Mountains CHALLENGE
In terms of biodiversity and natural beauties Nicaragua is still an undiscovered jewel. This trek program will take you to the highest mountains in the country trodden just by local people. As you trek you will enjoy a beatiful natural scenery, great views and the hospitality of Nicaraguan people. It will be an eye opening experience to the way people live as you will travel and trek through numerous tiny rural villages. Join us to compleate the six days trek challenge and absorb the multiple facets of the country at your own pace sorrounded by Nature.
Destination: Madriz Deparment
Trek location: Somoto is a picturesque town near the border between Nicaragua and Honduras. It is surrounded by multiple extinct volcanoes which now resemble mist-shrouded mountains and pine forests.
Logistic: A licensed guide from F&S Travels will assist you in the whole trip with the support of local guides along the route.
Overnight stay will be in tents at pre sellected sites, round-trip transportation for partisipants from and to Somoto City as well as transportation for luggage between camps will be organiced by Fun ‘N’ Sun Travels. Ask what is the extra cost on transportation to get to Somoto from Managua or Leon prior the start of trek.
Food: Breakfast and denners will be cooked and served by local families. Lunches will be prepared by the guides on the way arround noon.
Activity level & Environment: Moderate treks, rain forest with average temperatures of 15-20 celsius degrees
Max altitud: 1742 meters above sea level
Day 1
Transfer to Somoto
The adventure begins. This morning, Following breakfast and the trip briefing, we transfer from Leon or Managua to the border city of somoto. This is a small and colorful city in northern Nicaragua, just a few kilometers from the border with Honduras. It is surrounded by extinct volcanoes that now look like mist-covered mountains and pine forests. After lunch and a visit of the city we will head to our accommodation and rest in preparation for the start of our mountains trek experience.
Day 2
Tepesomoto Mountain
After breakfast we transfer a few minutes to the trek starting point in a village located right at the bottom of the Tepesomoto mountain. On the way to the top we will first pass by small adobe houses owned by local country families, then through coffee plantations and finally through deep forested areas. today we will follow a narrow circular path which is only used by locals. It will lead us to 3 different lookout points and some natural water fountains as well. The view from the top is spectacular, looking out over Honduran territory, the northern mountains and the Pacific lowland of Nicaragua. Tonight we camp in the same village where we get our first taste of life in rural Nicaragua.
Day 3
Victory Mountain
Today we bid goodbye to the village and transfer 15 minutes to the place known as (Estacion La Roca) located at the back of the tiny community of La Sabana. Today’s trek is relatively steep, we will follow a single track trail enjoying great views as we get higher. Considered a great water source this mountain has had changes since 4 families settle down along the hillside. We will have the opportunity to discover how they make their living while sharing a cup of coffee with some of them. From the top we will trek back down 1 hour on a new trail straight to our second camp site in a farm overlooking La Sabana community. This evening we will enjoy a BBQ dinner.
Day 4
Patasta Mountain
Today is reserved to trek 2 new mountains, the Wata and Motagua. On the first one you will follow a narrow single path and will take approximately 3.5 hours till you stop for a long break at Auxilio Mundial Farm where you can also eat lunch. After this you will continue on to the second mountain waking 2.5 hours in a primary forest between giant trees and several natural streams. Finally you will arrive to camp at Patasta Lodge based on flat ground between the mountains.
Day 5
Cusmapa Look Out Points
After eating breakfast you will leave the camp site and head down on main road to Las Sabanas village by foot. After exploring this village you will continue driving up for another hour toward Cusmapa one out of four communities located at the highest point of the country. Upon arrival you will tour the village visiting a couple of handicraft workshops. After lunch you will hike down and up through a smaller village before arriving at the fourth and last camp site at sunset. Here you will stay at a well-known lookout point called ‘The Devil Hand’ which stands at 1200 meters high. Today’s walk will take approximately 6 hours to complete.
Day 6
Mangas Verdes Mountain
On your fifth and last day of the adventure you will move on towards Mangas Verdes Mountain on a good pine forested trail. On the way up you will see old stones, the remains of ancient volcanic activity, plus a great view of a ring of mountains with Cusmapa Village in the middle. After reaching the top and celebrating you will head back down following more narrow trails through to main access road near the Tapacali river. From the road you will board private transport back to Somoto. Today’s walk will take approximately 8 hours to complete.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
ACTIVITY LEVEL & ENVIRONMENT: Moderate treks, rain forest with average temperatures of 15-20 celsius degrees
MAX ALTITUD: 1742 meters above sea level
LOGISTIC: Overnight stay will be in tents at pre sellected sites, round-trip transportation for partisipants from and to Somoto City as well as transportation for luggage between camps will be organiced by Fun ‘N’ Sun Travels. Ask what is the extra cost on transportation to get to Somoto from Managua or Leon prior the start of trek.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
group of 2 people $560USD
group of 3 people $480USD
group of 4 people $420USD
group of 5 people + $380USD
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
– all meals, water and refreshments during the trek
– round- trip transportation from and to Managua or leon City
– licensed trekking guide
– luggage support
– camping equipment
– fun ‘N’ Sun Travels T-shirt
– entrance fees
NO INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
– alcoholic beverages
– personal expenses and insurances
– emergency extraction due to illnesses or lack of fitness
– tips for guides and staff