TrovaBlog

Esteli, Nicaragua

January 19th, 2009

Esteli, Nicaragua is a great town full of activities and a great vibe. It is a dry town with beautiful skies and even more beautiful sunsets. Around Esteli, a traveler can live with families on the coffee cooperatives of Miraflor, hike to a waterfall, tour the tabacalera, and eat an assortment of amazing foods such as: freshly cooked bread and great street side foods.

The  Tabacalera Santiago is on the south part of town where a tourist can tour the factory and discover the art of selecting leaves, drying leaves, and rolling cigars. The process is very in dept. The cigars from Esteli are organically grown, and take up to two years to cure the leaves before being rolled into cigars. Similar to my compost pile at home, the leaves have to be turned every few weeks or until the stack of leaves reach a temperature of 120 degrees fahrenheit.

Cascada Salto Estanquela

A pleasant 1.5 to 2 hour hike from the center of town brings a traveler to the Cascada Salto Estanzuela. The waterfall is surprisingly remote and very beautiful. It is one of the most pleasant waterfalls I have ever seen. A person is able to swim in the pool below and into the waterfall.

La Casita

Blake

 

Categories: Nicaragua | Tags: Central America, Esteli, La Casita, Nicaragua, Nicaraguan Cigars, Salto Estanzuela Waterfall, Trova, Trova Imports | No Comments

Somoto Canyon

January 18th, 2009

I went to the SomotoCanyon today outside of Esteli, Nicaragua. It was a really beautiful and special place. A person is able to hike and swim down the canyon while enjoying the cool water, wonderful scenery, and a variety of plants, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. It is a little bit off the beaten track, but I think it is worth mentioning.

To get to the Somoto Canyon from Esteli, get the express bus to Somoto (1.5 hrs.) at the Cotran Norte

Or-Catch the Somoto Express coming from Managua at the Shell Esqupulas just north of the Cotran Norte

Or-Catch the Ocotal Expreso. It can drop you off at Empalme and take a taxi to Somoto Station.

Remember the last bus to Esteli leaves at 3:15

At Somoto, catch the bus to Espino. The bus leaves every 45 minutes, and the journey takes about 25 minutes. Tell the bus driver you want to get off at the Entrada para Canyon de Somoto.

There is a big sign notably saying “Pali” marking the way to the canyon on the right side.

A guide meets you at the river with tubes and a inflatable raft to cary your dry goods.

Be sure to bring: picnic, plastic bag, water, bathing suit, sunscreen, and possibly a few beers.

blake

Categories: Nicaragua | Tags: Esteli, Nicaragua, Somoto Canyon, Travel, Trova, Trova Imports | 1 Comment