Hostels in LEON, NICARAGUA

Leon – All about Beaches and Volcanoes

Leon, Nicaragua’s second largest city has a lot to offer to its visitors ranging from beaches and water sports to heritage buildings and natural wonders.

History
The city was established by the Spanish in 1524 but it had to face destruction in 1610 because of Momotombo’s volcanic eruption and Lake Managua’ flooding. The inhabitants were forced to relocate in Subtiava, which was around 20 miles away. The city also faced a deadly attack by the pirates in 1685. For many years between 1839 and 1858, Leon served as the Nicaraguan capital alternatively with Granada because of the ideological differences between Liberals and Conservatives (who supported Granada).

Popular Places and Attractions
The Cathedral of Leon is Central America’s biggest cathedral. It is popular for its underground cellars, giant sculptures, bells and tombs of some of Nicaragua’s most famous people like Ruben Dario, a poet. The Museums of Fundacion Ortiz and its Latin American art collection, the Ruben Dario Museum and the Museum of Traditions and Legends are some other important city monuments.

The beaches of Las Penitas and Poneloya are popular for their relaxed atmosphere. The Juan Venado Island located along Las Penitas is a protected wildlife reserve. The active Momotombo volcano and the volcanoes of Cerro Negro and El Hoyo are some other natural attractions around the city.

Some of the other popular attractions are San Jacinto’s hot springs and the accompanying Telica Volcano which is supposedly responsible for these hot springs, El Fortin, the Subtiava Church, lagoons in La Paz Centro, Subtiava Museum, the 600 year old tree called El Tamarindon and the churches of La Merced, San Juan, El Cavario, La Recollecion and San Francisco, and Leon Viejo, the abandoned city which is also a World Heritage Site.

Getting Around
Buses, taxis, rented cars, bikes, bicycles and rouletos (trucks) serve the transportation needs of Leon’s visitors, a good guide is to have some change handy to pay for your travel. Walking tours are also quite popular.

Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, cafes, bars, theatres, cinemas, clubs and discos are good places for entertainment in Leon. But, most of Leon’s entertainment activities are related with adventure. Volcano trekking, hiking and sand-skiing around Leon’s volcanoes, kayaking and swimming in its lakes and surfing at Puerto Sandino are some of Leon’s most attractive activities. Trips are often arranged for volcano boarding and trekking. You can visit Nagarote and La Paz Centro for finding out the traditional culinary offerings, especially the Quesillas. The celebrations of Palo de Mayo in Puerto Sandino are also worth visiting.

Accommodation
Luxurious and budget hotels, youth hostels, guesthouse, bed & breakfast, dorm rooms and private rooms can be found in Leon for fulfilling tourist accommodation requirements.

Currency
The Nicaraguan Gold Cordoba (NIO) is the official Nicaraguan currency, for the latest exchange rates check the news & internet. The acceptability of credit cards and traveller’s cheques is decent but not wide. Banks and Foreign Exchange Bureau provide money exchange services.

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