It is one of the greenest and most beautiful departments in Nicaragua, located in the north, 204 kilometers from the capital. It boasts a pleasant atmosphere and a tropical climate ideal for hiking and wildlife observation. It is the birthplace of painters, poets, and performers. A prime example of the country's new tourism initiatives, it features high valleys interspersed with mountains where cool temperatures prevail and where diverse natural and cultural attractions can be found.

Founded in 1936, it comprises the municipalities of Las Sabanas, Palacagüina, San José de Cusmapa, San Juan de Río Coco, San Lucas, Somoto (its departmental capital), Telpaneca, Totogalpa, and Yalagüina. Its name honors former Nicaraguan President José Madriz, who promoted its establishment. Its first inhabitants were Chorotega people who arrived via the Choluteca and Guasaüle rivers.

Here, colonial-style parish churches abound, many of which have been well preserved. The memory of its original inhabitants is reflected in numerous archaeological sites and petroglyphs, and their indigenous heritage remains alive in the local culture. Each municipality has its own unique charm, offering a variety of natural attractions such as geological formations, vestiges of our ancestors (petroglyphs and pottery), and handicrafts made from clay, wood, horn, tule reeds, corn husks, pine, henequen, and bamboo.

This department is dedicated to the production of basic grains, coffee, and tobacco, and therefore the doughnuts most famous and delicious in the country; which for their flavor, color, texture and quality They have gained much prestige both nationally and internationally, becoming a very special exponent of the city of Somoto.

This department is dedicated to the production of basic grains, coffee, and tobacco, and therefore the doughnuts most famous and delicious in the country; which for their flavor, color, texture and quality They have gained much prestige both nationally and internationally, becoming a very special exponent of the city of Somoto.

You can visit the different protected areas: Tepe Somoto – La Patasta Natural Reserve, El Malacate and El Majaste Water Reserve, in San Juan del Río Coco; the Río Coco Geopark territory, the Somoto Canyon National Monument, Piedras Pintadas Municipal Ecological Park; viewpoints and pine and oak forests.