DURATION: 2 Hours  MEETING PLACE: Highland Tours Office - from La Colonia 1.5 blocks north.

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We visit the Cathedral and Central Park and as we walk you'll see some of the many murals of Estelí, some of which are based on the history and politics of Nicaragua and others which have been painted by volunteer organizations to promote care of the environment and health. We visit Mural artist Julio César Moreno Aguirre's workshop and view some of his and his students latest works. You can also see other local artist’s work and have the option to purchase paintings. Estelí is the only place in Nicaragua, where artisans produce lively and colorful paintings using corn husks. Juan Carlos Moreno, a talented artist, leads a team of artisans who produce paintings that reflect the nature and traditions of Northern Nicaragua. You can observe them at work and if you wish make a purchase. We visit a local historical site and swing by the leather district, Estelí is at heart a cowboy town where boots, belts, hats and saddles are carefully handcrafted.  If there's time we also check out the colorful market on the south side of town.  The Museum of History & Archaeology has an interesting collection of pottery and petroglyphs from local pre-Hispanic cultures, as well as fossils of extinct mega-fauna and items from the revolution, if you have time after your tour our guide will be happy to take you to the Museum.

We head straight to the waterfall Estanzuela where after a short hike you can relax and swim.  We stop for lunch at a rustic restaurant/eco-lodge before we hike to some stunning view points and go on to visit Alberto Gutierrez, a self-taught sculptor who has been carving animals and themed reliefs into the cliff face and on rocks for decades. We view his impressive carvings and stroll through his orchards. Next is an impressive viewpoint where you can see as far as the Masaya volcano.  We finish with a visit to the All Nica Cigar Store in the small community of Santa Cruz where you can check out the walk-in humidifier and browse the selection of cigars on offer. You can purchase cigars with or without boxes at the Store, a great gift to take home with you. 

*The hike is subject to health and fitness of participants 

We pick you up and take you to Estelí's Nature Reserve and Cloud Forrest, Miraflor. On our day tour of this beautiful reserve, transportation (including pick up and drop off at your acomodation), entry fees, food, and an English speaking guide is included. You'll see what it's like to live in the countryside of Nicaragua.  On our tour we check out a local coffee farm and are show the coffee process by a local farmer, eat delicious food, see beautiful orchids, hike through a magical forest to a beautiful viewpoint, and cool off in a great swimming hole. We can also arrange longer hikes or horse riding if you wish. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

If your preference is adventure over comfort then this is the trip for you. We meet at the North bus station where you and your guide will start your colorful bus journey to La Rampla, Miraflor. From there you have a short, uphill, hike to a local farm where you eat a traditional breakfast with hot coffee while observing the humming birds and beautiful flowers.  During your day in Miraflor you will visit a coffee farm and have a tour by the local owner, hike to a beautiful viewpoint and a waterfall with a swimming hole. Feel free to bring swimwear with you and take a dip in the refreshing water. Public transport, a bilingual guide, all entrance fees, breakfast and lunch is included in the cost of this tour.

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* Because of time constraints due to the bus time table you may have to miss an activity listed above. There is a considerable amount of walking involved in this tour and we recommend the bus option only if you have a high level of fitness. If you want to see it all with plenty of time check out our day tour with a truck.

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* Please note we have no control over the bus time table. Buses are sometimes late, may breakdown and on rare occasions may not even turn up. We are not responsible for these issues, please keep this in mind when booking.