Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
noon Sat)
has developed a tempting menu of fascinating activities in four nearby villages:
La Pita, El Roblar, La Corona and La Reina.
All of the communities offer hikes through the countryside and classes in preparing tra-
ditional foods, and during the harvest (November to February) visitors can try their hand
picking and sorting organic coffee.
It's possible to visit the attractions on a day trip from Matagalpa, but it's highly recom-
mended to spend the night in one of the villages for the full cultural experience. Homestay
accommodations (around US$10) and hearty country meals (US$3 to US$4.50) are avail-
able in all villages, while La Pita has a comfortable community-run guesthouse (US$15
per person) with amazing views.
Make reservations in advance by email with the UCA. If you want to stay longer, the
UCA also organizes volunteer placements.
Tours
La Pita
This small, relaxed community has extensive coffee and cacao plantations. There is
also excellent hiking in the nearby mountains, a swimming pool and a waterfall to climb.
It's a 40-minute walk (or US$4 in taxi) from San Ramón.
CULTURAL
La Reina
La Reina was once one of the main mining communities in Nicaragua and local
guides can take you deep into an abandoned mine (US$1). Other activities include spot-
ting howler monkeys and toucans in the forest and learning to make handicrafts with local
artisans. It's a 45-minute walk (or US$4 taxi) from San Ramón or take the Matiguas bus
(hourly departures) from Cotran Norte in Matagalpa.
CULTURAL
La Corona
This community is located near the Yasica Sur waterfall, which is surrounded by
forest and has a deep swimming hole. It is also home to a large organic coffee cooperative
where visitors can learn about the entire coffee cultivation process. There are four buses a
day from Cotran Norte in Matagalpa to Yasica Sur.
CULTURAL
El Roblar
CULTURAL
