New Development in Ocotal Hopes to Attract National, International Tourism

INTUR's brochure for LAO.

The past couple of months show great potential for the future of Ocotal’s cooperatives. Thanks to efforts from multiple partners, a variety of projects are underway that are set to promote and bring more tourists to the rural tourism haven.

The biggest accomplishment has been partnering with the Insituto Nicaraguense de Turismo en Nicaragua, or INTUR. The government agency promotes tourism in Nicaragua and has added Ocotal and El Sauce to its Colonial and Volcanic Route, suggesting it as a route for backpackers and tourists in the area.

In February, INTUR came to an Enlace Project meeting at the El Sauce mayor’s office, in which Enlace explained its programs to nonprotfit, government and other institutions to promote our work. INTUR set up a meeting to discuss partnering with us just two days later.

INTUR has also produced a brochure advertising tourism in Ocotal. In the near future, members of Los Altos de Ocotal will receive training from INTUR and certificates as local tour guides. Additionally, INTUR hopes to work with other tour promoters, such as ViaNica and Sauce Aventuras to attract tourists.

Construction on the cabin in Ocotal, with El Ranchon restaurant
in the background.

Later this month, Ocotal farmers will realize another dream of theirs to boost tourism — the opening of three guest cabins at the “ranchon,” at the top of the mountain. Tourists will have the option to stay in the cabins or with local families. The mayor’s office is providing funding for half the project, Enlace the other, and the farmers are donating labor.

Finally — and maybe most exciting for those who have made the trek up to Ocotal — the road up the mountain is being repaired, which will make reaching the summit much easier for adventure seekers.

For more information on Ocotal, read the description on our website.


--Written by Sean Conner, Enlace Project Intern