This captivating region of Nicaragua is nestled in the north of the country where fascinating rural life and natural wonders are unquestionably part of this great experience. Before the Spanish incursion on the American continent, the region of “Esteli” was inhabited by several tribes including the Sumos, Matagalpas, Chorotegas and Nahuas. The Nicaraguan historians and intellectuals are not clear yet about the meaning of the word Esteli, but some suggest it could mean “red water, red river or even river of blood”, mainly because of Esteli river’s bed is formed by marble-like red rocks.

This destination offers the enthusiastic visitors the unique experience to travel through this authentic region where large fields of tobacco plantations and cigar companies combine their traditional abilities and expertise to produce some of the best cigars in the world. Furthermore the geographical position of the region of Esteli allows some interesting geological landscapes and a rich biodiversity of forests.

Some distinctive characteristics of this area are its table lands with fantastic views on the Pacific basin; its natural reserve Tizey-Estanzuela embracing a river and a splendid waterfall. Also “Miraflor” is another natural reserve housing a wonderful eco-system within three different climates as well as Tomabu Natural Reserve which has an altitude of over three and a half thousand feet above sea level and part of its water is collected by Coco River, the longest in Nicaragua.

It is also interesting to get into contact with the northern culture of Esteli through the typical dances of polka, waltz, and mazurka. It is as well quite usual to see locals wearing hats, boots and riding horses for their everyday activities; other important aspect of their cultural life is their craft. The most representative artistic work is the carving of fine skillfully sculpted figures made out of a type of marble rock, “marmolina”, from the village of San Juan de Limay.  Let Esteli be part of your travel adventure while in Nicaragua.

Esteli and Cigars Factory It is situated approximately 150 kilometers away from the capital with a population of over 100 thousand people. It is a very busy city with lots of commerce...

Somoto Canon It is a spectacular 5 million to 13 million years old canyon just discovered in 2004 by a group of Nicaraguan and Czech scientists...

Tisey Estansuela Natural Reserve About six kilometers away from Estelí, Ticey Estanzuela Natural Reserve is at the summit of 1,300 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level and provides...

Somoto's Grand Canyon or Namancambre Canyon.  Somoto, meaning The Valley of Geese, is a municipality of Madriz a northern department of Nicaragua. Located at 216 kilometers from Managua.The Somoto Canyon (Cañón de Somoto) is an enormous geological formation that stretches for over one kilometer with steep walls that reach at certain points over 200 meters in height. . The Canyon has around 10 ponds (pools) in which you can go through using inner tubes. There is also a beach in the bottom of the Canyon, where the waters of the Tapacali and the Comali river come together forming the Rio Coco or Wangky (Coco River).

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