Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
which is a popular teenage hangout at night, but remains a vessel for many an
abuelita'
s
(grandmother's) humble prayers. The views from here are magical.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
CERRO MOGOTÓN
Nicaragua's highest peak,
Cerro Mogotón
, towers over the coffee fields of Nueva Segovia close to
the Honduran border. Once off-limits due to land mines, it is now safe to climb with a local
guide. The easiest access is from the Ocotal-Jalapa road near the village of Achuapa. It's a
seven-hour round-trip hike to the peak, which is covered in dense cloud forest. Independent guide
Mayerlin Ruiz
( 8842-1515)
runs trips to Mogotón (US$50 per person, minimim two people) de-
parting from Ocotal.
Festivals & Events
Festival de La Virgen de la Asunción
( Aug)
Festival de La Virgen de la Asunción is held in mid-August, when area ranchers
parade through Ocotal showing off their riding skills.
PARADE
Sleeping
Hotel El Viajero
( 2732-2040; cotran, 1c N; d/tr US$14/18)
The rooms are a little dark but are clean and have
big TVs and huge bathrooms. Not all rooms share the same standards, but choose wisely
and you'll snag terrific value.
HOTEL
$
Hotel Llamarada del Bosque
( 2733-3469; Parque Central; s/d/t US$20/35/45; )
With an unbeatable location in front of
the lush parque central, the small but tidy rooms at this popular hotel fill up fast. Don't
plan on watching any movies over the weak wi-fi.
HOTEL
$$
Hotel Frontera
( 2732-2668; hofrosa@turbonett.com.ni; Panamericana, contiguo a Shell Ramos; s/d with fan
US$23/34, with air-con US$55/73;
HOTEL
$$$
)
Yes, it's a highway hotel nestled behind an
