Travel Guide: City of León

This is a great place for those who want to be alone, to meditate, to think about life and to know more of you, because it is very quiet and less tourist are coming. If you are thinking that the place is not good, you are wrong, because León is a very wonderful place. The León is located in the Northwest of Nicaragua. This place is more than just a city, because of its history, delicious food, outdoor activities, volcanoes, and nearby beaches. This is a great place that most of the travelers are missing. The city is named after León, Spain. After Nicaragua was granted independence in the 1800s from Spain, the elites of León and Granada struggled over which city would become the capital (eventually Managua was picked). León is also famous as the university town and home of many colonial churches. Here are the top things and places that you should do and visit in León:

·         See the churches. León is home of many colonial churches, each of these churches has a unique identity. It is a perfect place to celebrate your Lenten Season. Even if you are not religious or fan or architectures, you will surely appreciate its beauty and history. These are the most beautiful and historic one Catedral de León, Iglesia El Calvario, Iglesia La Recolección, and Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Subtiava.

·         Enjoy the Beach. There are a lot of beach around León. A short bus ride from the city, you’ll find beautiful beaches, warm water, and people in the surf. The surf isn’t as enjoyable as in the southern part of the country, but if you’re looking to relax and cool off in the dry heat of the region, these beaches check all the right boxes. Playa Poneloya is the most popular beach.

·         Visit the Museum of Revolution. The León isn’t a place for enjoyment; it is also a good place for learning. León has a very wonderful and interesting history. This museum in the old mayor’s residence is dedicated to the Sandinistas and their fight against “the man”. The museum is only a two room; you can get a personal guide to explain more of its history. This is one of the best activities in the place, because of great personal guide that provides wonderful information about the place.

·         Try the volcano boarding down Cerro Negro. This is one of most exciting activity in León, as you see people who are wearing shirts with prints saying “I went volcano boarding”, they are the one who experience this activity. It is a great experience to slide down of the active volcano in just a piece of wood. If you are brave enough to slide down, then it’s for you, but if not you can do hiking in this active volcano. Trips leave multiple times per day and last a few hours. Bigfoot Tours and Quetzaltrekkers are the two biggest operators.

·         Wander the markets. One of the biggest markets in León is found near the cathedral. The market is full of people, but it is very fun. You can find everything there: grocers, street food vendors, toys, kitschy souvenirs, and everything in between. Moreover, you’ll find delicious soups, BBQ meat sticks, and other local fare. It is a great place to be full with awesome and delicious food and to know and experience more the culture of this city.

·         Take in the art. León is for every type of traveler. For those who are fan of art and galleries, it is also for them. There are a lot of art galleries in the city, Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián ($2 USD) being the biggest. Housed in two buildings, it features a collection of old religious art as well as modern Nicaraguan artists. It takes a few hours to explore, and both buildings have lovely courtyard gardens to relax in. There are more beautiful sceneries and wonderful art galleries in the city that also features its life and culture of the people.

·         Hike some volcanoes. For those travelers who love hiking and extreme activities, León is for you also. One of the main reasons why travelers León are to hike in nearby volcanoes. The León is near the volcanic range, where a hiker can choose what type of hiking him or she wants. Take note that some of these volcanoes are active. The most popular hikes are: Cerro Negro (volcano boarding), Telica (where you go for sunset hikes — see above photo!), San Cristóbal (the longest and hardest).

·         Visit “old” León. The León Viejo or the León now, is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nicaragua. If you want to experience and feel the Old León, then you must visit this place. It is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas. While this isn’t some lavish ruin site, it’s really the only place to see and learn about the country’s founding colonial past.

Enjoy the food scene. Another reason why León is a perfect destination is its food scene. While you are never in short supply of local Gallo pinto, I branched out to eat a lot of Western food (there is only so much rice and beans one can eat). León has many great foods to offer that you will love and eat again and again. The best foods of León are usually found in the outdoor markets. There are a lot of food stalls, serves local foods. Take note this meals aren’t expensive and they are worth it. León is really great place for any type of traveller. It is a great place to be alone, because there are only few travelers are coming here. Everything is great in this place from the water to the land and volcanoes, to the food and markets, to the people and its history, there is no bad thing that you can say about this place. Make sure to include this place on your bucket list, and remember to help its people to maintain its beauty and cleanliness.

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