MOMOTOMBO | CERRO NEGRO | COSIGÜINA | TELICA | FULL MOON | ASOSOSCA | SOMOTO | SAN CRISTOBAL | EL HOYO
VOLCANO SURFING

Hike, camp, swim, and float through a gorgeous natural wonder

Swimming is the only way to cross this canyon!On the first morning we leave the office bright and early to catch the first direct bus to Estelí. We have a relaxing breakfast on route at La Casita, an organic farm on the outskirts of Estelí. We then catch a couple more buses to the Canyon itself. We start hiking around 1:30pm and soon arrive at the entrance of the canyon, we walk to our camp spot and set up camp, we then swim and relax before hiking up to view the whole Canyon from the spectacular miradores. From this stunning view point we watch the sunset and return to camp for dinner and a campfire under the stars.

Steep canyon wallsThe entire second day is spent in the canyon. After breakfast we hike through the canyon, scrambling and hopping rocks. There are a few excellent swimming holes to enjoy along the way. We stop for lunch at around noon and get ready for the big swim. For the next few hours we swim, float, and hike along the river, with the steep canyon walls extending up to 70 meters above our heads. About halfway through this section of the trip there is a break spot where we can relax in the sun and jump off a cliff into the river. About an hour or so later we arrive back at the rocky beach where we hike another 20 minutes to return to our camping spot in the sandy area near the river.

Kids playing on the beach of Rio CocoOn the third morning we hike for about an hour to the home of our local guide where we enjoy a traditional breakfast cooked by his wife and daughters. We then bus back to Esteli where we take a tour of an authentic Nicaraguan cigar factory. After the tour we have lunch at a local Comedor before beginning our return to Leon.

Meet at Quetzaltrekkers Office: 4:15am
Back 2 days later at Quetzaltrekkers Office: 6:30pm

Minimum Donation: 75 US$


When to hike
This hike is offered only in the dry season! Upcoming hikes can be found on our monthly schedule! Even if there is no hike scheduled, we can leave whenever we have a minimum of four persons signed up and enough guides to do the hike. Please sign up at least one day before the hike by 4:30 pm.

What to expect
Our services include:
  • all transport
  • food
  • purified water
  • two Volunteer Guides
  • camping equipment, i.e. tents, sleeping bags, etc.
  • entrance fees to national parks
  • a free T-shirt
Our services do NOT include:
  • personal travel insurance
  • alcoholic beverages
  • costs incurred due to accident, illness or any other unforeseen circumstances
  • tips to guides :-)
All hikes are lead by a minimum of two guides. In general our guides are bilingual and have lived in Nicaragua for some time, working in tourist services, social and development work etc. The tour leaders are happy to explain the different cultures that you encounter and the significance of places that you visit. They will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring a smooth, stress-free, safe and enjoyable time.
Quetzaltrekkers uses local transport and purchases food provided on trips from local markets and shops when possible.

What to bring
You will need the following equipment:
  • hiking boots or shoes with good grip
  • big backpack
  • inflatable raft and/or inner tube
  • warm and dry clothes
  • rain gear (only in rain season)
  • swimming gear
  • hat
  • sun screen
  • mosquito repellent (only in rain season)
  • flashlight or headlamp
  • passport or copy of passport and valid visa of Nicaragua in a waterproof zip-lock bag
What you should NOT bring:
  • electronic devices
  • expensive cameras and other optical equipment
  • Passport or other important documents that could be hard to replace
  • anything that should not get wet!
PLEASE NOTE: This is an adventurous trip, and involves the small but real possibility that everything you bring may get wet or lost in the river. Therefore, it is not recommended to bring valuables or any unnecessary items. Pack light! You must also be a good swimmer and feel comfortable being in the river for 2-3 hours

We can provide you with camping gear in case you don't have your own. Please note that our ressources are limited! Donations of old and used gear are very welcome and help us a lot to improve our service!

Discounts
We offer a 25% discount to
  • owners of a Quetzaltrekkers Guatemala T-shirt
  • volunteers working in León for at least 3 months
  • people who have done a hike with us within the last month
We offer a 50% discount to
  • Nicaraguans