Somoto Canyon National Monument
Cañón de Somoto
A narrow gorge at the headwaters of the Coco River, where visitors float downstream in life jackets and leap off rocks into deep pools. It is Nicaragua's most popular outdoor adventure.
The canyon was cut through the rock layers by the Coco River. It is about 3 km long, with walls rising up to 100 m and narrowing to just a few meters at the tightest point. Visitors walk, swim and float through the gorge in life jackets with a local guide, and can jump from rocks ranging from a few meters to more than ten meters high into deep pools. The full trip takes about 4–5 hours, and a shorter boat route is also available. A licensed guide is required (the price includes equipment), and you should bring a waterproof bag. From Estelí, take a bus to Somoto, about 1.5 hours, then transfer to another vehicle to reach the entrance.
Opening hours
Daytime (guide required)
Nearby sights
- San Juan de Limay Soapstone Carving
- El Avión Viewpoint, Condega
- Miraflor Nature Reserve
- Estelí Cathedral & Central Park
- Gallery of Heroes and Martyrs
- Estelí Murals
- Estelí Cigar Factories
- Estanzuela Waterfall