After facing the economic and social challenges that arose in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents of this picturesque region are celebrating an encouraging change in the local economy, which has also caused fewer of its inhabitants to emigrate in search of opportunities abroad. .
The reactivation of tourism, local production and entrepreneurial initiatives have contributed to this change.
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Very conservative numbers raise to more than 400 thousand the number of nationals who crossed the United States after the sociopolitical crisis that broke out in the country in 2018. A good part arrived irregularly and desperate because many also fled the political repression unleashed by the regime. by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.
Tourism revives
Eleodoro Miranda is a resident of the La Garnacha community. He is known for having founded the small company “Eleotour Nicaragua”. He enthusiastically shares the positive impact that the recent increase in tourist arrivals to the area has had.
“Young people now prefer to stay in the community, where they have greater opportunities due to the reactivation of production and tourism,” says Miranda. “Eleotour Nicaragua” is an initiative that seeks to promote tourism in La Garnacha, offering guided tours of the different natural and cultural attractions of the region.
Although tourism has not yet reached the levels prior to 2018, the year of the bloody repression of the social protests ordered by Ortega and Murillo and which seriously affected the flow of visitors, 70% of the tourists who arrive in La Garnacha are national. Only 30% correspond to foreign tourists, which represents a challenge for the local economy, since the latter tend to spend more and stay for longer periods.
Migration, a serious problem
The COVID19 pandemic that hit the country in 2020 pushed many inhabitants of La Garnacha to emigrate, especially to the United States. The closure of businesses due to the lack of tourists left dozens of families without a means of livelihood. The community had already been decimated by the political crisis that Ortega and Murillo still maintain in the country.
However, in recent months, the community has seen a decrease in the number of people deciding to leave their home. This is due, in part, to the resurgence of tourism and the efforts of locals to diversify their economy through sustainable projects and artisanal products.
A resident who preferred to remain anonymous so as not to have problems with the regime’s repressors, mentioned for example that, although the situation has improved, many families still depend on the remittances they receive from their loved ones abroad.
“Although more tourists are arriving, the economic crisis is still felt, but we are slowly improving there,” he explained. He admitted that the increase in visits, along with the support of remittances, has allowed the community to begin “to recover.”
A natural destination with history and tradition
La Garnacha is known for its impressive natural environment, its fresh mountain air and the warmth of its people. Located about 1,400 meters above sea level, this community offers visitors an authentic experience of immersion in nature and local customs.
One of the main attractions of the region is the Swiss Cheese Factory, where visitors can observe and participate in the process of making artisanal cheese, made with both cow’s and goat’s milk. This cheese is famous for its quality and flavor, and has become a symbol of the community’s self-sustainability.
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In addition to cheese, local products include vegetables, medicinal plants, high-quality coffee, and crafts made from zopilota stone, a volcanic rock characteristic of the northern region of Nicaragua. The artisans of La Garnacha create unique pieces that attract visitors and offer an additional source of income for the community.
Challenge: attracting “outside” tourists
Although domestic tourism has been a major relief for the community, the lack of international tourists remains a problem. Foreign visitors tend to spend more and extend their stay, which directly benefits local businesses, especially accommodations. In this sense, the community has launched a campaign to encourage national and international visitors to extend their stay, taking advantage of the various lodging options offered by the area.
Among the accommodations, the El Volcán lodging stands out, which has adobe and pine cabins that offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Each cabin is designed to provide a rustic yet comfortable experience, sleeping up to six people. Other options include Marduk Gardens, Hostal Mariela and Posada Cely, each with its own charm and style, but all committed to offering visitors an authentic and peaceful experience amidst nature.
One of the highlights of La Garnacha is its focus on sustainability. The community has adopted ecological farming practices that not only ensure their self-sufficiency but also preserve the environment.
A notable example is the worm farm, where vermiculture is practiced, a method in which worms are used to produce organic fertilizer. This fertilizer is crucial for the cultivation of vegetables and medicinal plants, which are sold both locally and to customers in other parts of the country.
The community also produces a variety of basic grains such as corn and beans, as well as high-quality coffee, considered one of the best in the country. This self-sufficiency has allowed La Garnacha to maintain itself during the most difficult times and is now presented as a model of sustainability for other rural communities in Nicaragua.
Great space of culture and nature
In addition to its agricultural wealth and artisan products, La Garnacha is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visitors can explore Cerro Apaguajil, an imposing viewpoint from which you can appreciate the mountainous landscape of the region, including the distant view of the Nicaraguan Pacific and the Los Maribios mountain range. The trail to the hill is a peaceful walk through pine forests, perfect for disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Another popular attraction is the Cueva de los Duendes, a place shrouded in legends and myths. Local guides tell stories about small footprints found near the cave, fueling the belief that it is inhabited by goblins. This experience, although based on local folklore, continues to attract curious people seeking a connection with the traditional stories of the region.
According to the Central Bank of Nicaragua, in 2023, the country received 739.2 million dollars in tourism, which represented an increase of 24.1% compared to the previous year. In addition, the National Institute of Development Information (INIDE) reported that daily per capita spending by foreign tourists increased by 9.6% during the first quarter of 2024. These data are encouraging for communities like La Garnacha, which largely depend on the tourism to improve their living conditions.
However, tourism service providers in La Garnacha recognize that there is still a lot of work to do. Although the situation has improved, many of them expected tourism to become a more significant source of income. Despite everything, the road to economic recovery is underway, and the community has begun to walk again, this time with hope, they say.
Getting to La Garnacha is an adventure in itself. From Managua, take the road to Estelí. At kilometer 135, turn towards the municipality of San Nicolás, following the signs to the Rancho Don Luis junction. From there, you take a detour to the community of La Tejera, until the junction or the entrance to La Garnacha, which is 1.5 kilometers away.
