Somoto Canyon
Nicaragua · Madriz · 620 m
Description
The Somoto Canyon (Cañón de Somoto) is a spectacular river gorge in the far north of Nicaragua and ranks among Central America's most impressive natural wonders. Carved into millions-of-years-old volcanic rock, its towering cliffs rise up to 190 metres (620 ft) and narrow to just a few metres in places. The canyon is explored on foot, by swimming, and by floating with the current, where the Tapacalí and Comalí rivers merge to form the Río Coco, Central America's longest river. Declared a National Monument in 2006, Somoto Canyon is now part of the Río Coco UNESCO Global Geopark. The nearby town of Somoto is also renowned for its traditional rosquillas, crisp rings made from corn dough and cheese.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Somoto Canyon National Monument
- Swimming & floating through the narrows
- Boat tour through Somoto Canyon
- Cliff jumping into the deep pools
- 160-metre canyon walls
- Río Coco UNESCO Global Geopark
- Río Coco source (near Somoto Canyon)
- Bird watching along the Río Tapacalí
- Miradors above Somoto Canyon
- Hiking along the canyon rim
- Rosquillas from Somoto