Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Another 12km further on is the turnoff to
El Limón
, where sulfuric thermal springs seep
out of the mountains forming small caves alongside a river. Somoza once had private
thermal baths here, but the pools were destroyed by Hurrican Mitch.
To the north of El Limón, there are two sustainable farms in the Las Nubarrones area.
Finca Ecológica Sonzapote
( 8644-0830)
grows organic shade-grown coffee and is in the
transition zone between the pines and cloud forest. It has a 'tobaggon' - a butt-bruising
but fun concrete slide and large swimming pool.
Finca Ecológica La Reforma
(
8653-3082; Los Nubarrones, El Limón)
is set in the pines, laced with trails and split by a crys-
talline river flush with swimming holes. It offers accomodations in a pair of rustic
cabañas.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Jalapa
POP 25,400 / ELEV 687M
In a region freckled with remote mountain towns, Jalapa is one where the emerald hills
are so close you can see their dips and grooves, their texture and shadows.
While the town itself is not likely to win any beauty contests, the surrounding coun-
tryside boasts such dramatic natural beauty and so many adventure opportunities that the
utter lack of tourism here is difficult to fathom.
Sights & Activities
Agua Termales Porvenir
(Comunidad El Porvenir)
Located in the community of Porvenir near the border with Hon-
duras, these natural thermal baths are populated by a colony of turtles. The mineral-rich
water is lukewarm at best but is said to cure all kinds of ailments and it's a pleasant place
for a swim.
THERMAL BATHS
Finca San Ramón
( 2737-2046; admission US$3.50)
At one of the closest coffee farms to town you can hike
trails to vistas overlooking Jalapa, and see over 40 varieties of tropical flower. Expect but-
terflies and hummingbirds en masse. Private round-trip transport costs about US$10.
COFFEE FARM
Finca Cerro de Jesús
COFFEE FARM
