San José de los Remates

This picturesque cowboy town beckons the explorer and outdoor enthusiast with adventures-in-the-making, like guided horse tours and hikes to waterfalls (Cascada La Chorrera is particularly beautiful in October) and to the impressive collection of pre-Columbian petroglyphs that line the Malacatoya River. You can also access the Cerro Cumaica Natural Reserve from here. The view from the Cruz del Milenio is impressive: On a clear evening, you can see the lights of Granada and Cerro Negro in León.

  You may consider visiting San José de los Remates as part of a little-traveled route to San Ramón, Matagalpa. But plan ahead with a phone call to Jorge Isaac (tel. 505/842-2359) to make reservations. Four direct buses leave Teustepe daily and a direct bus from Managua’s Mayoreo terminal leaves daily at 12:30 p.m. ($2). Jorge will help you find accommodations in the 10-room town hostel (hot water) or with a local family. If you wander into town on your own, look for Doña Rosinda (from ENITEL, half a block east), who is involved in the town tourism committee and can help you get horses, guides, or maps.