catalogo_tours_cliente_en

Mataga pa Tours 

Authentic Tourism, 

Life Changing Experiences 

• Eco Tourism 

• Hiking and Trekking adventures 

• Coffee and Cocoa tours 

• Community based tourism 

• Jungle Expeditions 

• Mountain bike tours 

• Rafting 

www.matagalpatours.com


Welcome to the Northern Mountains 

Dear Travelers and Adventurers, 

At the moment you are holding a very special collection of original tours in your hands, created and developed by 

passionate local experts who continue exploring every corner of Nicaragua. This, either by foot, bike, boat, kayak, 

raft, 4x4 vehicles or any other possible way to reach the hidden natural treasures of the country. 

After a decade of developing new routes to unexplored parts of the country and being dedicated to nature and 

outdoor adventure tourism, Matagalpa Tours has become synonymous with rural community tourism, 

agro-tourism, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, river and jungle expeditions throughout Nicaragua. 

We also specialize in creating complete thematic packages with a focus on socio-cultural and economic topics. 

These include visits to social organizations which support workers, women groups, fair trade and cooperatives. 

In each of our tours, our clients can enjoy the incredible biodiversity of Nicaragua. You will be accompanied by 

well-trained, passionate guides and every tour is an experience where the clients will meet hospitable and friendly 

locals. 

The members of our staff are all travelers themselves who are passionate about Nicaragua and work hard to 

guarantee that the trip will be an experience of exploration, adventure, learning, fun, and relaxation. But even 

more important; you will get a chance to get close to and learn about the everyday lives of the Nicaraguan people. 

That’s why we carefully choose all of our service providers and diligently train our own guides. 

Our Specialty and Passion 

Above all, we are lovers of travel, nature, and culture. We've lived and experienced every single place that we offer 

in our tours and we are recognized as the foremost experts in northern Nicaragua, since we are the tour company 

that pioneered the area. 

For us traveling is more than visiting places; it's an opportunity to share with different people with different 

lifestyles and different cultures, to discover and enjoy new landscapes and nature; it's an experience of personal 

enrichment. 

What would you like to do? Email us or call us – We will be happy to join you in the creation of your perfect journey. 

Share your passion and discover with Matagalpa Tours a different concept of sustainable travel 

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Day Tours 

About the day tours: 

• All tours include private transportation from and to your hotel in Matagalpa, however we offer a special rate to pick you 

up out of town. 

• Our bilingual guides speak Spanish and English 

• Regarding tours that include lunch: We choose the best options of authentic local food, in places that meet the basic 

requirements of hygiene. This can be with a local family, rural eatery or restaurant. 

• All tours include local guides, entrance fees and special equipment if required. 

• All tours are 'open' and we can include more participants according to the capacity of the vehicle. When preferring a 

private tour, it is also possible, although there is a small extra charge. 

• Services must be paid at time of booking 

www.matagalpatours.com 2


Day tours 

Highlights: 

• Historic places 

• Interpretation of 

the daily life and 

culture 

• Visit the most 

important local 

market 

Matagalpa City Tour - History and culture 

Learn about the culture, economy, history, and way of life 

of the “Matagalpinos” in a unique tour designed to 

experience daily life in this important Nicaraguan city. 

We visit the “Foreigners’ Cemetery” (a national heritage 

site); the birthplace of Carlos Fonseca, now a museum of 

the martyred founder of the Sandinista National 

Liberation Front; the Coffee Museum; and the city center 

with its impressive cathedral. Get in touch with the locals, 

learn how to change money on the street, and observe the 

bootblacks of the central park. 

We finish with a visit to the Guanuca market, symbolic of 

the economic activity of the Nicaraguan countryside. 

Includes: 

• Bilingual guide 

• Entrance fees 

• Transportation 

• Snack 

What to bring: 

• Sun Protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, etc) 

• Comfortable clothing and shoes 

• Water bottle 

• Camera 

Duration: 3 – 4 hours 

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www.matagalpatours.com | reservaciones@matagalpatours.com



Highlights: 

• Observe the 

production process 

• Chocolate tasting 

• Buying Chocolates 

in the factory 

The Chocolate Factory El Castillo del Cacao 

More than three thousand years ago, long before the 

arrival of Europeans five centuries ago, the ancient 

inhabitants of Mesoamerica were consuming cacao. The 

passion for chocolate was born here. 

Some of the best chocolates in Nicaragua are made in El 

Castillo del Cacao. They use organic cacao from small 

Matagalpan farmers. During this tour you will learn about 

the most important events in the history of cacao in 

Nicaragua and Latin América and you will be able to 

observe a semiartesanal production process. 

Includes: 




• Snack 




• Camera 

Lastly, you will have the opportunity to taste this delicious 

chocolate combined with a cup of coffee, a heavenly 

combination. 

Duration: 2 hours 

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Highlights: 

• Tour with focus on 

the people and daily 

life in the city 

• The Chocolate 

factory Tour 

City Tour Matagalpa and the Chocolate Factory 

El Castillo del Cacao - History, Culture and Chocolate 

Visit important places of the city, which sometimes are 

hidden from view of those who simply walk in the streets. 

Conclude with a tour and chocolate tasting at the 

Chocolate factory. 

Learn about the culture, economy, history, and way of life 

of the “Matagalpinos”. This unique tour is designed to 

experience daily life in this important Nicaraguan city. We 

will visit museums, squares, a viewpoint and other touristic 

sites, but we take you to places where you will experience 

the daily life and personality of the city as well. 

Includes: 




• Snack 





• Camera 

Afterwards we will have a tour in the chocolate factory "El 

Castillo del Cacao", where some of the best chocolates in 

Nicaragua are made by using organic cacao from small 

Matagalpan farmers. 

At last, you will have the opportunity to taste this delicious 

chocolate together with a great cup of coffee, an 

irresistible combination! 


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Highlights: 

• Interaction with 

local people 

• Possibility of 

buying the products 

• Easy Nature walk 

• Amazing 

viewpoint 

Indigenous weaving workshops at the El Chile community 

The indigenous community of El Chile is a living example of 

the struggle for a people's cultural and historical 

preservation. 

Telares El Chile is a weaving workshop where a group of 

women have become ambassadors of one of the most 

representative community traditions. Here you will learn 

its history and you can see and participate in the process of 

making its wide variety of products ranging from purses to 

backpacks, carpets and bedspreads. Also we walk in the 

community where other groups of artisans also produce 

fabrics with ancient techniques. 

Includes: 


• Private Transportation 

• Typical Lunch 


• Snacks 


• Hiking shoes 

• Long pants 


• Sunscreen 

• Camera 

• Binoculars 

The tour continue with a walk to the viewpoint of Cerro El 

Chile, where you will have a 360-degree view of the valley 

and surrounding mountains. Finally, enjoy a traditional 

lunch in the house of a local family, to have an inside look 

at their lifestyle. 

On this tour it is possible to buy handicrafts directly to 

women who produce them. 




Highlights: 

• Walking in the 

forest 

• Interpretative 

nature walk 

• Amazing 

panoramic view 

Hike to the viewpoint in the Nature Reserve Apante 

When being in Matagalpa you do not need to travel far to 

enjoy a walk in the forest where you will be rewarded with 

an amazing panoramic view over the city. 

Cerro Apante is a nature reserve located in the heart of 

Nicaragua and just two kilometers from Matagalpa. A 

short hike on its trails offers a chance to enjoy a variety of 

birds, mammals and plants. All characteristic of the 

tropical forest. 

This special trail offers the beauty of a waterfall, the 

diversity of a tropical forest and a stunning panoramic view 

from the viewpoint "La Cruz de Apante" where you can see 

the whole city of Matagalpa and the mountains that 

surround it. 

Includes: 



• Entrance fee 

• Snack 



• Insect repellent 

• Walking Shoes 


• Raincoat 



• Camera 


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Highlights: 

• Night walk in a 

beautiful and easy 

trail 

• Interpretation of the 

forest and wildlife 

• A big variety of 

nocturnal wildlife 

Night Tour in the Nature Reserve Apante - 

The Dark Side of the Forest 

A night of adventure to discover the mysteries of the less 

known aspects of the forest. A show of prey and predators 

in their daily struggle to survive. 

We will walk the trails of Cerro Apante looking for the 

amazing wildlife of Nicaragua. Nocturnal predators and 

preys, sleeping birds, reptiles and mammals. Test your 

senses by discovering the amazing kinds of camouflage 

needed to survive in the animal world. 

An undiscovered world right in front of us, hidden in the 

darkness of night. 

Includes: 




• Flashlights 





• Raincoat 



• Camera 





Highlights: 

• Walking in the dark 

tunnels 

• Visit to the village La 

Reyna 

• Places full of nature 

The Caves of the La Reyna Gold Mines - 

From Precious Metal to “the Golden Grain” 

The tunnels of old goldmines preserve the histories of the 

miners who for more than 30 years extracted gold in this 

area. Many years later, the inhabitants of Mina La Reyna 

stopped searching for the precious metal to grow “the 

golden grain”: coffee. 

This adventurous experience through the mine includes a 

walk in the water of the underground river where we can 

see stalactites, water-springs, unusual insects, crabs, and 

lots of bats. 

Afterwards, we will visit the community where people is 

producing coffee and other crops. Also they have a tourism 

program as an alternative way to improve their quality of 

life. 

Includes: 




• Equipments (Helmets and Flashlights) 

• Snack 




• Shoes or sandals to walk in the water 

• Clothing to get wet in the caves 

• Clothing to be dry after the caves 

• Towel 

• Raincoat 



• Camera 


Note: There is restricted access to the mines under certain 

climatic conditions. 

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Highlights: 


local families 

• Participate in the 

harvesting process 

• Cultural Immersion 

Coffee Tour Matagalpa - Farm, plantations and harvesting 

Discover the importance of coffee for the people in 

communities who produce it and be part of the various 

activities that make our coffee among the best in the 

world. 

During this tour we will visit a coffee cooperative where 

you can be part of the collection and pulping of coffee. 

Subsequently, you can see the process of fermentation 

and washing prior to the dry processing. Here you will learn 

about the economic and social benefits that this crop 

entails and we will address issues such as certifications, 

marketing, cooperatives and the environmental impacts of 

producing Nicaragua’s main export product. 

Includes: 




• Lunch 

• Snack 






• Poncho or jacket 



• Camera 

At the home of a Nicaraguan campesino family we will 

enjoy a typical lunch and finish the tour with a delicious cup 

of coffee, made by one of the families that produces it. 

Duration: 5 – 6 hours 

Note: Coffee harvesting takes place from late October to 

February and sometimes early March. Out of this season the 

tour is still possible, however you will have some alternative 

activities. 




Highlights: 

• Observing beautiful 

colorful birds 

• Walk through the 

cloud forest 


tropical forest 

Birdwatching in the Cloud Forest El Arenal - 

Looking for Tropical Birds 

As an ecological bridge between North and South America, 

Nicaragua has an impressive diversity of resident and 

migratory birds. Very near Matagalpa lies the nature 

reserve El Arenal, a cloud forest rich in biodiversity and 

home to colorful birds that are among the most beautiful 

and special in America. 

We will walk around the Reserve, which is home to over 

200 species of birds, including the legendary Resplendent 

Quetzal and the Three-wattled Bellbird, the bushy crested 

jay and many more. 

By having a little patience, and by being in the right 

location, you are able enjoy the incredible diversity of this 

tropical cloud forest. 

Includes: 




• Snack 





• Raincoat 



• Camera 


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Highlights: 

• Traditional coffee 

processing 

• Horseback riding 

through the 

community 

• Interaction with a 

local family 

La Fundadora Hiking, Farming and Horseback riding - 

The daily life of a farmer 

La Fundadora is a very special community as it was the 

favorite coffee estate of President Somoza. After his 

overthrow it became the current cooperative 'La Reforma' 

which is formed by 55 local families. 

A unique tour in which you will experience the local life at 

its best by walking, horse riding and sharing with a 

Nicaraguan family while discovering a different side of 

Nicaragua. You get to enjoy one of the greenest and scenic 

routes of the country. 

A vehicle will take us to the entrance of the community 

where the horses will be waiting to transport us to the 

community. This is the most common transportation of 

farmers in the area. We will ride the horses for about 40 

minutes to the farm 'La Loteria', where we meet the lovely 

owners of this farm. With great enthusiasm, they will teach 

us how coffee is grown, grounded and roasted in the most 

traditional way. 

Includes: 

• Private Transport 


• Traditional lunch 

• Horses 


• Snacks 





• Raincoat 



• Camera 

After a delicious traditional lunch, we will make a short 

walk to the viewpoint of Cerro Los Números to enjoy the 

forest and a beautiful view over the community. 





Highlights: 

• Hiking through 

different types of 

forests 

• Beautiful 

panoramic views 

• Abundant nature 

Long hike in the Natural Reserve Cerro Apante - 

Hiking, Nature and Landscapes 

This hike combines a variety of ecosystems, panoramic 

views, different types of forests and communities. If you 

are passionate about long hikes combined with lots of 

nature, this tour is what you are looking for! 

This adventurous tour is one of the Nicaragua's hidden 

hiking treasures. For over 7 hours the trail takes you into 

the heart of the reserve. We start walking in the city of 

Matagalpa, passing through different types of forest, 

coffee plantations, communities and incredible panoramic 

views until we get to the charming village of San Ramon, 

located 10 kilometers east of Matagalpa. 

During the hike we will stop for a picnic lunch in the forest. 

Includes: 

• Private transportation 


• Picnic lunch 


• Snacks 


• Good hiking shoes 


• Raincoat 

• Day pack 

• Water bottle or hydration packs 


• Bug repellent 

• Camera 


Duration: 7 - 8 hours 

Walking Distance: 11 km approx. 

Recommended for people in good physical condition. 

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Highlights: 

• Hiking in the 

Cloud Forest 

• Sustainable 

farming tour 

• Visit the 

greenhouses, 

cheese factory and 

village 

Sustainable farming and Hiking in the Cloud Forest - 

Nature Reserve El Arenal 

El Arenal Natural Reserve, is a dense cloud forest that is 

home to a wide variety of flora and fauna such as 

bromeliads, orchids, giant ferns, endangered mammals, 

and exotic birds. 

We start the tour at La Hammonia. This is a self-sustaining 

organic farm located within the reserve where coffee, 

vegetables, livestock, cheese and other crops are grown. 

At this farm we will see how it is possible to farm the land 

while protecting the environment at the same time. 

After visiting the farm we start a 3-hour hike through a well 

preserved cloud forest and one of the most accessible ones 

of Nicaragua. El Arenal nature reserve is home to exotic 

birds such as the Resplendent Quetzal and the 

Three-wattled Bell Bird. Also numerous mammals like 

monkeys, agouties and peccaries are seen often. 

Includes: 

• Bilingual Guide 

• Entrance Fees 

• La Hammonia Sustainable Farm Tour 







• Raincoat 



• Camera 

Duration: 6–7 hours. 




Highlights: 

• Tour in the coffee 

plantations 

• Full process from the 

farm to exportation 

• Be part of the 

harvesting activities 

• Interaction with locals 

• Visit to the dry coffee 

processing plant 

• Professional cupping 

session 

Matagalpa Coffee Tour - Full experience from seed to cup 

Coffee is the main export of Nicaragua and it represents an 

entire social and economic system that involves much of 

the Nicaraguan population. We invite you to learn the 

entire process and all the social aspects that lie behind a 

great cup of coffee, from the plantation to your table. 

First we will visit a farm where you can participate in the 

harvesting, pulping, washing, and fermentation of coffee. 

In the afternoon we'll take you to the dry mill, where the 

industrial part of the process happens, including a cupping 

session in the lab. 

Behind each cup of coffee lies much work and ancestral 

knowledge, many investors, multiple processes, 

technology, grief, crises — plus a lot of culture and 

tradition. 

Includes: 



• Local Guide 


• Cupping session 







• Raincoat 



• Camera 


15 




Highlights: 

• The Chocolate 

factory 

• Visit the coffee and 

cacao plantations 

• The Pinolillo 

workshop 


locals 

The Creation of Pinolillo and Mocha - 

Chocolate, Coffee and Cocoa tour 

Cacao has a rich history in Central America. During this 

tour you will learn about the evolution of cacao in the 

history and culture of Nicaragua. Additionally, you will 

learn about the arrival of coffee and its economic and 

social impact and how to make handmade chocolates. 

Besides all of this, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the 

area. 

On this tour we visit a chocolate factory where we can see 

the artisanal manufacturing process of making chocolate. 

Afterwards, we taste the delicious final product with a cup 

of coffee. Subsequently, we will visit a rural community 

where people grow coffee and cacao in a diversified and 

sustainable manner. In this community we will walk 

through the plantations and participate in the workshop 

"The Creation of Pinolillo", a traditional drink made from 

corn, cocoa and spices. This process will be taught by a 

local family, with whom we will also share a typical lunch. 

Includes: 


• Bilingual guide and local guide 


• Typical Nicaraguan lunch 

• Snack 






• Raincoat 



• Camera 

The tour ends in Matagalpa while enjoying a great cup of 

Mocha coffee in one of the best coffee shops in Nicaragua. 

Join this tour and you will experience one of the best 

combinations: chocolate, coffee, culture and a lot of 

nature! 




Highlights: 

• Visit the shaded 

coffee plantations 

• Interaction with a 

local family 

• Swimming in a river 

with waterfalls 

• During the season 

Nov to Feb, be 

involved in the coffee 

harvesting activities 

Community La Corona and Yasika river - 

Coffee, Hike and Waterfalls 

La Corona is a community full of natural attractions, 

friendly Nicaraguan people, beautiful landscapes and 

interesting farms where coffee and cocoa is grown 

sustainably. 

In this tour you will walk through coffee plantations and 

learn all about the cultivation and management of this 

important grain. Here also you will enjoy abundant nature, 

get to know different vegetables and fruits typical of the 

tropics and discover the enormous social and economic 

event that lies behind a simple cup of coffee. 

In La Corona you can feel the culture and authenticity of 

the peasants in the Nicaraguan countryside . 

The tour finishes with a 2 hour walk through secondary 

forest and communities, where we will enjoy beautiful 

landscapes, rivers and different waterfalls ideal for 

swimming. 

Includes: 


• Local guide 




• Snacks 






• Rain Coat 



• Camera 

17 




Highlights: 

• Beautiful scenery 

• Riding your bike 

through farms and 

villages 

• Perfect short route 

for family groups 

Mountain biking Tour - 

Short Route Matagalpa - San Ramón 

Matagalpa is surrounded by beautiful hills, forests and 

landscapes. It is not surprising that this area is considered 

to be the best destination in Nicaragua for outdoor 

activities. 

Our intermediate Mountain Biking tour starts in Matagalpa 

and takes you via a rural road 30% uphill. After reaching the 

summit of the hill we will ride on unpaved roads, until we 

reach San Ramón, where you will have a break and enjoy a 

snack. 

Includes: 

• Mountain Bikes 

• Helmets 

• Bilingual experienced guide 

• Snack 



• Bicycle outfit 


• Camera 

Afterwards we will take the way back to Matagalpa, biking 

for 10 kilometers in a paved road with very little traffic, a 

pleasant climate and a beautiful scenery. 

This is a short route that allows you to get out, experience 

Mountain Biking in rural areas and to enjoy this safe 

adventure with your friends or family. 

For all mountain bike tours some experience and a good 

physical condition is required. It is possible to rent one of 

our bikes or to bring your own. When bringing your own 

bike, a 15U$ per day discount is given. 


Length of the route: 20 km 




Highlights: 

• Panoramic views 

• Amazing and 

challenging tracks 

• Riding your bike 

near the forest 

Mountain biking in the nature reserve El Arenal - 

Test your skills 

The great variety of landscapes combined with a pleasant 

climate makes El Arenal a perfect destination for 

mountain-biking 

On this tour we first visit the Selva Negra mountain resort. 

After driving up to 1200mts by car, and a snack at the 

lagoon of the Selva Negra, we start riding our bikes up the 

paved road to El Arenal at 1440mts. From here the off road 

adventure starts and we will ride through this spectacular 

area of coffee fields, fern plantations and little villages 

surrounding the cloudforest of the Cerro el Arenal natural 

reserve. 

Includes: 


• Mountainbike (limited sizes, please inform) 


• Picnic lunch 





• Camera 

The panoramical views we encounter along the way are 

beautiful and there will be time to enjoy these. Your guide 

can tell you everything about coffee production and the 

way of life in the countryside. 

For all mountain bike tours some experience and a good 

physical condition is required. It is possible to rent one of 

our bikes or to bring your own. 

Duration: 5-6 hours. 

Note: When bringing your own bike, a 15U$ discount is given. 

19 




Highlights: 

• Great full-day white 

water rafting 

adventure 

• Beautiful natural 

scenery 

• Lunch on the river 

bank surrounded by 

beautiful nature 

White water Rafting Matagalpa - The Tuma or Viejo river 

Rafting is an exciting activity and it's not required to have 

experience to participate. 

This tour will let you feel the adrenaline when moving 

down the rapids of the river. While following the 

instruction of a guide, all the participants need to work 

together in order to overcome obstacles and to prevent 

falling into the water. 

When we arrive at the starting point of the tour, our guide 

will hand out life jackets, helmets and paddles. Also safety 

instructions will be given and a little practice will be done 

before we will start this unique and adventurous 

experience in Nicaragua. 

The route we take is about 15 km and will take us 

approximately 5 hours. Additionally, the rapids are 

classified as 2-3 and 4 sometimes. Besides the 

adventurous parts, there will be plenty of opportunities to 

enjoy the surrounding forest with its monkeys, sloths and 

beautiful types of birds. 

Notes: 

*Due to the duration of the tour a good physical 

condition is required 

*Depending on the water level of the rivers, the 

tour can be done in the Tuma River or the Viejo River 

*Participants sign a waiver stating that they 

realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent 

risk. 

*The minimum age for participants is 14 years old. 

Includes: 


• Rafts and safety Equipment 

• Bilingual Guides 

• Lunch/snack 


• Swim wear 

• Long sleeve shirt 

• Water shoes/sneakers or closed sandals 

• Towel 

• Minimum 1 L of water 

• Sunscreen and hat 

15 kilometers of adventure, nature and a lot of adrenaline. 

We start at 08:00 am 

We finish at 06:00 pm 




Highlights: 

• Contact with local 

people 

• Black pottery 

workshop 

• Visit authentic cities 

off the beaten track 

• Beautiful 

panoramic road 

through the 

Mountains 

History, Culture and nature in the Jinotega Route 

A very active history tour. Visit historic cities, a black 

pottery workshop and enjoy a nature walk in the cloud 

forest. A different way of seeing Nicaragua. 

We begin our tour with a visit to the charming village of 

San Rafael, where the national hero Augusto Sandino and 

Father Odorico D'Andrea, now a candidate for sainthood, 

both lived. 

Afterwards we will visit Jinotega with its wall paintings, 

quiet streets and one of the most popular black pottery 

workshops in the region. Here you have the opportunity to 

learn how to use the wheel and mold the clay. 

Includes: 




• Lunch 

• Snack 






• Raincoat 



• Camera 

We end the tour with a relaxing visit to the nature reserve 

El Arenal, where we can walk through one of 

best-preserved cloud forests in Nicaragua. 

Duration: 9 – 10 hours. 

21 


Adventure and Nature in the Jinotega route and the 

Canopy tour La Brellera 



Highlights: 

• One of the most 

exciting canopy tours in 

Nicaragua 

• Interaction with local 

people 

• Black pottery 

workshop 

• Visit authentic cities 

out of the beaten path 

• Beautiful panoramic 

road through the 

Mountains 

During this tour we travel along the highest road in the 

country where we have beautiful panoramic views and a 

scenery that only northern Nicaragua offers. 

We start with a lot of adrenaline in the Canopy Tour La 

Brellera, a popular tour in the beautiful landscape and its 

12 platforms in the pine forest. Afterwards, we explore the 

village of San Rafael where the national hero Augusto 

Sandino and Father Odorico D'Andrea, who is currently a 

candidate for sainthood, both lived. 

Additionally we will visit Jinotega with its murals and quiet 

streets and learn to mold the clay in one of the most 

popular workshops of black pottery in the country. 

Includes: 




• Zip-line tour (Canopy) 

• Lunch 






• Raincoat 



• Camera 

We end the day by walking in the nature reserve El Arenal 

and by enjoying a good cup of coffee in the Selva Negra 

hotel. 

On this tour we combine adrenaline, nature, history and 

culture. A route that will keep you entertained with its 

beauty and history behind. 

Duration: 9 hours. 



Packages 

All our packages include: 

• Private transportation from and to your hotel in Matagalpa. However we offer a special rate to pick you up out of town. 

• Accommodation in hotels, rural lodges, or homestays, according to the type of tour. 

• All meals, usually from lunch on the first day until lunch on the last day, unless otherwise specified. We choose the best 

options of authentic local food, in places that meet the basic requirements of hygiene. This can be with a local family, rural 

eatery, restaurant or a pic-nic in the forest. 

Notes: 

• Services must be paid at time of booking. Charges might apply for cancellation according to our payment policies 

• All tour packages are 'open' and we can include more participants according to the capacity of the vehicle. When 

preferring a private tour, it is also possible, although there is a small extra charge. 

• We offer private transfers and customized packages throughout the country 

23 



Packages 

Highlights: 

• Hiking in the Cloud 

forest 

• Coffee and Cacao 

plantations 

• Swimming in a 

waterfall 

• Meet the local 

campesinos 

Green Oasis of Matagalpa - 

Rural communities and Cloud Forest [2 days / 1 night] 

This original tour takes you by a community where products like coffee, cocoa, tropical fruits and vegetables are 

grown in a diversified manner. Also stay in a hotel located in the middle of the forest and enjoy a hike in the nature 

reserve El Arenal, where the diversity of birds, mammals and exotic plants is impressive. 

Day 1: Community La Corona and waterfalls of Yasika river 

First we will visit a diversified farm to be part of the coffee 

harvesting process and meet the friendly people living in the 

Nicaragua countryside. After lunch we will walk 1½ hours along the 

Rio Yasika, which offers beautiful scenery and some waterfalls ideal 

for swimming. Afterwards we will have a transfer to our hotel in the 

middle of the cloud forest. 

Overnight at hotel Aguas del Arenal 

Day 2: Nature Reserve El Arenal 

The Arenal Natural Reserve, is a dense forest that has a wide variety 

of flora and fauna. We will make a special walk through El Arenal 

which offers all the magic and diversity of cloud forest enjoying a 

wide variety of Orchids, bromeliads, giant trees and interesting 

mammals. After a typical lunch transfer to Matagalpa where the 

tour ends. 

Includes: 



• Accommodation 

• Meals (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 2) 


• Snack 






• Raincoat 



• Camera 



Packages 

Highlights: 

• Visiting the factories 

of cigars and 

rosquillas 

• Admire the stunning 

rock formations from 

the bottom of the 

canyon . 

• Camping and 

rappelling experience 

Full adventure in the Somoto Canyon - 

Hiking, rappelling, swimming and camping [2 days / 1 night] 

This tour offers the opportunity to combine several outdoor adventure activities , including hiking, rappelling, 

swimming and camping, all in one of the most beautiful and impressive geological formations in Central America: 

The Somoto Canyon. 

Day 1: Hiking and rappel in the Canyon 

In the morning we will travel to Estelí, 

where we will make a tour in one of the 

famous cigar factories. There you will see 

the process of making high quality export 

cigars. After lunch we continue to Somoto 

where the adventure begins by walking 

through areas of dry forest and open fields 

with stunning scenery. Once in the canyon 

we will rappel with expert guides, 

descending from the top of a stone wall 

over 30 meters high. 

We end the day by setting up the camp 

where we will spend the night. 

Day 2: Experience the adventurous 

Somoto Canyon 

The second day we will enjoy the Canyon of 

Somoto in the best way: Walking through 

the stones in the river and swimming in the 

warm waters of the Coco River. By lying in 

the water you can fully enjoy the beauty of 

the 100 meter high stone walls that are 

surrounding you. You can jump from a 

waterfall and finally we will be leaving the 

canyon in a rowboat. 

After the adventure, we will return to 

Somoto to have lunch and visit a factory of 

Rosquillas Somoteñas. Here you will learn 

the creation process of these traditional 

corn cookies which are famous throughout 

Central America. Of course you will have a 

chance to taste! 

After lunch we will return to Matagalpa, 

where the tour ends 

Includes: 

• Private transport 



• Meals: From lunch on day 1 to lunch on 

Day 2 

• Camping and Rappel gear 




• Shoes or sandals to walk in the water 

• Clothing to get wet in the river 

• Dry clothes to change 

• Towel 

• Raincoat 


• Camera 

25 



Packages 

Highlights: 

• Hiking in a real 

jungle 

• Adventurous 

hiking trails 


the locals 

• Wildlife 

Hiking in the nature reserve Peñas Blancas [2 days / 1 night] 

Peñas Blancas is the southern boundary of the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve. This is a walk in the jungle, with 

adventurous trails, giant trees, abundant water, impressive landscapes and all the magic of the tropical cloud 

forest, ideal for hikers and nature lovers. 

Day 1: The amazing Arcoiris waterfall 

After driving for 2 hours to the nature reserve, we will start a three 

hour hike through thick vegetation where you can enjoy abundant 

water sources, the charming sanctuary of the giant trees and the 

impressive waterfall Arcoiris with its more than 90 meters high. 

Overnight at a hostel in Peñas Blancas 

Day 2: The most adventurer trail of Nicaragua 

Early in the morning after enjoying a delicious typical Nicaraguan 

breakfast we prepare for an intense and very difficult hike to the top 

of the reserve. We will walk for 5 – 6 hours, in the core area, where 

the virgin forest offers an incredible variety of flora and fauna and is 

the home of the Resplendent Quetzal and giant tree ferns. 

After lunch we return to Matagalpa where the tour ends. 

Includes: 





• All meals (From lunch in day 1 to lunch in day 2) 

• Snacks 




• Raincoat 

• Day pack 




• Camera 




Packages 

Highlights: 

• Explore the Peñas 

Blancas reserve, 

which is part of 

Bosawas 

• EPure Adventure 

Trails 

• ECamping in the 

jungle 

• EVisit the Arco iris 

Waterfall 

Camping Adventure in the Peñas Blancas Massif 

[3 days / 2 nights] 

The Peñas Blancas Massif is a lush reserve that forms the southern boundary of the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve and 

has the most challenging forest trails of Nicaragua. If you are looking for an intense adventure in the wildest parts 

of the forest this is a great opportunity! 

Day 1: The sanctuary of the giant trees 

and the Arcoiris waterfall 

The first day after driving for 2 hours to the 

reserve, we will hike for about 3 hours 

through thick vegetation and abundant 

sources of water to get to know the 

sanctuary of the giant trees and the 

waterfall “Arcoiris” which is more than 90 

meters high. Afterwards we will visit a 

family to get in touch with the local people 

in the community. 

Overnight at a hostel in the Community 

Day 2: Camping in the Jungle 

In the morning, after breakfast, we will get 

ready for an intense and very difficult 5 hour 

hike to the top and core of the reserve. Here 

we will set up our camp to have an 

unforgettable experience in the jungle. 

Being surrounded by virgin forest and an 

incredible variety of flora and fauna of the 

tropical cloud forest makes this activity a 

real adventure. At night we walk in search 

of nocturnal mammals and reptiles. 

Overnight camping in the jungle 

Day 3: Walking back to the community 

The third and last day of this tour we start 

our way back to the community with an 

adventurous hike of 3 hours. After lunch we 

will return to Matagalpa where our tour 

ends. 

Note: It is possible to camp two nights if 

preferred 

Includes: 




• All Meals (From lunch in day 1 to lunch in 

day 3) 


• Camping gear 

• Snacks 




• Raincoat 

• Day pack 




• Camera 


27 



Packages 

Highlights: 

• Long trails in the 

forest 

• Camping and night 

walk 


tropical forest 

Camping in the nature Reserve Apante [2 days / 1 night] 

Matagalpa is surrounded by an amazing nature reserve, ideal for lovers of outdoor adventures. We will walk in the 

forest with panoramic views, different types of ecosystems and steep trails. No need to travel far to enjoy a long 

walk in the woods and an incredible camping experience. 

Day 1: Climbing to the highest point 

We will start walking at 680 meters through a lush forest and our 

goal is to reach the summit of the Buena Vista hill, with its 1442 

meters of height. After enjoying the natural wealth and diversity of 

this tropical forest, we will set up our camp, right in the middle of 

the cloud forest and the highest point of the reserve. 

Overnight camping in the forest 

Day 2: Walking down to San Ramón Town 

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we start walking to San 

Ramón where our hike will end. This day we will walk through deep 

forest, coffee plantations, communities and open areas with 

beautiful landscapes. 

We will end our tour taking lunch in the town San Ramón and return 

by vehicle to Matagalpa 

Includes: 




• All meals 

• Snacks 

• Camping gear 




• Raincoat 

• Day pack 




• Camera 




Packages 

Highlights: 

• Visit to the Cacao 

Processing plant 

• Hike in the nature 

reserve Peñas 

Blancas 

• Activities in La 

Sombra Ecolodge 

Cacao Processing Plant, La Sombra Ecolodge and 

nature reserve Peñas Blancas [2 days / 1 night] 

This tour combines three different destinations, each interesting in its own way with the variety of activities they 

offer and the natural beauty that surrounds them. 

Day 1: Cacao processing and La Sombra Ecolodge 

We start the tour by visiting a cacao processing plant. Here you will 

observe the process of fermentation and drying of cacao and learn 

how to create chocolates in unusual combinations. Afterwards we 

make our way to a hotel in the mountains where we will stay. Once 

there we will visit a butterfly farm and a breeding of red-eyed tree 

frogs. 

Overnight at La Sombra Ecolodge 

Day 2: Hiking in the Nature Reserve Peñas Blancas 

The second day we continue towards the nature reserve Peñas 

Blancas to hike in the very special trail to the waterfall Arco iris, 

which is famous because of its height and beauty. During this hike 

you will enjoy abundant water sources, the charming sanctuary of 

the giant trees and all the adventure and diversity in this cloud 

forests. 

Includes: 




• Meals (From lunch in day 1 to lunch in day 2) 

• Snacks 





• Raincoat 

• Day pack 




• Camera 


After lunch we return to Matagalpa, where the tour ends 

29 



Packages 

Highlights: 

• Complete coffee 

tour: from planting to 

export 

• Living with a local 

family 

• Coffee tasting 

session 

Coffee Tour 2 days - Experience the real Nicaragua 

[2 days / 1 night] 

Coffee is one of the most important export product of Nicaragua. This trip to Matagalpan communities will show 

you the true story behind it, and all the activities needed in order for you to be able to enjoy a cup of coffee every 

morning. 

Day 1: Picking coffee 

The first day we will take you to a cooperative, where you can 

participate in harvesting, pulping and the fermentation of coffee . 

You will also learn about other topics of interest, such as fair trade, 

the coffee market, history, and more. Additionally, we will have a 

typical cooking workshop with a local family. 

Overnight with a local family 

Day 2: The Coffee Route, From the farm to the world. 

The second day we will visit a dry mill where you can see the 

industrial drying process, threshing and coffee selection; all 

activities needed before the coffee is ready for export. Finally, we 

will have a tasting session in the quality control laboratory to assess 

the characteristics of one of the best coffees in the world. 

Includes: 



• Home stay in the community 

• Meals (From lunch in day 1 to Breakfast in day 2) 


• Snacks 






• Raincoat 



• Camera 

Afterwards we return to Matagalpa where close the tour with a very 

good cup of coffee. 



Packages 

Highlights: 

• Long walks in two 

different nature 

reserves 

• Challenging trails 

for hikers 

• Incredible 

landscapes and 

biodiversity 

Jungle and trekking adventure - 

Matagalpa and its surroundings [4 days / 3 nights] 

During this tour we will visit nature reserves, productive fields, waterfalls, coffee plantations, organic farms and 

especially meet some families to experience the lifestyle of the people in the Nicaraguan countryside. 

Day 1: Long hike in the nature reserve 

Cerro Apante 

This hike is designed to enjoy different 

environments. During seven hours we will 

walk trough two different types of forest, 

farmland and communities, share a picnic 

style lunch and enjoy the best landscapes 

from different viewpoints. The walk ends at 

the town of San Ramon where we stay the 

first night. 

Overnight at El Sueño de la Campana 

Day 2: Community La Corona 

The second day after breakfast, we will 

start with a 4 hour hike to La Corona, a 

community of small farmers, rich in nature. 

We will enjoy the kindness and joy of the 

local families and learn about coffee 

production, vegetables, fair trade and other 

topics of interest. 

Overnight with local families 

Day 3: Nature Reserve Peñas Blancas 

Early in the morning we will start a hike of 2 

hours along the river Yasika and then we will 

have a transfer to Peñas Blancas Nature 

Reserve, the southern boundary of the 

Biosphere Reserve Bosawas. After lunch we 

will walk for about 3 hours through varied 

vegetation, where you can enjoy abundant 

water sources, the sanctuary of the giant 

trees and the impressive waterfall Arcoiris 

with its more than 90 meters high 

Overnight at Eco- hostel Guardianes del 

bosque 

Day 4: Long hike in Peñas Blancas 

This early morning we prepare for an 

intense 5-6 hours hike to the top and core of 

the reserve, where the virgin forest offers 

an incredible variety of flora and fauna, 

spectacular panoramic views and is home 

to the Resplendent Quetzal and giant tree 

ferns. In the afternoon we return to 

Matagalpa where the tour ends. 

Includes: 



• All Meals (From lunch in day 1 to lunch in 

day 4) 






• Raincoat 

• Day pack 




• Camera 


31 



Packages 

Highlights: 

• Hiking in the 

countryside 


locals 

• Coffee and cocoa 

plantations 

• Swimming in a 

waterfall 

Hike through Matagalpas’ Countryside - 

Culture and nature tour [2 days / 1 night] 

Enjoy a tour full of authenticity, nature and culture in the north of Nicaragua. 

We will walk through the evergreen countryside in the north; we will get to know coffee plantations, cocoa and 

other crops; we will visit waterfalls and enjoy the authenticity of rural Nicaraguan families. 

Day 1: Hiking San Ramón – La Corona 

On the first day we will take you to the San Ramon town, from 

where we will start with a walk of about 4 hours. On the way we will 

pass communities and different coffee farms. We will meet the 

friendly producers of an organic coffee cooperative and we will 

learn to prepare the very traditional pinolillo, a Nicaraguan drink 

made of corn and cocoa. 

Accommodation with a local family. 

Day 2: Community La Corona 

On the second day we will walk through coffee and cocoa 

plantations in order to learn all about these important crops. In the 

afternoon we will do a short walk along the Yasika river, where we 

can enjoy panoramic views, the forest, communities and some 

waterfalls which are ideal for swimming. 

Includes: 



• All meals (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 2) 

• Homestay in the community 


• Entrance fees and activities mentioned above 






• Raincoat 



• Camera 

To close the tour in the best way, you will be invited to enjoy a 

delicious cup of coffee at one of the best cafes in the country. 



Packages 

Highlights: 

• Visit to the 

indigenous weaving 

workshop 

• Cigar Factory Tour 

• Outdoor sculptures 

gallery 

• Visits to rural 

communities 

History and Culture between Tobacco and Coffee - 

Matagalpa and Estelí [4 days / 3 nights] 

This package is designed for adventurers seeking to be closer to nature and to travel to the least explored places of 

the country, to discover the cultural and natural treasures that only northern Nicaragua offers. 

Day 1: City of Matagalpa and 

Community La Corona 

We will start with a tour 

through the most 

representative historical and 

cultural sites of Matagalpa , also 

we take you to the chocolate 

factory where you can watch 

the manufacturing process and 

taste one of the best chocolates 

in Nicaragua, made from 

organic cocoa produced in the 

area. 

In the afternoon we will take 

you to La Corona, a local 

community, surrounded by 

beautiful nature, that produces 

coffee. Here we will visit the 

coffee plantations and you can 

be part of the collection and 

pulping processes of this 

important crop. 

Overnight in Matagalpa 

Day 2: El Chile, Indigenous 

weaving workshop 

El Chile is an indigenous 

community rich in history and 

culture. Today we will 

participate in a weaving 

workshop where we will see the 

process of making products 

such as wallets, purses and 

backpacks using traditional 

indigenous techniques. 

Hereafter we continue with a 

walk through the community 

and climb to the viewpoint of 

Cerro El Chile where we have a 

360 degree view of the 

surrounding mountains. Finally 

we will enjoy a traditional lunch 

in the house of one of the 

weavers, who will give us an 

inside look at their lifestyle 

Overnight in Matagalpa 

Day 3: The Tobacco Tour in 

Estelí 

After breakfast we will depart 

to Estelí, where in addition to 

visiting the most important 

sites of this historic city, we will 

see the entire process of 

manufacturing of the 

prestigious nicaraguan export 

cigars. 

In the afternoon we will go to 

Tisey - Estanzuela Nature 

Reserve, where we will have a 

delightful climate and an 

environment of pure nature. 

Overnight in Tisey – Estanzuela 

reserve 

Day 4: Nature Reserve Tisey - 

Estanzuela 

This day we will visit La 

Garnacha, a united community 

producing different types of 

cheese and organic 

non-traditional vegetables, we 

will also visit the farm El 

Jalacate, where we meet Don 

Alberto Gutierrez, a born 

sculptor who has turned every 

stone into a piece of art. We will 

enjoy trails through the forest, 

breathtaking viewpoints and 

the beautiful waterfall La 

Estanzuela. 

After lunch you will have a 

transfer to Matagalpa wher the 

tour ends. 

Includes: 


• Meals (from lunch on day 1 to 

lunch on day 4) 


• Accommodation (3 nights) 

• Entrance fees and activities 

mentioned above 






• Raincoat 



• Camera 

33 


How we make the difference 

In Matagalpa Tours we are committed to sustainability and innovation. We strive to make a difference in tourism and we try to 

do that as follows: 

Environmental education 

Matagalpa Tours created its own environmental education program called 'Agualí'. A program that works with private funding 

obtained from the profits from our tours. Therefore, traveling with enables hundreds of children and adolescents from public 

schools in Matagalpa to learn about environmental issues in a different and very entertaining way. 

With Aguali we try to create awareness amongst children and adolescents by means of free educational trips, participation in 

conservation events, training and other educational methods. Agualí has its own website where the participants can write 

about how they have experienced the activities they took part in. 

More information: www.aguali.net 

Matagalpa Tours recently became owner of four hectares of degraded forest in the Natural Reserve Apante. Together with all 

our staff members, students of Aguali and other volunteers, we try to establish and implement a plan of management and 

reforestation. We want to contribute to the conservation of the reserve and its a way to compensate our carbon footprint. 

Community development 

At Matagalpa Tours we believe that the natural and cultural wealth of Nicaragua would not be the same without the 

contribution of the friendly Nicaraguan people. That's why our packages are characterized by the involvement of the locals. 

We work closely with all our service providers and as part of our sustainability practices we involve them in training about 

sustainability-related issues. Moreover, we support the development of of the communities by facilitating them with mosquito 

nets and water filters, but also organizing trips for exchange of experiences between community tourism initiatives. 

Innovation 

• We have designed and organized the first guided tours in destinations, such as El Chile Indigenous Community, Natural 

reserves ' Cerro Apante' , 'Peñas Blancas', 'El Arenal' , Chocolate Factory ' El Castillo del Cacao' and others. Nowadays all these 

places are considered to be important tourism destinations in northern Nicaragua. 

• Matagalpa Tours was the first tour operator that offered and executed a guided tour in the jungle of the Cerro Saslaya 

National Park; a jungle expedition of 6 days! It is nowadays still a very attractive destination for extreme adventurers. 

• We have established routes, and offer the first guided mountain bike tours in the northern part of Nicaragua. 

• We developed tour packages throughout the entire northern zone of Nicaragua. Including Las Segovias, Jinotega, 

Matagalpa and the Caribbean. 

• Matagalpa Tours created the first rafting tour in Nicaragua ever! This included the training of the guides for the first guided 

rafting and kayaking activities in the country. These activities have had a great impact on Nicaraguan tourist. 

• We created the first kayak expedition in the North Caribbean rivers Bocay and Coco. 

• Matagalpa Tours is the winner of Güegüense award for Tourism Inovation 2014 - 2015 

Collaborations 

Matagalpa Tours is member of and collaborates with national and international recognized organizations: 

Canatur: Cámara Nacional de Turismos de Nicaragua (National Tourism Chamber of Nicaragua) 

Antur: Asociación Nicaragüense de Turismo Receptivo (Nicaraguan Association of Inbound Tourism) 

AME: Alianza Mesoamericana de Ecoturismo (Mesoamerican Eco-tourism Alliance) 

CBI: Center for the promotion of imports from developing countries 

ATTA: Adventure Travel Trade Association 

The Code: The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism 


www.matagalpatours.com 34


www.matagalpatours.com 

Telephone: +505 2772 0108 / +505 2772 5379 

Celphone +505 8647 4680 / +505 8286 9650 

Email: info@matagalpatours.com / reservaciones@matagalpatours.com 

Address: From BANPRO 1/2 block east. Matagalpa, Nicaragua.

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