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Timoteo
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« on: March 03, 2007, 12:30:13 PM » |
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Been to Leon, Masaya, Laguna de Apoya, Granada and San Juan del Sur (both this past January), but the most specatular site I've seen so far in Nicaragua is the view from the top of the pine forest overlooking the town of El Sauce, called Ocotal. ( NOTE: Not the same Ocotal as in the northern part of the country.)
This Ocotal, a few kilometers outside of El Sauce, ( about a 3 hour trip from Managua), is accessible only by four wheel drive, and my wife and I agreed that the vista rivals anything we've seen anywhere, including the Rocky Mountains. It really is breathtaking. And, this is way off the beaten path. The locals say that almost no one goes there, becasue it is not easy to get to. It would be quite a hike on foot, but it would be well worth the effort. Plus, it seemd like it was about 15 degrees cooler at the top. Four wheel drive definitely needed, and a local who knows the road.
This is truly a magificant, unknown treasure. For anyone seeking something absolutely unspoiled and astounding, make a side trip to El Sauce. Nice hotel for cheap overnight stays is Hotel Blanco, with great breakfasts!
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Randall Wood
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« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2007, 02:31:01 AM » |
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I'm intrigued and will definitely check it out this fall. Can you recommend a guide?
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Timoteo
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« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2007, 02:17:11 PM » |
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Hi, Randy:
The very best would be the mayor of El Sauce, Sr. Evertz Delgadillo. He was our guide, and he was delighted to show off this undiscovered beauty. If he was not available, I'm certain he could recommend someone.
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Timoteo
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« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2007, 02:56:56 PM » |
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Hi, Randy:
By any chance did you have an opportunity to get back to El Sauce this fall?
Timoteo
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Randall Wood
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« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2007, 07:21:27 AM » |
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Timoteo - Unfortunately, not yet. I'm hoping to swing by sometime next year; Joshua will be in the neighborhood sometime in January 08, though.
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Timoteo
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« Reply #5 on: November 21, 2007, 02:44:15 PM » |
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Randy:
Believe me , Ocotal is well worth the side trip. I too hope to be in Nicaragua and specifically in El Sauce in early January. I'd love to be there sometime for the Festival of the Black Christ, the third week of January, but with upwards of 20,000 to 25,000 people in that small town, it sounds a little too crazy for me!
If Joshua does get there, the mayor, Sr. Evertz Delgadillo could be of help, as could Sr. Byron Martinez, who is in the mayor's office. I hear that the road near the summit has appraently been blocked off to vehicles, so one has to park and hike up the last part. Best times to go there are at sunrise, or sunset. Again, four wheel vehicle would be needed, that or hiking up, or by horseback. Buena suerte!
Timoteo
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bwiley8
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« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2009, 01:23:48 AM » |
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Just discovered this website. I see no follow up on checking this view from near El Sauce with anyone who may have also seen the view from El Tisey, which I always think is spectacular (on a great viewing day, besides seeing all of Lake Managua and a bit of Lake Nicaragua, it seems that one can see a bit of the Pacific between the chain of volcano peaks), for a comparison of the two. The other great view in my experience in the Northern Highlands was from the former Hotel Santa Maria de Ostuma (up the road from Selva Negra), burned down during the Revolution period and never rebuilt, although I assume the land is still owned by the same Salazar family, but I have tried to see if it is possible to still visit or if trees have now grown up to obscure the vista of the formerly mowed lawn. My only disappointment with La Selva Negra is lack of that same expansive, "all" of Nicaragua lying in front of you view.
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Timoteo
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« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2009, 06:35:31 PM » |
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The view from Ocotal, in the mountains above El Sauce, is indeed spectacular. And, things are progressing there, in that a local cooperative was recently awarded one of the very few Millennium Challenge grants given out in the Department of Leon, where El Sauce is located. This grant will enable the cooperative to build guest cabanas, a larger dormitory area, a mirador, plus some other amenities. Hiking, horseback riding, visiting an organic coffee farm, are all available. Visitors will also be able to stay with families to enjoy up close and personal, the real, unspoiled Nicaraguan experience, in a mountain community with a deep respect for their land and their environment. Construction has just recently started, and things are due to be completed very soon. I'll post a notice here when things are up and running, but in the meantime, it is still possible to visit Ocotal...ask in the mayor's office for contact people.
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merinmel
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« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2009, 02:06:29 PM » |
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Sounds stunning. Thanks for the update, Timoteo!
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Timoteo
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« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2009, 08:48:36 AM » |
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Update: the ecotourism project in the mountains above El Sauce (Department of Leon, about 1 1/2 hr drive from Leon) is nearly finished. Utilizing Millennium Challenge grant funds, a cooperative in the mountains has been building a small restaurant, a mirador, sleeping quarters, etc. There will be a formal dedication of the program, August 28 th, I believe. Guests will be able to enjoy horseback riding in the mountains, stays with Nicaraguagan host families, tour of a small organic coffee operation, hiking, and spectacular vistas. To say nothing of the wonderful traditional Nicaraguan hospitality. Specific contact information should be available soon.
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Joshua Berman
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« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2009, 03:39:11 PM » |
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keep it comin' -- we love hearing about community-based programs like this.
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Timoteo
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« Reply #11 on: December 24, 2009, 02:06:05 PM » |
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The ecotourism program has made great strides in El Sauce. For current status of this ecotourism project and contact information, see "Los Altos de Ocotal", by Kellan, at the top of the Forum page. Things have developed well in recent months.
Also La Fiesta de Cristo Negro occurs in El Sauce, the third weekend in January. Pilgrims come from all over Nicaragua and elsewhere, many on foot, amny in the traditional ox drawn wagons. A spectale thathas been taking place in l Sauce since about 1730!
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Timoteo
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« Reply #12 on: December 26, 2009, 09:49:38 AM » |
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La Fiesta de Cristo Negro takes place in El Sauce in January, culminating on Sunday, January 24 th.
Each year an estimated 20,000 "peregrinos" ( pilgrims) make the journey to El Sauce, just as their ancestors have been doing since the early 1700's. The main streets of the little town are given over to food stalls, vendors, and on the weekend of January 22nd, strolling mariachi bands, bedecked in full regalia. Many of the pilgrims arrive on foot, others in traditional ox drawn carts, their ultimate destination "el templo" where the revered Black Christ icon is displayed. Many pilgrims "walk" the last hundred yards on their knees from the church entrance to the chapel. Visitors should contact the local Associacion Touristas for information as to where to stay, including host family stays. ( See Kellan's entry above, for contact information).
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