua (lost houses in a great scraggy jungle): beautiful panorama. It displays photographs in black and white or in colour illustrating the history of the country (earthquake, among others). And we can still see the cells used during the somocista regime to torture political prisoners. Restaurants. It is forbidden to walk on foot in the evening and access to the vehicle is paid (+/- 20 C $).

Very North American server not very clear but offering a very wide selection of links on Nicaragua. In Spanish.

On Roatan.

Information about the life of Sandino. In Spanish and English.

San Juan Del Sur also has a Christ statue overlooking the bay! Christ de la Miséricorde is 25 metres high and reaches an altitude of 134 metres. A path takes you to the belvedere at the foot of the statue (about 1 hour's walk from the beach; you can also take a cab there). The walk is well worth the detour, not least because you can admire the whole bay, the village and the ocean. A great place to watch the sunset.

A small museum that traces the history of the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua and Bluefields. You'll see exhibits, photographs and objects that trace life in the region over the years... A fine testimony to the multiple identities of Nicaragua, and a good way to discover the area if you're visiting for the first time. What's more, admission is free (although we recommend you leave a donation).

Opening in February 2023, this new museum traces the history of the Sandinista revolution, and more specifically the role of Nicaragua's Caribbean coast in the confrontations. You'll be able to see photographs, documents and objects from the years of conflict, and discover the biographies of some of the key figures from that era. A visit to the museum is an opportunity to learn more about the role of this region in the building of the country.