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Leon
The colonial city of Leon is another of Nicaragua’s gems with picturesque plazas and intricate facades. A cultural capital dating back to the 16thcentury, Leon is packed with eye-catching colonial buildings and is Granada’s eternal rival.
Leon is set in a land of volcanoes within easy reach of some simple fishing villages along the Pacific coast. The ski-like descent of nearby Cerro Negro volcano is recommended for an exhilarating and unique experience.
Further north, the highlands offer spectacular scenery with trails through pristine cloud forest, home to the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, Jaguar and lots more. The scenic highland town of Matagalpa has excellent hiking and nature watching opportunities into the surrounding coffee farms and dense jungle. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Below are some examples of what you can do, though we can tailor any itinerary to suit your interests.
Leon City Tour. Wander through cobbled streets admiring the colonial heritage and soaking up the lively and welcoming atmosphere, sample the fresh local coffee in one of the beautiful plazas. Leon is just 1.5hrs (100km) north from Managua. Cerro Negro volcano. Half day adventurous guided tour. This active volcano is the youngest on the continent and completely covered with black volcanic debris. The summit (670m) can be reached on foot in about an hour, after hiking around the crater you rapidly descend in an unforgettable ski-like manner. The trail head is a short journey from Leon. Poneloya and Las Penitas. These two small villages on the Pacific coast are just 25 kilometres from León. Swim or sunbathe. You can kayak around Juan Venado Island – a protected reserve flanked with mangrove forest, a great habitat for many animals, including thousands of birds as well as large crocodiles.
Trekking in Matagalpa. Escape the tropical heat of the plains into the cool mountain air. Walk through pristine cloud forest reserves with spectacular views and plentiful wildlife. Horse riding is also possible.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Leon
La Perla is housed in a beautiful cream neo-classical building which dates from the eighteenth century and is without doubt the most luxurious place to stay in the city of Leon. Found with its walls crumbling, it was renovated over a number of years
Leon
If you are an art lover, this is the perfect place to stay. The Museum d’art is just one block away, and El Convento boasts the largest collection of art of any hotel in Leon. Opened nine years ago, the hotel is on the site of the first convent in the city founded in 1639.
Leon
This friendly hotel has all the key amenities one would need and is centrally located. So for those who wish to spend the majority of their stay in Leon out and about in the city exploring and don’t wish to be spoilt, this is a good option.
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