Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For those that are adverse to exercise, there is also a three-hour 'lite' tour where you are
paddled up the gorge in a small boat and float back down in an inflatable tube.
Guides (half-/full day up to five people US$15 to US$20) are not technically mandatory
if you just want to hang around the lower reaches, but are absolutely essential if you want
to venture into the canyon.
In addition to having expert knowledge of river conditions - which may become dan-
gerous during the wet season - guides also blend local insight with adventure and create a
richer experience.
Guides from the local community of Sonis at the entrance to the reserve have formed a
cooperative
( 8676-5883; Carretera Somoto-El Espino, Km 229.5 )
and work on a rotation
basis. They offer a fantastic package including taxi transportation from Somoto, life vest
and water shoes, a dry bag, entrance fee, guide, lunch and a boat trip for US$25 per visit-
or. They also offer horseback-riding tours to the surrounding mountains to get a birds-eye
view of the area and organize homestays in the community so you are able to spend more
time exploring. Another option is to visit the site with one of the professional guides from
Cosermuturma
( 8630-0704, 2722-2340; reymen2008@hotmail.com; Enitel, 7½c S)
in Somoto.
To visit the canyon take any El Espino bound bus (US$0.40, 30 minutes) from the bus
terminal to the trail head at Km 231 near the community of Sonis. A taxi will cost around
(US$5). From here it's a 3km hike to the canyon including a river crossing that may be
over a meter deep. The last bus back to Somoto passes at around 5:30pm.
The canyon often closes in October, when the water is too high. Call the guides to
check on conditions.
Reserva Natural Tepesomoto-Pataste
Somoto's 'other' natural reserve, to the southwest of town, is rarely visited but has a hik-
ing trail and is a popular spot for horseback-riding tours.
NATURE RESERVE
Sleeping
If you are just in Somoto to see the canyon, consider staying with one of the local families
as part of their community-based tourism project in the village of Sonis, right at the
canyon entrance. Accommodations (US$5 to US$7 per person) are basic and sleeping
right next to the canyon will give you plenty of time to get out and explore. You can eat
simple, inexpensive meals with your hosts. Contact coordinator
Henry Soriano
(
8610-7642; Carretera Somoto-El Espino, Km 229.5 )
to reserve a room.
