The department of Madriz is a clear example of the new tourist initiatives in the country, since in its 1,602 km², it has high valleys interrupted by mountains where cool temperatures predominate and in which there are various natural and cultural attractions.

Currently, the department of Madriz has achieved the nomination, confirmation and acceptance of converting a large part of its territory into a geopark by UNESCO, which bears the name ” Rio Coco Geopark “, with an area of 945.8 m2, with a population density of 73.18 inhabitants per m2.

The creation of this Geopark includes 5 municipalities of the department, which are the following: Totogalpa, Somoto, San Lucas, Las Sábanas and San José de Cusmapa.

The Rio Coco Geopark; promotes scientific tourism through the interpretation of geological and geo-morphological values and other natural and cultural values for education and research.

The new Rio Coco Geopark in Nicaragua, represents an opportunity to undertake and learn to promote Geotourism by promoting geological, natural and cultural resources, creating the necessary conditions to serve tourists, added to the constant and permanent training of the collaborating staff. to provide the different services with a positive attitude to efficiently and effectively carry out the various activities promoted by Geotourism in the Rio Coco Geopark territory.

Geotourism contributes to promoting geological tourism in the department of Madriz as an alternative to traditional tourism, through the implementation of various activities that contribute to scientific knowledge, the preservation and conservation of natural and cultural resources of the territory and tourism development. sustainable in their communities.

The practice of Geotourism in the Rio Coco Geopark territory; It allows to know, study, preserve and interact around history, nature, art and culture in all its manifestations, as well as the characteristic customs, ethnography and idiosyncrasies of the people of Madriz and Nicaragua.

Geotourism as a type of alternative tourism can be combined with other types of tourism that are practiced in the territory; such as rural, adventure, cultural or gastronomic tourism.