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Founded in 1524, León is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. With colonial splendor, it is the intellectual center of Nicaragua, renowned for its university, old churches, fine museums, revolutionary history and student life. It is also the home town of two of the finest poets in the Spanish language, Rubén Darío and Alfonso Cortés.
Understand
[edit]The core of León is its Central Park (Parque Central) with the adjoining cathedral. Most important sights can be found within a 10-minute walk from there. From the perspective of the Central Park, the city’s lively commercial area is in the northeastern quadrant, where you will find the banks, most stores, the two municipal markets behind the cathedral and the San Juan church respectively, as well as many hotels and hostels. This is also where the main bus station is located, serving all destinations except the Pacific Ocean beaches. The more quiet cultural part of the city is in the northwestern and southwestern quadrants, and here you will find the university, the municipal theater, the cultural center, the park of the poets, the old monastery, most of the museums and the city's best restaurants. The southeastern quadrant is home to the hospital, and it is the least interesting quadrant from a tourist perspective. The major exception to this general outline is a cluster of bars one block west of the Central Park.
León is the home to the oldest university in Nicaragua and the second oldest in Central America. It is filled with students and has a vibrant night life. While older tourists flock to Granada, young volunteers, backpackers and other extranjeros meld more with the locals in León compared to its colonial rival.
Fourteen blocks west of the cathedral is the center of Sutiava, which is older than León, and which used to be an independent town populated by indigenous Americans. It still has its own cultural flavor and traditions. Here you will find the Suitava church and central square, a couple of museums, old church ruins, a small municipal market and the bus station for the Pacific Ocean beaches.
History
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The official name of the city is Santiago de los Caballeros de León, named after the city of León in Spain. When founded in 1524, it was located further east, at the western end of Lake Xolotlán. Ten years later, the Diocese of Nicaragua was established in León. After a destructive volcanic eruption of Momotombo, the city was moved to its present location in 1610. Almost the entire city was moved, including the saints in the churches and some of the dead in the cemeteries, but ruins of the old city can still be seen at León Viejo. In 1812, the second oldest university in Central America was established in León.
Together with Granada, León has the most colonial architecture in Nicaragua. León has more colonial churches than any other place in Nicaragua, and if you are on the church tour, there are over a dozen beautiful historical churches to check out.
After independence, the liberals of León and the conservatives of Granada struggled over which city would be the capital, ultimately leading to civil war in the 1850s. As a compromise, Managua became capital, but Granada conservatives held onto the presidency until the rise of liberal president José Santos Zelaya in 1896.
León used to be the hub of cotton growing but that industry has declined, being replaced by sugar cane and other crops.
![](https://www.localcityguide.net/en/File:Entierro_de_"Abel"_Guadalupe_Moreno.jpg)
During the Somoza family dictatorial rule, León was a center of resistance. In 1956, president and dictator Anastasio Somoza García was assassinated at the Casa del Obrero in León by the young poet Rigoberto López Pérez.
In 1979, the Sandinistas took over León in violent street by street fighting. After losing the city, the dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle bombed it, hitting civilians and fighters alike. You can still see the bombed out San Sebastián church three blocks south of the cathedral, as well as bullet marks on some buildings.
On April 2018, there were protests in León against changes to the governments social security system. When repressed, the protests spread to the rest of the country, leading to many deaths in the hands of the Ortega government. Since then, the economy has been relatively depressed. Tourism took a big hit, although León is still popular among backpackers.
Climate
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León has a tropical climate with the high temperature in the low thirties and the low temperature in the mid twenties. The hottest month is April while the coolest is October, but the difference is only about four degrees Celsius. During the rainy "winter" season from May to October, it will typically rain for a few hours a few times per week. There is almost no rain from mid-November to April, which is called "summer" in Nicaragua.
Street names and directions
[edit]The center of León has a simple grid with streets (calles) running east-west and avenues (avenidas) running north-south. The center of the grid is the northeast corner of Central Park, which is also the northwest corner of the cathedral. Here Avenida Central crosses Calle Rubén Darío. Streets are then numbered from there, with north, south, east and/or west added to determine the quadrant it is in. For example, the street that passes the university two blocks north of Central Park is Segunda Calle Noroeste (Second Street Northwest). The only problem with this simple street system is that it is not used for addresses or directions. For that people use a known location, followed by the number of blocks north, south, west or east. For example, the address for Hotel La Perla is "from La Merced church, 1 1/2 blocks north". To complicate things even more for visitors, locals do not use east or west, but instead "arriba" (up) for east and "abajo" (down) for west, based on the movement of the sun.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]The closest commercial airport is in Managua MGA IATA, roughly a 2-hour drive from León. A taxi to León costs about US$80 (2024). For a cheaper option, take a taxi to the UCA bus station with frequent micro buses to León. If you arrive late at night or have to leave early in the morning, there is a convenient hotel just across the street from the airport.
By bus
[edit]- From Managua: Take the vans leaving from Mercado Israel Lewites or the micro buses (camionetas) leaving from UCA (Universidad Centro Americana). The vans from Mercado Israel Lewites are 15-passenger vans that are fairly crowded, but not excessively uncomfortable, particularly when you sit next to a window. Buses run regularly, leaving from the Mercado every 15-20 minutes. Microbuses leave from La UCA beginning at 04:30 until approx. 21:00. They leave whenever they are full, usually every 15 minutes. The bus from either terminal costs C$46. If you take the bus, make sure to get an expreso - otherwise the bus makes stops to pick up passengers on the side of the road along the way. Direct transportation is available directly from the Managua airport via private van service, up to US$60-70 one-way.
- From Granada: Take a minivan to Managua UCA station and transfer to another minivan to León. It takes around 4 hours and costs less than C$90.
- From Esteli: There is one direct bus daily. If you miss it, you have to change in San Isidro on the Panamerican Highway. Minivan service directly to Leon is also available from Esteli (C$75, 2 hours) but times and availability are not regular, and they will not leave until full.
- From Matagalpa: There are two direct buses running daily, otherwise take a bus to San Isidro and transfer to León.
- From Chinandega: Buses for León depart every 15 minutes.
- From Poneloya and Las Peñitas on the Pacific coast: The same buses serve both towns with frequent service to Sutiava from early morning until around 18:30.
The León bus terminal is 1.9 km northeast of the Central Park. If you do not want to make the 20-minute walk to the city center, take the white local bus, a bicycle taxi or a regular taxi for about C$20 per person.
By car
[edit]The main roads to and from León are in excellent condition.
- From Managua: The best road to León is the Carretera Nueva a León (new road to León), which is about a 90-minute trip from center to center, although more during the Managua rush hour. At Mirador de Mateare (km 30) you can stop by the shore of Lake Managua for nice views of the Mombotombo and Mombotombito volcanos across the water. If hungry, stop for quesillo and tiste in Nagarote or La Paz Centro. Alternatively, you can take the Carretera Vieja a León (old road to León), which is about the same distance with less traffic, but the road has more hills and turns.
- From Granada and Masaya: first drive to Managua, then follow the directions above.
- From Rivas, San Juan del Sur and Los Pueblos Blancos: take the road to Jinotepe and El Crucero and then the Carretera Vieja a León.
- From Boaco, Juigalpa, Bluefields, San Carlos and other places to the east of Lake Nicaragua: There are two options. You can either drive to Managua, and then follow the directions above. The roads are good but the Managua rush hour traffic can be bad. Alternatively, when you get to the Pan-American Highway in San Benito, make a right turn instead of left, and after 6.5 km on that highway, take a left to San Fransisco Libre and continue on to El Tamarindo on the highway that connects León with Estelí and Matagalpa. In El Tamarindo make a left, followed by another left when you reach Telica on the León to Chinandega highway. This route is about the same distance as the one through Managua, and it has much less traffic, but, while most of the road is in excellent shape, the 26 km between San Francisco Libre and El Tamarindo is a wide and flat gravel road.
- From Estelí, Matagalpa and other places in the north: take the Pan-American Highway to Emplame San Isidro León, which is 3 km southeast of San Isidro. From there, head southwest on highway No. 26 which is in great shape. When you reach Telica and the highway between León and Chinandega, make a left.
- From Chinandega: the highway to León starts at the Rotonda Los Encuentros in the eastern section of the city.
By boat
[edit]Some cruise ships dock in Corinto, offering guided bus tours to León. Private yachts can dock at Marina Puesta del Sol, which is a 1 hour 40 minute drive north of León.
Get around
[edit]
The city is a great place to walk, and by foot you can easily reach every major tourist attraction except those in Sutiava, which is a bit more of a hike but still doable.
Bicycling is popular among the locals. Many hotels and hostels offer bike rental for around USD10 per day. Motorcycles are also popular. You will sometimes see a whole family with a father, mother and children riding the same motorcycle together.
White local buses run from the inter-city bus station in the northeastern part of the town and the municipal market behind the San Juan church, to the center of León. They also go to the municipal market in Sutiava, where buses leave for the beach towns of Las Peñitas and Poneloya.
Bicycle taxis are widely available but not allowed close to the Central Park.
Regular taxis are C$20 anywhere in the city before 19:00, C$30 after 19:00. Within the city, you always pay per person and you may share the taxi with other passengers heading in the same direction.
See
[edit]
The main attraction in León is the city itself, with its colonial houses and churches, and its vibrant student life. The two specific sights not to miss are the cathedral, with a side visit onto its roof, and the beautiful Ortiz-Gurdián Art Museum. For a guided walking tour of the city, gather at the northastern corner of Cental Park at 9:00.
Parks
- 1 Central Park (Parque Central). A lively park with a fountain and shady trees in front of the cathedral. The park is a great place to people watch as it is packed with families and youth chatting, kids riding their bikes and vendors selling ice cream, drinks and souvenirs. On weekends musicians, dancers or street performers may add to the atmosphere. Of the eight streets leading up to the square, six have been converted to nice pedestrian streets.
- 2 Park of the Poets (Parque de los Poetas) (from Central Park NW, 1 block west.). A park honoring major poets of the Spanish language, all with connections to León, including Rubén Darío, Alfonso Cortes, Salomón de la Selva, Azarías Pallais and Antenor Sandino Hernández. At night you can grab a piece to eat at one of the food stands.
- 3 Parque Infantil (from Central Park SW, 2 block west.). A playground for children.
- 4 Parque San Juan (from Central Park NE, four blocks north and two blocks east). Lively park shaded by trees in front of the San Juan Church.
- 5 Rubén Darío Centenial Park (along the road towards Managua, next to the new Baseball stadium.). A park honoring poet Rubén Darío built in 2016 on the one hundred anniversary of his death. The park has a big monument honoring the poet, surrounded by a beautiful flower garden.
Churches
- 6 León Cathedral (Catedral de León) (east side of Central Park). The biggest cathedral in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral is the final resting place of the poet Rubén Darío, as well as many other notable Nicaraguans. For a small fee you can climb the stairs up to the roof, where you get a great view of all of León's churches and the surrounding volcanoes. You also get a close-up view of the giant sculptures holding up the cathedral bells; just don't ring them. You can also go into the cellars beneath the cathedral. South of the cathedral is the old episcopal palace and the beautiful San Ramon seminary.
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- 7 Iglesia de la Merced (from Central Park NW, one block north). Baroque church from 1762. It belonged to the friars of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy until they were expelled from Nicaragua in 1830. The church's statue of Saint Mary of Mercy came from Barcelona a few centuries ago.
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- 8 Iglesia de la Recolección (from Central Park NE, two blocks north, one block east). Old church from 1793 with a bright yellow front in Mexican baroque style.
- 9 Iglesia El Calvario (from Central Park NE, four blocks east). A baroque-style church from 1764 with rich colors and vivid depiction of crucifixion inside.
- 10 Iglesia San Juan Bautista (from Central Park NE, three blocks east and four blocks north). Located in front of Parque San Juan. Built between 1620 and 1650. Reconstructed in a neoclassical style in the 18th century, with large wooden columns. Used to be the church of the old hospital.
- 11 Iglesia San Filipe (from Central Park NW, 5 blocks west, 2 blocks north). A colonial 17th century church with a beautiful altarpiece.
- 12 Iglesia San José (from Central Park NW, 5 blocks north). A small church originally built as a chapel to Iglesia San Filipe. The church is old, but it has a modern façade after renovations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- 13 Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (from Central Park NW, 6 blocks north, 1 block west). With its ashlar masonry it has almost a medieval look, but it is one of the newer churches, completed in 1934.
- 14 San Francisco Church (from Central Park NW, two blocks west.). Built in 1639, this is one of the oldest churches in Leon, located adjacent to the former Franciscan convent. The church closed in 1830 when the Franciscans were expelled, but reconstructed in the 1960s. It has a nice bell tower and some beautiful altarpieces. Outside the church there is a statue of Saint Francis talking to a wolf.
- 15 Iglesia San Juan de Dios (from Central Park SW, two blocks west). Small church with a simple exterior. Has a beautiful altar piece.
- 16 Iglesia el Laborio (from Central Park SW, three blocks west, two blocks south). Dedicated to San Nicolás de Tolentino, this is one of the oldest churches in León, built in 1618. It has many beautiful statues of different saints.
- 17 Iglesia San Sebastian (Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Sutiava) (from Central Park SE, three blocks south). Protected by a modern roof, only ruins remain of the old historical church from the 18th century, after it was bombed by the Somoza dictatorship in 1979. A new parish church has been built next to the ruins.
- 18 Iglesia Guadalupe (from Central Park SE, six blocks south). The main church in the southern part of León, built at the end of the 19th century. Unlike the typical west facing entrance of other León churches, the entrance of this church faces north towards the cathedral.
- 19 Ermita San Pedro (from Central Park SW, nine blocks west). A baroque chapel completed in 1718, with a simple but beautiful exterior. Originally one of four small chapels in Sutiava, this is the only one that survived the turbulent times of the early 19th century.
- 20 Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Sutiava (from Central Park NW, twelve blocks west, one block south). One of the oldest and largest churches in León, serving a traditionally indigenous community in Sutiava. The rustic wood interior is a pleasant deviance from the often ornate styles that are more typical of most León churches.
Museums
- 21 Ortiz-Gurdián Art Museum (Centro de Arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián) (from Central Park NW, two blocks west and 20 meters south). Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. One of the finest art museums in Central America, located in four inter-connected colonial houses. Excellent collection of 20th century Nicaraguan and Latin American art, but there is also indigenous, colonial and contemporary Latin American art. The museum also has some European art, including work by Picasso, Chagall and Miró. Even if you hate art, make a visit to enjoy the museums beautiful colonial architecture. C$30 general, C$15 student (with ID), C$125 foreigner.
- 22 Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion) (west side of Central Park). The museum consists of a room with some displays and artifacts, none of which offer any explanations in English. The most unique aspect of this museum are the old guides, who provide an animated commentary on the beatings, arrests, street fights and assassinations of the revolutionary period, much of which are based on their own experiences. They will be sure to point out a picture of their younger self, rifle and all. C$50.
- 23 Rubén Darío Museum (Museo Archivo Rubén Darío) (from Central Park NW, three blocks west on Calle de Rubén Darío). The colonial home of writer and poet Rubén Darío, founder of the modernismo movement in Spanish literature. Pick up some of his poetry; Azul is probably his most famous work.
- 24 Centro Cultural y Museo Rigoberto López Pérez (Casa del Obrero) (from Central Park NW, one block west, 1½ blocks north). A beautifully restored colonial building honoring the poet Rigoberto López Pérez. In 1956, in this building, he assassinated the dictator Anastasio Somoza García (father of the other two dictators, Luis and Anastasio Somoza Debayle), after which he was killed in a hail of bullets. The building has some nice art work including a mural by painter Ricardo Morales.
- 25 Museum of Myths and Legends (Museo de los Mitos y Leyendas Tradiciones) (from southeast corner of Central Park, three blocks south and 1/2 block west). This is a museum with two themes. One part commemorates traditional myths and legends, with life size displays of costumes and other traditional objects. The second part commemorates the anti-Somoza activists who were jailed in the building during the 1970s, with drawings on the walls and a prominently displayed statute of an urban guerrilla holding a handmade bomb. Some sarcastically now call it the Museo de las Traiciones (Museum of the Treasons) as a reference to how the Sandinista rank and file has been cheated by Daniel Ortega and the rest of the Sandinista elite.
- 26 Center for Initative on the Environment (Centro de Iniciativa Medio Ambiental) (from the Martinez bridge, 1 block south, 1 block east and 1 block north), ☏ +505 2311 0752. 8-12,2-5:30. An educational center about animals, plants, biodiversity and the environment. C$20.
Other
- Street Murals. As you’re wandering around the streets, keep a lookout for large and small street murals, located in various places around the city. The murals usually have a political message or commemorate historical events such as the 1959 massacre of protesting students by the military.
- 27 El Fortín de Acosasco (from Plaza Sutiava, two blocks east and 2 km south). For the best view over the city and the volcanoes, go to this old Somoza stronghold southwest of León, best reached from Sutiava.
Do
[edit]Festivals
[edit]- Semana Santa (holy week) is celebrated with religious processions throughout the week and from all the different churches. In Nicaragua, León is considered to be the best place to experience this holiday.
- Festival Azul Diarío is celebrated at the end of July, at the anniversary of poet Rubén Diarío's most famous book, Azul, which initiated modernism in Spanish literature when it was first published on July 30, 1888. Music and dance groups parade from his old home to the Central Park, where there is a combination of exhibits, poetry, music and dance, as well as a visual show that uses the white front of the cathedral as a huge movie screen.
- La Gritería Chiquita (the little shout) is celebrated on August 14, the eve of the assumption of Mary, as a smaller local version of the more famous La Gritería on December 7. It was first celebrated by the church in 1947 as a penance and response to the eruption of Cerro Negro.
- La Vírgen de la Merced is celebrated on September 24, with processions in honor of León's patron saint. Each church also celebrates its own saint on different days throughout the year.
- La Gritería (the shout) is celebrated throughout Nicaragua on December 7, but most intensely in León, where the tradition began. While some family members gather at home in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary, other walk from home to home shouting Quién causa tanta alegría? (who causes so much joy), which is answered by those at home with La concepción de María (the conception of Mary), while handing out candy and other sweets to the passersby.
Theater and movies
[edit]- 1 Teatro José de la Cruz Mena (from Central Park SW, one block west and one block south). León has a beautiful theater and concert hall that was inaugurated in 1885, making it the oldest in Nicaragua. In 1904 it was named after José de la Cruz Mena, Nicaragua's most famous composer, who was a native of León until 1907 when he died from leprosy at the age of 33. Outside the building there are statues of Thalia and Melpómene, the Greek muses of comedy and tragedy. The theater only has a few cultural events every month, so take the chance when there is one.
- 2 Cine Siglo Nuevo (from Central Park NE, one block north, 2 1/2 blocks east). The only movie theater in town, showing mostly popular North American movies. With three auditoriums, multiple mostly movies are shown each day. Some movies are shown both dubbed, earlier during the day, and with subtitles, later in the day.
Nature
[edit]Volcano climbing
[edit]
Leon lies below the Cordillera de Los Maribios, a mountain range with multiple volcanoes, and it is possible to hike most of them. The most popular volcano is Cerro Negro, a young, small volcano that offers incredible views and slopes to practice volcanoboarding, where you can descend the volcano in great speed. Nearby there are two atypical volcanoes; Las Pilas and El Hoyo, which can be hiked together. Telica, the most active volcano in the region, is climbable but only when it is calm so be prepared to give this one a miss. Hikers interested in a demanding climb should head to Momotombo, which is also an active volcano. It is the most difficult volcano to hike but has the most spectacular views in Nicaragua, and it is worth the effort. Below Momotombo there are two volcanic lagoons: Asososca and Monte Galan, and these are great for cooling off after a long day or two of hiking.
While it is possible to climb the volcanoes on your own, it is recommended to go with a guide or an organized tour, as hiking the volcanoes can at times be dangerous due to volcanic activity. It is also easy to get lost or run out of water.
Hot springs
[edit]The hot springs at Hervidores San Jacinto, at the foot of the Telica volcano, makes for a great daytrip. Catch a bus at the terminal or take a taxi, round trip for C$300. Entrance is C$20 and you'll be hooked up with one of the local kids/guides. They are really nice and a must. Pay careful attention to where they walk, and take the same path, as you will be walking just above thermal activity. As someone said, "It's like a mini Yellowstone, without the fences."
Sports
[edit]Baseball
[edit]Catch a baseball game if you are in León during the baseball season. There is a brand new stadium in the southern part of the city, where the Leones de Leon (lions of León) play their home games in two different leagues. From March to July, they play in the national championship league consisting of twenty teams from all parts of the country, with play-offs in August and September. After a short break, they play in the five team professional baseball league from November to January, and the Leones are the current champions (2025).
- 3 Estadio Rigoberto López Pérez (On the road to Managua, two kilometers south of Central Park). Newly built stadium that's home field for the Leones de Leon, the local professional baseball team. Order some vigoron, get a Victoria and enjoy.
Basketball
[edit]For a pick-up basketball game, head to Cancha 23 de Julio, a basketball court half a block north of the northwest corner of the Central Park.
Swimming
[edit]Go on a day trip to the beach to swim in the Pacific ocean. Choose between Las Peñitas, which is known for its mellow vibe, or Poneloya, which is less touristic. These are two of Nicaragua's nicest beach towns, as oposite ends of a common 4 km long beach. Both towns are reached by a half hour bus ride from Sutiava or in 15 minutes by taxi (C$150-200 per person). The waves and current can be strong and dangerous, especially in Poneloya, but you can also swim in the much calmer estuaries at the two ends of the long beach. The last bus back to León leaves the coast around 18:30 which gives you enough time to watch the spectacular sunsets over the beach.
Some hotels and hostels have a swimming pool for their guests. There is a public swimming pool in Barrio Guadalupe, next to Río Chiquito. In neighboring Telica, 10 km north of León, there is a modern full scale aquatic park.
- 4 Centro Recreativo Riverside Splash (from Central Park SE, four blocks south and 1/2 block east), ☏ +505 8474 9960. Th-Su: 10:00-18:00. Two pools, one with slides, and one splash area for kids.
- 5 Parque Aquático Telica (In Telica, at Km 102 on the road from León to Chinandega), ☏ +505 2318 2458. 8:00-18:00. Fun water park with multiple swimming pools and slides. Popular among children and families.
Surfing
[edit]Las Peñitas is a great place for surfing, with lessons available for beginners. There are plenty of good reliable waves to enjoy, although they are not among the very best in Nicaragua.
Kayaking
[edit]The Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve is a wonderful place for kayaking, cruising among the mangroves and watching birds and other wildlife. The long and narrow estuary between the island and the mainland goes all the 20 km between Las Peñitas and Salinas Grande, but most people make a shorter return trip with a nice break on the beach at the ocean side of the island. Kayaks can be rented in Las Peñitas or you can join one of the tours operating from León.
Volcano boarding
[edit]
It is almost a rite of passage for every traveler that visits Leon to board down the side of Cerro Negro. Even for those not so interested in boarding, the 45-minute hike up offers spectacular views of a moonlike landscape. The actual boarding down is fun and generally involves sitting down on the board, leaning back and controlling the speed with your feet in the sand. If you dare, you can reach speeds of up to 95 km/h on the steepest sections of the hill. All tour companies provide equipment, transport and usually a beverage after the ride, but you have to carry your own board up the mountain. Protective garment an goggles will esnure that only parts of your face is black from the volcanic aches after the ride. No tour organizations offer stand up style boarding so if you want to do this you will need to find your own gear.
Learn
[edit]Cooking
[edit]- 1 Cooking Workshop León (Original Tours) (Central Park NE, 20 m north), ☏ +505 7776 2624. 10:00-16:00. Learn how to cook Nicaraguan food. The cooking class includes a guide, kitchen, ingredients, lunch, drink and dessert. US$30.
Dancing
[edit]- 2 Ritmo Salsero (from San Fransisco Church, 2 1/2 blocks north). M-Sa: 9:00-21:00. Learn to dance salsa and bachata. Private and group lessons avialable for both beginners and more experienced dancers.
- 3 Leonitos de la Salsa (from Central Park SW, three blocks south and 1 1/2 blocks west), ☏ +505 5707 4123. Offers classes in salsa and other latin dances.
Spanish
[edit]There are several Spanish schools in León, but you can also get classes with a private teacher.
- 4 León Spanish School (from San Francisco church, 1 block north, 20 m east), ☏ +505 8743 2874. Morning or afternoon one-on-one classes given at the Casa de Cultura. Home stay available. US$150/20hrs.
- 5 Metropolis Spanish School (from Parque San Juan, 80 meters west), ☏ +505 8932 6686. Private lessons for one or two persons. Flexible schedules. Home stay available. US$160/20hrs private lessons.
- 6 Spanish Lessons León (from Central Park SW, 5 1/2 blocks west), ☏ +505 8392 5043. Morning or afternoon schedule. Home stay available. US$150/20hrs or US$8/hr.
Universities
[edit]León has the oldest and most prestigious university in Nicaragua, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, or UNAN-León for short. While there are few foreign students, the excellent university faculty has a long tradition of international scientific collaborations, especially in the areas of medicine and public health.
- 7 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN-León) (from central Park NE, two blocks north and 1/2 block west). The main university building is located two blocks north of the Central Park, but the rest is scattered around the western and southern parts of the city. The colleges of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy are in southern León, next to the baseball stadium.
There are also several smaller local colleges and universities.
Libraries
[edit]- 8 Biblioteca Banco Central Tomas Ruiz. M-F: 8:30-18:00, Sa: 8:30-13:00. The Central Bank of Nicaragua has a branch library in León with 18,000 volumes, including many national and international periodicals. It is open to the public and popular among students. It is unfortunately located far from the city center, close to the southern end of the bypass road.
Work
[edit]Salaries in León are generally low and there are many well educated Nicaraguans. This makes it difficult for foreigners to work for a living in León unless they have their own business or work remotely for a job in their home country. For long-term visitors it's sometimes possible to teach English or other foreign languages. If money is not an issue, there may be volunteer opportunities with local tour groups.
Buy
[edit]Groceries and household items
[edit]All across the city you will find small pulperias that sell food, drinks, phone cards and common household items. Most of these operate out of the owners home. León has three main municipal markets, in central León just east of the Cathedral, in the northeast next to the San Juan church, and in Sutiava. There are also a few large supermarkets.
- 1 Mercado Central (Behind the cathedral). Lots of vegetables, fruits, grains, meats and fish.
- 2 Marcado La Estación (behind the San Juan Bautista church). Larger and somewhat cheaper than the Mercado Central.
- 3 La Colonia (from San Fransisco church, 1 block west and 1 block north). Upscale supermarket. Expensive, but they have some international foods that you cannot get elsewhere. The best wine selection in town.
- 4 La Unión (from Central Park NE, 1 block north and 1½ blocks east). Centrally located supermarket, owned by Walmart. More expensive than the municipal markets.
- 5 Pan y Paz French Bakery (from Cathedral NE, 1 block north, 1 1/2 blocks east), ☏ +505 2311 0949. Monday-Saturday 07:00-20:00. Sells European style bread and pastries, good local cheeses and fine wine. Also a café.
- 6 El León Dorado (from Central Park SE, 1 block south and 1 1/2 block east). Excellent bakery with Nicaraguan style bread and pastry. Try their traditional 'picos' bread, which is renowned across the country.
Clothing and fashion
[edit]There are many small clothing and shoe stores around the city. For fast and cheap shoe and clothing repairs, head to the Central Market behind the cathedral.
- 7 Centro de Compras Metropolitano (just north of the Central Market). A market place for clothes in a fine colonial architectural setting. You can also find suitcases and backpacks here.
- 8 JBernhard Designs (from Central Park NW, 1/2 block west). Designer leather products including shirts, belts, holsters, handbags, backpacks and computer cases. Locally made.
Books, magazines and office supplies
[edit]- 9 Buho Books (from San Francisco church, 2½ blocks west). Small independent bookstore. Has books in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish, and maybe other languages as well.
- 10 Librería Universitaria (from La Recolección church, 1/2 block west). The university book store with a good collection of academic literature.
- 11 Librería y Variedades la Bendición (from San Francisco church, 1 block west, 1/2 block north). Small store selling school and office supplies. Friendly personal service.
Souvenirs
[edit]Most souvenir stores closed during the political turmoil that started in 2018, but you can still find plenty of souvenirs from vendors in Central Park. There is also a cluster of small souvenir stalls across from the La Merced church, one block north of Central Park.
Banking
[edit]There is a cluster of banks around the "Esquina de Bancos", located one block north of the northeastern corner of the cathedral, with several ATM machines. At this intersection, you will also find individuals on the sidewalks that will exchange cash from dollars to cordobas, which is more convenient than exchanging at the banks.
Eat
[edit]The city offers a wide variety of restaurants, from fast food to gourmet, including international cuisine. Some of the typical León dishes that you should try are:
- Nacatamales, where meat and vegetables are mixed into a maize dough and cooked in banana leaves
- Quesillo, a corn tortilla filled with cheese and onions, typically eaten as fast food
- Sopa de frijoles, soup using grounded black beans cooked in a broth, with eggs and onions added
- Indio viejo, a rich stew consisting of maize, onions, garlic, achiote, pepper and either beef or chicken
- Chancho con yuca, pork cooked with yucca, typically served with a cabbage salad
- Enchiladitas leonesas, small fried corn tortillas that are orange from the addition of achiote
- Carne en vaho, a typical Sunday stew consisting of salted meat cooked with yucca, plantains, onions, peppers and tomatoes
- Tacos de La Salle, a small rolled up taco filled with shredded chicken or pork, served with coleslaw and sour cream
- Carne asada, grilled beef served with rice, beans, salted cheese and plantains, available both from street vendors and in fancy restaurants
Budget
[edit]Food is sold by street vendors all across town and they are a popular source of energy among the local student population. Some good places to find them are in the Central Park, outside the La Union supermarket, in the Park of the Poets, and by the La Salle School three blocks west of the Central Park.
- 1 Central Market (Mercado Central) (behind the cathedral). Large food court with all sorts of great beans and eggs and rice and fried cheese and cheese-stuffed platanos and thick tortillas. Great for breakfast, you can fill up for a dollar or two. You can also buy fresh-made juices, and gaze in awe at the giant blocks of fried cheese. On the street behind the market is Buen Gusto, where you should grab some Pollo Vino on the cheap.
- 2 Bar y Restaurante Misissipi (Comedor Cucaracaha) (from Central Park SE, 1 block south, 3 1/2 blocks east). Very tasty traditional Nicaraguan food. Great soups. Legendary restaurant popular among the locals. Simple atmosphere.
- 3 Asados Pelibuey (from La Merced church, 1 block west, block north). A simple buffet style restaurant serving grilled chicken, beef, pork and pelibuey (lamb). Very popular among the locals. The restaurant is named after the Pelibuey sheep that does not grow wool, making it suitable for warm climates. C$60.
Mid-range
[edit]- 4 Restaurante Casa Vieja (from San Francisco Church, 1 block north, 20 m west). Small cozy restaurant serving excellent Nicaraguan food. More popular among the Leonéses than tourists. Try their refreshing house lemonade. C$400.
- 5 Tacubaya (from Parque de las Poetas, 2½ blocks north), ☏ +505 8329 6261. 15:00-23:00. Fantastic Latin American food in very nice and pleasant environment. Friendly service. Considered by many to be the best restaurant in León. C$300.
- 6 El Bodegón (from Parque de las Poetas, 1½ blocks north). Nice Cuban food that is popular among tourists, but not quite as good as Tacubaya C$300.
- 7 ViaVia (from central Park NE, two blocks east and 1½ blocks north), [email protected]. 06:30 - 21:30. Popular local and international hangout with live music every Friday and trivia nights on Mondays. Has both international and Nicaraguan food. For typical Nicaraguan food, try a rich and delicious bowl of indio viejo or their excellent nacatamales cooked in banana leaves. In the back there is a hostel with 2 dorm-rooms and 6 well-kept private rooms with bath. C$300.
- 8 El Sesteo (northeast corner of Central Park). Great location with views of the cathedral. Has a diverse menu from typical local food and beverages to fast food.
- 9 Coco Calala (from Iglesia de la Recolleción, 2 blocks east, 1/2 block south). Tasty vegan food. Great fruit drinks. Popular among international travelers. C$250.
- 10 Los Pescaditos (from Sutiava church, 1 block south, 1½ blocks west), ☏ +505 2311 2684. Great seafood restaurant in Sutiava. Worth the walk or cab ride.
Splurge
[edit]- 11 El Victoriano (next to San Fransisco church), ☏ +505 2311 7053. Excellent restaurant at hotel El Convento. C$700.
- 12 La Antigua 1620 (from El Laborio church, 1/2 block east). Excellent food served in the oldest house in León, with many historical pictures on the walls. The taco appetizer is superb. Ask for a table by one of the old windows overlooking the street. C$500.
- 13 Montezerino (at 91 km on the León bypass road, 2 km southeast of the city center), ☏ +505 2311 2638. Meat restaurant serving a good fillet mignon or churrasco. It is open on the sides and serves as a night club at night.
Drink
[edit]Coffee, tea and juice
[edit]- 1 Mañana Mañana Café (North side of cathedral), ☏ +505 8163 7649. 07:00-21:00. Cappuccino, espresso, juice, waffles and paninis in a minimalist setting.
- 2 Café Libélula (from Central Park NW, 2½ blocks west), ☏ +505 8493 4505. M-Sa 6:30-21:00, Su 8:30-14:00. Great coffee and pastries
Bars
[edit]For bar hopping, there is a cluster of bars in "La Zona Rosa", one block west of Central Park.
- 3 La Fabrica (from Central Park NW, 1 block west and 1/2 block north), ☏ +505 8888 5846. Spaceous nicely decorated bar. Salsa dancing on Thursdays.
- 4 El Bárbaro (from Central Park NW, 1 block west and 1/2 block south), ☏ +505 2311 0832. Resurected after the old bar burned down, 1/2 block south of the current location. Soccer and boxing on the TV screens.
- 5 Geckito's Bar (from Central Park NW, 1 block west and 1/2 block south), ☏ +505 2315 2144.
- 6 Snake (from Central Park SW, 1 block west), ☏ +505 2311 5921. A sports bar where you can watch the tele if your companions are too boring. Karaoke on most nights.
- 7 Mijunas (from Central Park SW, one block west and one block south), ☏ +505 2311 0832.
- 8 Gecko's Bar (from Central Park NW, 2 blocks north, 1/2 block west), ☏ +505 2315 2144. Alternative place where diversity is the main ingredient. You will find a wide variety of domestic and imported drinks and some dishes to try.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]Dormitories (many with private rooms as well)
- 1 Hostal Lazybones (from NW corner of Central Park, 1 block west, 1½ blocks north), ☏ +505 2311 3472. Check-out: 11. Clean hostel with real beds and pillows. Included in the price are internet access, coffee/tea and a pool table. Check out the mural. No kitchen access. Dorms US$8, privates w/o bath US$20, private w/bath US$30.
- 2 Volcano Hostel (from NW corner of Cathedral, 3 blocks north, ½ block east), ☏ +505 7530 0378. Friendly, peaceful and clean hostel, where you can relax in one of the hammocks by the pool. Restaurant, wifi, pet friendly (surcharge). privates from $17 (May 2022).
- 3 La Tortuga Booluda (from Central Park SW, 3½ blocks west), ☏ +505 311-4653, [email protected]. A/C optional, free Internet and Wifi, free pancake breakfast, free organic coffee, book exchange, bike rentals. Dorm: US$10, privates: US$20-50 (May 2022).
Private Rooms
- 4 Hostel D´Oviedo (from Central Park SW, 2½ blocks south), ☏ +505 2311 3766. More like a bed and breakfast than a hostel. A lovely Nicaraguan couples have converted their home into a hostel. Breakfast and really fast internet are included. Guests are also allowed to use their kitchen. Room with shared bath $17, with private bath $23, with A/C $45.
Mid-range
[edit]- 5 Los Balcones (from cathedral, 1 block east, then 1 block north), ☏ +505 2311 0250. Has A/C, real mattresses, nice views, hot water, and great service. Friendly English-speaking staff. US$50 per night.
Splurge
[edit]- 6 El Convento (from Central Park NW, 2 blocks west, 1/2 block north), ☏ +505 2311 7053. The most beautiful hotel in León, with rooms organized around a nicely landscaped courtyard. It is located next to the San Francisco church, in what used to be the former Franciscan monastery, and to honor its history, the hotel has some beautiful religious artwork. Worth a visit for lunch or dinner and a walk around the place even if you are not staying there. $113 (May 2022).
- 7 Hotel La Perla (from Central Park NW, 2½ blocks north), ☏ +505 2311 3125. High end hotel in an old building from 1858. Nice pool. $130 (May 2024).
Stay safe
[edit]León is by both Central American and Nicaraguan standards a safe city. You can safely walk in the city center during both the day and in the evening.
Connect
[edit]There is free wifi in th Central Park for anyone to use. Many restaurants and cafés have free internet for their patrons. There are Cybers all over town.
Cope
[edit]Health
[edit]The hospital in León, which is affiliated with the university and its medical school, is one block south of the cathedral. It is crowded and a better option may be to visit one of the private medical clinics scattered around the city. As of July 2025, a new hospital is being built in the northern part of León. With 461 beds, 11 operating rooms and 5 delivery rooms, it's expected to become the largest hospital in Central America, and to be inagurated in September 2025.
There is an abundance of pharmacies throughout the city.
Consulates
[edit]
9 Honorary Consulate of Spain (from Central Park NE, three blocks north), ☏ +505 2311 4376.
Go next
[edit]
- Poneloya and Las Peñitas - Two Pacific Ocean beach towns and fishing villages 20 km southwest of León. Great for swimming, surfing and kayaking.
- The northern beaches of Aposentillo, Juiqilillo, Padre Ramos and Mechapa, for swimming, surfing and kayaking in the Padre Ramos nature reserve. More pristine than Poneloya or Las Peñitas.
- Chinandega - A neighboring commercial city that is even hotter than León. It has an excellent archeological museum and some beautiful churches.
- Estelí - A lively mountain city in the cooler northern part of the country, famous for its murals and cigar makers, and surrounded by nature reserves.
- Ruins of León Viejo — The original site of León on the western shore of Lake Managua at the foot of the Momotombo volcano. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Granada - The other colonial city in Nicaragua. More touristy than León. From the bus terminal, take a minivan to Managua UCA station and transfer to another minivan to Granada. It takes around 4 hours and costs less than C$90.
- Honduras - Only two hours away.
- El Salvador - To El Tunco, El Salvador there is a 10-person direct mini-shuttle with a/c ($45pp, 10 hours). $7pp fee at Nicaragua-Honduras border not included. If you want to avoid Honduras, take a bus to Chinandega and then another bus to Potosí on the Gulf of Fonseca. From there you can take a boat to La Unión in El Salvador.
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