Exploring the Surrounding Trails
These are trails with no signs, so to have a map is essential. You can see each trail on Google Maps through the links provided. The blue dot is you; it moves as you move, so use it to stay on the path!
Here are a few important tips for a safe and enjoyable walk:
Prepare Your Phone & Maps
Make sure your phone has enough credit, battery and download the offline map from Google Maps, as you will often lose signal.
To download the offline map:
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Click on the map link; it will open in Google Maps.
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Press and hold anywhere on the path to drop a pin.
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You should see the option “Download offline map”—tap it to save the area to your device.
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Weather & Sun Protection
The weather here is unpredictable. Bring plastic bags or a waterproof case to protect your phone in heavy rain. Bring sunscreen and a hat if it gets sunny.
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Hydration
Always carry at least 1 liter of water. The humidity is high, so you will sweat a lot.
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Cows & Bulls
You may encounter a herd of cows and bulls along the paths. Stay on the side of the path and let them pass.
Do not make sudden moves, and never run with your back to them.
Avoid standing between a calf and its mother, as cows can be very protective.
If they are in front of you, wait until the path is wide enough to pass safely.
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Gates & Fenced Fields
Some paths are blocked by simple wooden gates or barbed wire fences, you can usually open them by releasing one side of the wire.
Always close the gate if it was closed, and leave it open if it was open: this prevents animals from wandering onto other properties and causing conflicts.
Be careful not to step on cultivated areas (planted fields) or young plants.
Trails
Camino Compadre Don Perro
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Elevation gain: 600 m (1,970 ft)
Difficulty: Experienced hikers
Route: Starting in Moyogalpa, this scenic trail heads toward the volcano but doesn’t reach the summit. Expect stunning views, rocky sections, and a canyon with uneven terrain—walking sticks are recommended. Leave the canyon if it rains, as flooding and slippery rocks make it dangerous. Parts of the trail are overgrown and easy to lose, so bring a map, check your position often, and don’t hike alone.
Santa Sofia de la Piedad
Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles)
Route description: This is a beautiful walk that passes through plantain plantations, almost entirely in the shade. There are a few gates or fences to open or jump over—always remember to close them after passing. The area is quiet, with fewer people, cows, and traffic.
Moyogalpa - Esquipulas
Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 miles)
Route description: From the center of Moyogalpa, walk through the forest and exit into the small local town of Esquipulas. Return along the same route: the first part on the paved main road, and the second part along the lakeshore. Note: During the rainy season, you may need to skip the lakeshore section, as it can sometimes be unwalkable.
Tierra Blanca
Route description: A short, easy walk that takes you to a quiet lakeside spot, away from noise and crowds. The route is partially along a paved main road and partially through the forest. During the dry season, you can walk a bit further, as the beach is not submerged.
For Runners
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Route: From the center of Moyogalpa, follow the dirt road to Hostal Papasito. Continue straight until you reach a small loop, then return along the same path.
Elevation: The path gradually ascends until the top of the loop.
Barriers: No gates or fences along the route.