This is a great way to get acquainted with the city before you explore on your own. A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central America. This is a much more strenuous hike than the one to Cerro Negro expect to take 4.5 hours to get all the way to the crater. I was the first one of my group to go, and I am light, so I was actually quite slow. No visit to Leon would be complete without a trip to the roof of the cathedral, also known as the Baslica de la Asuncin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Families rock away the early evening in their rocking chairs, young couples cuddle up out on front stoops, and boys play basketball under the large-scale murals depicting the Sandinista revolution and its leaders. No vaccinations are required to enter the country if you are travelling from Spain. People live here in homes, not houses. During the tour, you will learn about the rum production process, about the history of the factory, and obviously taste rum. Visit the museums Where to eat in Len. This is my 11th trip! The city lives with the sun or rather, without. This popular nightspot has two great dancefloors, with a disco and a separate bar area where you can have a more relaxed night. The cathedral has been around since 1747 and is the largest one in Central America. For an extra charge, you can also get AC in the rooms! 6 Incredible Things to do in Leon Nicaragua There are so many awesome things to do in Leon that you won't have any trouble filling up a few days of your time here. There are a lot of restaurants and bars, none that are all Cabo style tourist spots. It put a huge smile on my face. Here is a list of the ten best hostels in Leon Nicaragua. I also recommend booking your hostel in advance, or youll be left with the less desirable ones the good ones tend to fill up. (1a Calle NE, at the corner of 3a Avenide SE), Cocinarte document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sitting in Hotel Flor De Sarta as I write, a couple blocks off the central square. Adventurous Miriam is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I visited but remember, I have been to Leon three times and the first time I spend three full weeks there! Pan Y Paz A guided walking tour of the city will take you to the most iconic ones and explain the history behind them.. If you do, however, youll get to sleep on top of the volcano, see a gorgeous sunrise and then walk back down to head back to Leon. If so, dont miss our travel tips to help you get around the country. The typical tour starts at around 2:00 pm. It's probably the most exotic place to be while visiting Len. Treat yourself to a meal at this atmospheric restaurant set in a high-ceilinged dining room. Discover new fruits on the market Also be sure to check out their Facebook page as they routinely host open mic nights! Take a spin to find your perfect small-group trip destination, Leon Cathedral, Nicaragua | FTH / Shutterstock. The best way to get there is by taxi or on a guided tour. Thats because the steps to walk up are too narrow for people to go up and down at the same time. INTERESTED IN ECO-TOURISM? Watch out as locals strap on a bull-shaped frame and charge around town launching fireworks at onlookers. The museum is located in a building that was seized by the revolution forces at the time of the revolution it used to be the headquarters of the telecommunication company. The difference with Leon is that the city has struck a perfect balance of tradition and modernity. A full meal which includes gallo pinto, a meat option, cabbage salad, a corn tortilla and a drink costs around $4 or $5 USD cant beat that! Its a beautiful church where you will find respite from the terrible heat outside. Pan & Paz 834 reviews Closed today Bakeries, French $$ - $$$ Menu 17.8 mi Leon The pastries and cakes are low quality,. Tempted to visit this incredible city? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. If you dont want to stay in a hostel, Ive got good news for you: There are several inexpensive small hotels and guesthouses in Leon Nicaragua. Holy Week is a big deal in Latin America, and Leon is home to some great celebrations. In 10 years, I expect it will get infiltrated more and more by extranjeros and get more commercial. Learn the history of the City of Lions 3. You need to go on a guided tour as it is easy to get lost in the area, and for obvious safety reasons. Eat Local in Len - TasteAtlas These are the main cities from where you can go to Len, Nicaragua: Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities. Where and what to eat in Len, Nicaragua? By far, my favorite way to spend a Thursday night was salsa dancing with the locals at la Olla Quemada . The Complete Guide To Becoming A More Responsible Traveler. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. VISIT LEON ON THIS 9-DAY TRIP TO 5 AMAZING CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNTRIES. Leon offers a chance to truly embed yourself in Nica Life, something thats much harder to do in cities like Granada. The menu is basic and cheap: You can choose between pasta and sandwiches, and Wednesdays is pizza night where they offer a good pizza & beer deal. The city is safe, but you are advised to exercise caution and keep an eye on your belongings. I like the beaches here. Make sure to hire a guide that can give you some interesting insights. Leon is a culturally rich and vibrant colonial city in Nicaragua that is home to museums, university students, churches, restaurants, and cafes. Typically announced by drumroll, these giant puppets (there are 4 characters) are maneuvered by children, who go around town for some easy cash. Good Luck Picking Adventures While In Leon, Nicaragua! Its family run, and they make lovely textiles from 100% excellent quality cotton or wool yarn- blankets and throws, bags, and even wooden items you can use to give a colorful touch to your place back home. Ok, to be fair there arent that many shops in Leon not the way we think of them anyways so you would not really want to suggest that shopping is one of the ultimate things to do in Leon. BarBaro also has free wi-fi. They have Indian or Thai Curry, Falafel, and heaping plates of salad and pasta. To reach places that are further apart, or if you are in a rush to get back to your accommodation or the heat got the best of you, you can opt for one of the shared taxis dont be surprised if you jump on to find someone sitting there already, its 100% normal. The official language in Nicaragua is Spanish. Learn the history of the City of Lions, 6. Is this your first trip to Nicaragua? The food is excellent and El Desayunazo is stuffed with locals and tourists alike, so its best to get there early, as they are only open til noon. Walk in cooler. Hi Meridith, glad to hear you loved Leon, too! Leons central market is one of the cleanest we have come across in Central America and it is fun to walk around, discover new fruit and veg, such as Zapote or Caimito, taste the popular corn drink Chicha, or dabble in rather dubious culinary delights like fresh (as in still alive) iguanas. You will find a few local restaurants once you get off the bus. Make the modifications you need, and youll be all set for your trip. Leon has a fabulous, modern movie theater right in the center of the town, within walking distance of all the hostels. Visit three important museums Museum of Legends & Traditions Contemporary Art Museum Museum Of The Revolution 8. THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Leon (Updated July 2023) - Tripadvisor These are leftover from the revolutionaries attack, back when the building served as the dictators Palace of Communications. I have been several times, and to me the best month is December. The church was built in 1786. Their cappuccino Libelula is amazing. This is how Leon feels in general the city runs for its people, not for the tourists. Another great poets house is just up the road the Museo Alfonso Cortes ($1). Once inside, however, it can get very chaotic, especially in peak hours so bring only the strict necessary, just in case pickpockets are around! Would May be a bad time to visit? For some of the best coffee and breakfast in town, you cant go wrong with Pan y Paz. Tourism Things to see Hotels Restaurants Photos Places to eat in Len. Italy or Spain? I was surprised by how non-touristy and authentic Len is. Watch out as locals strap on a bull-shaped frame and charge around town launching fireworks at onlookers. Keep in mind that most streets have no names, so you really have to go by counting blocks either north or south, usually starting from the Parque Central the main square. The main market of Leon is the recently renovated Mercado Central, which is located north of the main square. Leon, Nicaragua: 21 Best Things To Do - My Adventures Across The World It is the largest cathedral in all of Central America and one of the oldest, having been built in the early 19th century in the electric style. Granada has fallen into the same trap as several Central American spots which cater so intensely to tourists that they erase the genuine colonial culture that made the city worth preserving and showcasing in the first place. Len, Nicaragua, is definitely a city full of charm that hides a thousand stories. Hike to the top and slide down on a sandboard for a fun day out. Restaurants in Nicaragua 1 Managua Restaurants 2 Granada Restaurants 3 San Juan del Sur Restaurants 4 Leon Restaurants 5 Esteli Restaurants 6 Isla de Ometepe Restaurants 7 Masaya Restaurants 8 Matagalpa Restaurants 9 Rivas Restaurants 10 Tola Restaurants 11 Big Corn Island Restaurants 12 Chinandega Restaurants 13 Bluefields Restaurants 14 The main exhibit contains bits and pieces that will walk you through Leons main traditions; but the external area is decorated with murals recollecting the sad events that took place in the prison. The people of Leon dont let much get them down, certainly not a few hours without water. Theres also a pool, but it wasnt in use at the time we were there. Where to Eat and Drink in Len: TripHobo Nicknamed the land of lakes and volcanoes, it offers a wealth of natural beauty and some incredible cities. There's some rocks out there that maybe make people say they aren't nice? You will have to take your shoes off, and make sure to wear sunglasses as the sun reflects the light from the white paint, and it will blind you. Len is a city that hides a thousand secrets that have travelled from generation to generation through legends and myths. For a guided food tour of Leon that also goes to the market, click here. Learn how your comment data is processed. Leon has loads of international eateries and cheap Nicaraguan joints in town, and unlike in Granada, the restaurants in Leon do not add 15% sales tax to your bill. Nicaragua is a country in Central America.It has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea, in the east, and the North Pacific Ocean, in the west, and has Costa Rica to the southeast and Honduras to the northwest.. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America with an area of 130,373km and contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua (Lake Nicaragua) or Cocibolca. Flor de Caa factory is located located about 30 minutes drive from town, in Chicigalpa, on the way Chinandega. It just is charming. Although the climb can be a little tough, its worth it for the descent, which you can do by running, walking or sliding on a kind of sled. Below are a few places that I have tried during my trips: Leon doesnt have as many fancy restaurants as Granada, but you will find a few good places to have a meal and if you are stuck, you can still opt for the fritangas the little barbecue carts in the streets. What was supposed to be a one-year trip turned into an indefinite journey around the globe..Read the full story here. The museum is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Most people are back home by 6:00 pm. You can book your tour of Somoto Canyon here. The Museo de Leyendas y Tradiciones, located in a former prison, displays life-size traditional folk heroes of Leon as well as depicting the cruel torture methods used here. Where to eat in Nicaragua. Leon is a very progressive city. Learn more about me here My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. Plantains are another staple of Nicaraguan cuisine. PAN Y PAZ -Len- Had a taxi driver not told us about the roof of Leons cathedral, we would have never known you can climb up. If San Juan del Sur is Nicaraguas fresh-out-of-university party destination, Leon is its artsy, slightly sophisticated older cousin. *. Shop! Hostal Lazybones is another hostel with a swimming pool, and while the hostel rooms are basic, the common areas are awesome: theres a pool table, rocking chairs to relax in, and lovely views over Leon from the second floor. As Leon is literally surrounded by volcanoes, you may want to hike another one. Are you planning for a weekend trip or a casual day out? You can use expresos shuttle buses that connect the main cities without intermediate stops. The Brie baguette ($2.50) is perfect on whole wheat or white baguettes, while the chocolate and almond croissants for less than $1 are to die for! I lived in Leon with a family for 2 months when I was 15. There are usually two that go around together. Have you ever fallen in love with a city that others might not consider a gem? In our post, How to cook an Old Indian, we describe the experience of a cooking course in Leon from going to the market where you shop the ingredients and stopping by the tortilla makers to try to make your own to and cooking with a Nicaraguan lady who welcomes you with open arms into her home. The weather is always hot in Nicaragua, unless you to to the mountains, to places like Esteli or Matagalpa where the weather is more pleasant. Pro tip: order one of the curries and get an Indian quesadilla to share with a friend. Len, Nicaragua - ViaNica.com Come join us for breakfast &lunch and don't forget to bring your swimsuit! I'll add to your excellent recommendations Cafe Liblula. Tourism Things to see Hotels Restaurants Photos Places to eat in Len. On the contrary, the city is far from perfect.For starters, Leon is hot, temperatures waver between 90-95F during the summer months. Make sure to read my post What To Expect When Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro, Nicaragua. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Pro trip: You will be asked to remove your shoes, in order to preserve the brilliantly white floors so be prepared. You can tour the factory and then have a rum tasting experience. BarBaro is a relatively new restaurant and bar which gets packed on the weekend thanks to a huge cocktail menu and creative drinks for $2 $4, or beer for less. ($1, 4a Calle SE / Avenida Central). This is the best museum in Len, and probably the best museum of contemporary art in Central America. The organic coffee is good and there is a daily changing selection of fresh fruit juices for less than $0.70. It is located just 100km from the capital of Nicaragua, and although it is often overshadowed by other cities such as Granada, the truth is that more and more tourists come to see the charms of this beautiful university city where culture and tradition are mixed. The center itself is an attractive destination due to its museums, art galleries, colorful colonial architecture, an imposing cathedral, and the facades of its churches. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. If you dont mind large groups, you may consider joining the free walking tour that starts from the Northwest corner of the Cathedral every day at 9:00 am, 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm they are run by Guru Walks. Thank you for this post, you said everything I have always thought about this beautiful place and so very eloquently and accurately. Whatever. As a visitor you are not catered to. El Coplero is the one that recites poems and El Tamborilero plays the drum, to which rhythm La Gigantona and El Enano Cabezon dance. Lunaflor This fantastic arrival on Matagalpa's dining scene will be a godsend to travelers bored with typical nica cuisine, with curry and teriyaki-based dishes, C Top Choice Cornerhouse Easily the most stylish eating venue on this corner of the island. Youll find it a couple of blocks away from the main square. They live just beyond the citys fresh coat of paint, with unpaved roads and makeshift housing well hidden from the well-distracted tourist. Quetzaltrekkers and other tour operators offer volcano hikes (including overnight hikes) or volcano boarding in Leon for the more adventurous climbers. The fare is 13 crdobas. All-day breakfast is served at this rustic-chic cafe just uphill from the port; the T Pan y Paz is the best bakery in Leon. The Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado is a nice place you can easily visit from Leon, not far from Poneloya Beach. Restaurant, food truck inspections: Tallahassee area, July 17-23 11 Amazing Things to do in Len Nicaragua Walkabout Wes 1. For a more formal education in all things revolutionary be sure to stop by the Museo Histrico de la Revolucin where you can learn everything about the national history from the devastating earthquake of The tour lasts for about 1.5-2 hours depending on your guide, group, and how many questions you ask. The climate is warm all year round, but between June and December is the rainy season. Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities. What To Expect When Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro, Nicaragua. My Adventures Across The World is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. Best restaurants Len, Len & Northwestern Nicaragua - Lonely Planet You will probably cringe when you enter this museum, but I promise you it is not as bad as it looks. The cathedral is Central Americas biggest, and $2 gets you up to the roof to see some amazing views of the city and the dynamic volcano chain surrounding it. Which historical site Everything you need to know about the Great Serengeti or Masai Mara? The best way to move around Leon is on foot. 15-20 JANUARY - International Dariana Poetry Symposium, Len. Alfombras for Semana Santa in Leon, Nicaragua | Zenia Nuez. It hasn't been veneered with a glossier simulacrum of its original self like Granada has, and like so many places in the world have, to the extent that you can't tell what is legitimate and what is imitative. There are many more things to do in Leon, Nicaragua than you would imagine. Since the market has such a variety of fruits and vegetables, we would advise staying somewhere with a kitchen, in order to sample the markets offerings. Therefore, the only way to reach the municipality is by road or bus. Whenever hungry & wanting to rest, Coco Calala is offering the best: - refreshing juices, nourishing smoothies, tasty plant based salads, tacos, & yummy burger meals. (1a Calle SE, at the corner of 2a Avenida SO). Admission is free and the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 12pm and from 2am to 5pm. The entrance fee is 5 and there are no buses from the city, so youll have to go by taxi or private vehicle. Where To Stay In Leon Nicaragua: Best Hotels - Voices of Travel Everything you said about Leon is true and I think the most important part for me is what we could stand to learn from the people of Leon; family is more important than wealth, and nothing is worth too much stress. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Book small-group adventures here and explore the world, while being good to it. High Priority: Single-use gloves not changed as . Here youll be able to taste Cerro Negro Brewing Company beers, all made by using local ingredients and all having names of important natural sites around the region. Hostal Lazybones This curious museum contains many of these stories that the guide will tell you in detail. The peak of the revolution was reached in 1979. It's the second largest city in the country, and is full of personality, charm, and wonderful people. Finding a good place to stay in Leon is easy. Leon, Nicaragua . The museum is located in two beautiful colonial buildings with rooms set around a gorgeous garden, and lovely natural light gets into each of them. You can easily get there by bus, which leaves every hour from the centre and takes half an hour to get there. Restaurants in Len Leon de Juda The food at Leon de Juda is delicious. Celebrate a National Holiday There's a lot to do in & nearby the student city of Leon. His house has been converted into a significant museum. Founded in 1524, Len is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. The beaches are wide, sandy, and endless, and the water goes straight on to Japan from here. I visited the church many times, and even at my best attempt I was only able to find 3. (2 blocks East and then 2 blocks North from Parque Central, opposite ViaVia hostel; dorms US$6, double rooms $15). El Bodegon 462 reviews Open Now Latin, Cuban $$ - $$$ 18.1 mi Leon The ceviche was delicious and Matthew is a very very kind waiter. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. U.S. has welcomed more than 500,000 migrants as part of historic Producing some of the best quality rum in the world, Flor de Caa prides itself in running in a sustainable way, using renewable energy and only using natural ingredient to produce its rum. Here are a few of our favourite places to stay: Len does not have its own airport, the nearest being in the countrys capital. Wed love to hear your stories and suggestions! 10 Things to See and Do in Leon, Nicaragua - Culture Trip Keep in mind that it is not equipped at all so you will have to bring everything you need for the day, including an umbrella for some shade. Leon is surrounded by volcanoes and the coastal beaches of the Pacific are not far. In one day you can see the city centre, the cathedral and the museums. It's a beautiful church where you will find respite from the terrible heat outside. Discover restaurants in Len: great places to eat and dining recommendations from other travelers . People love it & we (my husband and I) loved it too, for days. Make sure to spot the tomb of Ruben Daro, Nicaraguas most famous poet.

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