Somoto Canyon
Somoto Canyon
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Somoto Canyon and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
2 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
77 reviews
Excellent
63
Very good
10
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Giada Elena P
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Totally unexpected, the canyon hike has been really interesting and so so fun. I did it on my own, so I got picked up at somoto station by Henry and Rigo, then we started the exploration with the very skilled and funny guide Rigo. Even if my Spanish isn't great we had such great time, jumping from cliffs, drifting in the water and talking a lot. I can really say they are great humans and professionist and I highly recommend the tour as worthy for the price. They provide shoes, life jacket and a dry bag for your belongings and at the end of tour we went in their farm and they prepared such a lovely fresh lunch. Such a great day!!
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,642 contributions
Feb 2021
Somoto Canyon is one of the best adventure experiences to do in Nicaragua. We did a day trip here with Danny’s Tours our of Granada and it was a very full and fun day trip. The Somoto Canyon tour takes you on a hike through the canyon and once you reach the water you get to float through the canyon and there are a couple of places where you can even jump from a height of about 2 metres into the water. It is surprisingly cold in the water, and the canyon is quite shaded, so be sure to bring a warm change of clothes to change into at the end of the tour. The tour ends with a boat ride through the last bit of the canyon which is a relaxing way to end the trip. It’s surprisingly close to the Honduras border and you can even get glimpses of Honduras from one part of the hike.
We had so much fun on our tour of Somoto Canyon and highly recommend this day trip.
We had so much fun on our tour of Somoto Canyon and highly recommend this day trip.
Written 28 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maxime L
5 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
We stayed at Henry's place for one night. His family was really friendly and kindful :)
The food was really good and they organised our transport FROM Somoto and everything for the canyon tour. The day after we were leaving at 7 for a 6 hours walking/ jumping and swimming tour into the canyon. You gonna enjoy every second of your day overthere! I highly recommend!
Thank you again to Henry and his family
The food was really good and they organised our transport FROM Somoto and everything for the canyon tour. The day after we were leaving at 7 for a 6 hours walking/ jumping and swimming tour into the canyon. You gonna enjoy every second of your day overthere! I highly recommend!
Thank you again to Henry and his family
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katreen B
Brussels, Belgium14 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Wonderful time with Juan (WhatsApp +505 8446 3525), a local guide. He guided us in the canyon, there are different duration of tours and he adapts the tour to your level. It was very fun and it's definitely worth a visit. You will also get a lot of information about the area. To get to Somoto, you can hop on a bus from Esteli or Managua. I highly recommend this activity!
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raphael B
73 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The canyon is impressive, beautiful nature.
You can do by yourself, you can take a guide, you can stay and sleep at the entrance, you can camp in a bit babe in the canyon, but do it!
So many jumps into the water, fun fun
We did with a guide, and book from esteli, took a bus in the morning, easy.
The guide was professional and relax
Do the long tour, it's a good adventure.
They have a dry bag for your phone and camera so no worries!
You can do by yourself, you can take a guide, you can stay and sleep at the entrance, you can camp in a bit babe in the canyon, but do it!
So many jumps into the water, fun fun
We did with a guide, and book from esteli, took a bus in the morning, easy.
The guide was professional and relax
Do the long tour, it's a good adventure.
They have a dry bag for your phone and camera so no worries!
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor B
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
A really amazing natural wonder that is tarnished by cow turds, garbage and locals doing laundry in the same river you swim in. Our family stayed with a super nice social enterprise (Henry of Somotocanyontours.org) and they really were authentic and gracious, it's just hard to overlook the pollution. Here's to hoping the community can improve this gorgeous natural space. We would have given the canyon 5 stars if it wasn't for the mess. There is still time to save this place!
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrycja P
6 contributions
Feb 2019
Somoto canyon is one of the most stunning places we've seen in Nicaragua and I recommend everyone visiting this beautiful nature wonder.
What I didn't like however is that in the information point they tell tourists that there is no other way to make a medium route without hiring a guide for 15$ per person. It felt quite unfair as this is a relatively easy route and it would be great to explore canyon's hidden corners without our guide's impatient sights. I understand that supporting local community is important, especially in the current situation in Nicaragua, but on the other hand everyone should have a chance to experience this beautiful canyon, also budget travelers.
If you want to do this tour on your own, don't go to the tourist info. Instead, simply follow the main road northwards and turn right by the big sign to the canyon. Where the three roads split take the middle one, through the pasture. After 20-30 minutes you reach the canyon which you need to follow and that's it. Have fun and spend as much time as you want there! It's a place to enjoy and not just swim through and go home
What I didn't like however is that in the information point they tell tourists that there is no other way to make a medium route without hiring a guide for 15$ per person. It felt quite unfair as this is a relatively easy route and it would be great to explore canyon's hidden corners without our guide's impatient sights. I understand that supporting local community is important, especially in the current situation in Nicaragua, but on the other hand everyone should have a chance to experience this beautiful canyon, also budget travelers.
If you want to do this tour on your own, don't go to the tourist info. Instead, simply follow the main road northwards and turn right by the big sign to the canyon. Where the three roads split take the middle one, through the pasture. After 20-30 minutes you reach the canyon which you need to follow and that's it. Have fun and spend as much time as you want there! It's a place to enjoy and not just swim through and go home
Written 15 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irena S
Copenhagen, Denmark13 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
My favourite in Nicaragua! Unique experience, beautiful landscapes, good hikes, and a lot of swimming. Possibility to do some jumps off cliffs on the way from different heights. You do not need to jump if you do not like it.
We chose the 6 hours tour and I would recommend that you do the same. It is basically 5 hours, as the last part is about 40 min. walking back to the base and eating lunch (included in the price).
The tour is not challenging or extreme in any way. We were 4 persons at age of 58, 61, 65 and 71 with an avarage physical fitness and all of us enjoyed the tour very much, although the oldest of us was helped by our guide from time to time :) The life vest helps to float in the water, so swimming is very easy and relaxing. You do not need to be a good swimmer to do it.
Practical information:
We bought our 6-hours tour from somotocanyontours.com and we were completely satisfied with them. The company employs local people and in this way supports them and their families. We paid 30$ per person and we meant that the tour was definitely worth it. Maybe it is possible to do it cheaper, but check if you get the same for your money. We have got our own guide who was very nice, helpful and patient. We bothered him constantly asking him to pack and unpack our cameras, which he carried together with the rest of our stuff in his waterproof bag - he did it every time with a smile!
What to take: only sun blocker, a bottle of water, swimming suit, t-shirt, shorts and shoes which are suitable to be in the water for some hours. Do not use sandals (because of sharp stones) or hiking shoes (they are to heavy). If you do not have suitable shoes, you can borrow a pair from the tour organiser. I used my own as I was afraid of a long hiking in a pair of borrowed shoes which I was not used to, but it turned out that we did not walk that much - we used more time on swimming then on walking! Take a waterproof camera - we did not have one and we regretted it very much. If you just have a regular camera - you can take it - it's better then not to have a camera at all. It will be kept by your guide in his waterproof bag, so at least you will have possibility to take some pictures while you are walking.
Some people wrote here that the water was cold. It was not our impression. It was warm enough and we did not freeze at any time.
We had one longer stop when we could eat the snacks brought by our guide, otherwise we only stopped when we wanted to take some pictures.
We chose the 6 hours tour and I would recommend that you do the same. It is basically 5 hours, as the last part is about 40 min. walking back to the base and eating lunch (included in the price).
The tour is not challenging or extreme in any way. We were 4 persons at age of 58, 61, 65 and 71 with an avarage physical fitness and all of us enjoyed the tour very much, although the oldest of us was helped by our guide from time to time :) The life vest helps to float in the water, so swimming is very easy and relaxing. You do not need to be a good swimmer to do it.
Practical information:
We bought our 6-hours tour from somotocanyontours.com and we were completely satisfied with them. The company employs local people and in this way supports them and their families. We paid 30$ per person and we meant that the tour was definitely worth it. Maybe it is possible to do it cheaper, but check if you get the same for your money. We have got our own guide who was very nice, helpful and patient. We bothered him constantly asking him to pack and unpack our cameras, which he carried together with the rest of our stuff in his waterproof bag - he did it every time with a smile!
What to take: only sun blocker, a bottle of water, swimming suit, t-shirt, shorts and shoes which are suitable to be in the water for some hours. Do not use sandals (because of sharp stones) or hiking shoes (they are to heavy). If you do not have suitable shoes, you can borrow a pair from the tour organiser. I used my own as I was afraid of a long hiking in a pair of borrowed shoes which I was not used to, but it turned out that we did not walk that much - we used more time on swimming then on walking! Take a waterproof camera - we did not have one and we regretted it very much. If you just have a regular camera - you can take it - it's better then not to have a camera at all. It will be kept by your guide in his waterproof bag, so at least you will have possibility to take some pictures while you are walking.
Some people wrote here that the water was cold. It was not our impression. It was warm enough and we did not freeze at any time.
We had one longer stop when we could eat the snacks brought by our guide, otherwise we only stopped when we wanted to take some pictures.
Written 20 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
richsuz1962
Guatemala City, Guatemala15 contributions
Oct 2016
I did not know what to expect, but once you get to the place, make sure you go all the way in to the park entrance. Do not get sucked in by the people that come to you right of the main road. Once you get to the gate, a guide will come out to meet you and explain to you the route and the other options within the community.If you hire the services there, the entire community benefits. If yoy hire the tour in, say, Managua, Leon or Granada, you will pay at least twice as much and the community will not see a penny of your money, which would be a shame, since they are the ones that maintain the park. Go there, be amazed. The Canyon will not disappoint.
Written 10 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. It raises some interesting points about sustainable rural community tourism which we have been practising since 2008. You are right to mention the problem of the people soliciting tours on the highway at the entrance to the national monument. We have pleaded with the government agencies to intervene to stop this activity but they seem reluctant. Many of these people are illegals, that is to say they are unlicensed "guides" often without all the necessary equipment. Unfortunately the same can be said about some that frequent the gate as well. Therefore it's always advisable to reserve in advance through our website, www.somotocanyontours.org where you can be sure of 100% licensed guides and all the equipment, including river shoes, lifejackets and dry bags, as well as travel advice and a free ride from the bus station in Somoto to the trailhead. If in Esteli you can go to our agents at Treehuggers to book or in Leon with Quetzaltrekkers. We are proud to support some 70 families with the tours and hospitality at Casa Huesped Soriano, as well as further trickle down benefits in the various communities around the canyon.. We also accomplish ongoing community support activities with profits from the enterprise such as distributing shoes to the children of poor families, scholastic packages and scholarships for those trying to obtain tertiary education.
Thank you for your support.
Written 13 April 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zdekal
Prague, Czech Republic270 contributions
The place is a bit of road, but especially if you rent a car (very recommendable!) you can manage it very easily from Esteli in 2hrs.
The Canon itself is really amazing canon which you can go through in 3 possible treks. Long one 5hrs, middle 3,5hrs and short one. We did the middle one. The long one has a more walking along the river with observing the beautiful countryside. The middle one has 45 min walking to the canon and then going and swimming through. The level of the river varies a lot, we came in the rainy season but was very dry weather (I never got it here with the seasons...) so the level was very low. Even like that we had to pass several stages with water up the chest or swimming. The water was very warm (27C) so it was excellent. After some hour, you have a jump 2m, after some more time even higher. However, you can bypass it easily. Btw, some guys did this canoning with dog, so do not worry.. After that a vessel-boat takes you 5min further and after a 20min easy hike you get back to reception.
If you choose the short trek, you go from the opposite way starting with the vessel directly to the lagoon with jumps.
The attraction is beautiful and a bit expensive. The guide asked for 20$ each person for the middle trek. We got it finally for 10$. Some costs go the the guy, some to the park, some to the vessel.
You could do it by yourself, without a guide. It's not that hard to approach the river. Then you just walk through it - cannot make a mistake. You must be patient and after some hour and half will get to the place with vessels. Just be careful with the jumps!
BUT! Do not forget to bring some water resistant bag if you want to carry anything valuable. And of course a water. The guide would also provide you with life-vest which is really great and saves a lot of energy.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this trip and also to take a guide at the park, but negotiate the price. Good thing is that the money goes to the settlement living near the river, which really cares a lot and is very poor.
If you want, you can stay overnight in one of the families homestay. We did it for 100C$/person. The family was a real family, not a spoiled hostel-style family, very friendly and it doubled the value of the trip - from just another attraction to deeper understanding the river and her life today.
Enjoy!
The Canon itself is really amazing canon which you can go through in 3 possible treks. Long one 5hrs, middle 3,5hrs and short one. We did the middle one. The long one has a more walking along the river with observing the beautiful countryside. The middle one has 45 min walking to the canon and then going and swimming through. The level of the river varies a lot, we came in the rainy season but was very dry weather (I never got it here with the seasons...) so the level was very low. Even like that we had to pass several stages with water up the chest or swimming. The water was very warm (27C) so it was excellent. After some hour, you have a jump 2m, after some more time even higher. However, you can bypass it easily. Btw, some guys did this canoning with dog, so do not worry.. After that a vessel-boat takes you 5min further and after a 20min easy hike you get back to reception.
If you choose the short trek, you go from the opposite way starting with the vessel directly to the lagoon with jumps.
The attraction is beautiful and a bit expensive. The guide asked for 20$ each person for the middle trek. We got it finally for 10$. Some costs go the the guy, some to the park, some to the vessel.
You could do it by yourself, without a guide. It's not that hard to approach the river. Then you just walk through it - cannot make a mistake. You must be patient and after some hour and half will get to the place with vessels. Just be careful with the jumps!
BUT! Do not forget to bring some water resistant bag if you want to carry anything valuable. And of course a water. The guide would also provide you with life-vest which is really great and saves a lot of energy.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this trip and also to take a guide at the park, but negotiate the price. Good thing is that the money goes to the settlement living near the river, which really cares a lot and is very poor.
If you want, you can stay overnight in one of the families homestay. We did it for 100C$/person. The family was a real family, not a spoiled hostel-style family, very friendly and it doubled the value of the trip - from just another attraction to deeper understanding the river and her life today.
Enjoy!
Written 5 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
prix? avec hôtel et trek,kayak
Written 1 January 2018
Somoto Canyon Tours
Somoto, Nicaragua
Bonjour Philippe! Le tour $30 par 6 heures. Les cabines dorm $8 chaque personne, prive $20 pour deux personnes chaque nuit, Il n' y a pas kayak ici.
Written 2 January 2018
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing