©
Somoto trip planner
Create a fully customized day by day
itinerary for free
itinerary for free
Somoto
Somoto is a city and municipality located in the hills of northern Nicaragua, and capital of the department of Madriz. It is around 20 km (12 miles) south-west of Ocotal and 51 km (32 miles) north-west of Estelí. It sits on the Pan-American Highway around 16 km (10 miles) from the Honduran border crossing at El Espino.Founded in pre-Hispanic times by Olmec and Aztec immigrants from modern Mexico, Somoto is the economic and cultural heart of Madriz. It has also become a growing tourist centre since the discovery of Somoto Canyon, located 13 km (8 miles) west of the city. Somoto has a total population of approximately 40,000, with 15,000 people living in the urban area and 25,000 in 48 nearby communities.It is known as La Flor de Henequén (the Flower of Henequen) as a result of the cultivation of this crop in the city's environs. It is also renowned for its production of rosquillas somoteñas, crispy corn biscuits with a variety of flavours.HistorySomoto was settled by Olmec and Aztec peoples from Mexico, and subsequently inhabited by Chorotegas and Nicaraguas. The name Somoto originates from the Nahuatl Tépecxomotl, meaning 'Valley of Geese', while Spanish royal decrees of 1591 give the city's name as Santiago de Tepesomoto. Although the city is now universally known as Somoto, the name Tepesomoto is retained by the volcano overlooking the city to the south and its surrounding Tepesomoto-La Patasta Nature Reserve.Plan my Nicaragua trip by asking Inspirock to come up with tips and suggestions.
Source
Create a full itinerary — for free!
Plan your trip to Somoto
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Top Somoto tours
Popular things to do in Somoto
Side trips from Somoto
Places to visit with Somoto
GranadaTrip planner
Best for: Island, Church, Specialty Museum
LeonTrip planner
Best for: Volcano, Specialty Museum, Church
Isla de OmetepeTrip planner
Best for: Fountain, Island, Volcano
San Juan del SurTrip planner
Best for: Surfing / Windsurfing / Kitesurfing, Beach, Landmark
MasayaTrip planner
Best for: Water Body, Shopping, Historic Site
Recently planned trips to Somoto
9 days in Nicaragua
BY A USER FROM THE NETHERLANDS
Masaya
Granada
Tola
44 days in Nicaragua
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Granada
Isla de Ometepe
San Juan del Sur
9 days in Nicaragua
BY A USER FROM PERU
Masaya
Granada
Tola
57 days in Nicaragua
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Granada
Isla de Ometepe
San Juan del Sur
1 day in Somoto
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Cañón de Somoto
Somoto Canyon Tours
60 days in Nicaragua
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Granada
San Juan del Sur
Isla de Ometepe