Leon Department
With the Pacific Ocean as its western border, the Leon department of Nicaragua consists of ten municipalities – El Jicaral, El Sauce, La Paz Centro, Larreynaga, Leon, Nagarote, Quezalguaque, San Jose de Achuapa, Santa Rosa del Penon and Telica. The capital of the department is the city of Leon, located in the municipality of the same name.
Leon is a colonial city with a colorful history, including being attacked and virtually destroyed by pirates in 1685. Today the city is full of historic and cultural treasures such as the cathedral which was rebuilt in 1747, and expanded in 1860 becoming the largest cathedral in Central America. The Leon Cathedral is the final resting place of many famous people, including Nicaragua’s beloved poet, Ruben Dario. Other places of interest in Leon include the Museum of Legends and Traditions, the Ruben Dario Museum and a number of churches with historic and architectural value. The original site of the city of Leon, which was abandoned due to volcanic activity in the 17th century, is now known as Leon Viejo and has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical value. Visitors can explore the ruins of Leon Viejo and enjoy the scenic view of the Momotombo Volcano and Lake Managua.
The wide sandy beaches of the Leon department, most notably Poneloya and Las Penitas, offer both local and international holidaymakers the opportunity to enjoy the Pacific Ocean, with many charming seaside towns offering accommodation and a variety of activities. Juan Venada Island at Las Penias is a protected reserve which can be accessed by boat. The mangrove forest of the island serves as a sanctuary for many animals and thousands of birds. Puerto Sandino is popular with surfers due to the consistency of good quality waves. Puerto Sandino plays host to a number of cultural celebrations such as the Palo de Mayo (Maypole) festival, characterized by lively music and dancing to welcome the rainy season and new life.
The Maribios Range of volcanic mountains, some of them quite active, slices its way through the Leon department dominating the landscape. Many of these volcanoes offer excellent hiking and climbing opportunities. Cerro Negro, considered to be Central America’s youngest volcano, is popular for hiking as well as sand-skiing – traveling on a board down the ash covered slopes at high speed – for the more adventurous.
Nicaragua is a fascinating country, rich in history and holding cultural traditions in high esteem. The Leon department of Nicaragua offers aspects of all things that Nicaraguans hold dear and is well worth exploring.
User Comments & Reviews
2010-03-01 21:13:38
To keep Leon and Granada as tourist towns highlighting their colonil days, Managua needs to say the capital. To much poverty exist in the country. If the capital is changed to either Leon or Granada, the extremelly poor will flock to the new capital. I was born in Managua and just got back one week ago. Keep Managua the capital
2010-03-01 19:24:02
hola nicaragua necesita canviar de aministracion para que leon vuelva acer la capital de nicaragua
2010-02-26 21:03:05
my familylives in nicaragua leon is the best please to take a vacation at even in yhe beaches and i agree leon should be the capital of nicaragua
2010-02-26 20:08:27
Hablar de Nagarote es para mi muy especial particularmente recordar buenos tiempos con la familia Salazar-Rivers.
2010-01-29 04:14:05
mmmmm sorry guys but like leon their is no other ancient city he who doesnt know much of history doesnt know the quality of this city if leon was the capital of nicaragua the goverment could reuse all the old ports and make nicaragua more profitable for nicaraguens. and i mean the deal is the we educate the people to make them able to survive by their own means. but unfortunately this wont happen specially with latinos trying not to speak spanish infront of some other fella whom doesnt not speak english. you have too cut that out and make it happen be free nicaragua be free.. but this time for reals.
2010-01-08 00:41:10
I have been in Leon for just a few days and love the place. The old buildings are way cool, the people friendly and the history is rich with the struggle to be freely independant from those who would wish to keep this country enslaved by the wealthy class. Viva revolutiom and freedom everywhere
2009-12-12 20:36:53
El unico comentario que les puedo hacer es que yo soy de ese pueblo maravilloso y estoy muy orgullosa de ser de ahi. Yo conoci a toda esa tan importante familia , mi madre fue gran amiga de esa gran senora esposa de Don Manuel ignacio Pereira, a la cual mi madre quizo mucho, igual a todas sus hijas de las cuales mi madre fue su amiga hasta que mi familia su mudo para managua. Guardo un gran respeto y admiracion por toda esa familia.
2009-11-19 01:27:08
I would like to know if Homosexuality still not safe in Nicaragua and what the Government of Nicaragua is doing to improve the situation of that if they have laws that applies to (...)
2009-11-15 01:01:46
And what is the problem with Karla's comment Jorge??? Is not a secret the situation in Nicaragua. It's just a comment!!! And I do agree with you Karla, I also wish that Leon returns to be the capital of Nicaragua! Viva Leon jodido!!!!!!!
2009-10-19 10:16:36
Dear Marcella, Thank you for visiting Nicaragua.com. In regard to your query about Leon's Cathedral, we would like to invite you to join our interactive forums, www.nicaragua.com/forums/, where community members assist each other with sharing valuable information and destination travel tips.
2009-10-18 16:03:33
Can someone confirm or double check for me if Leon's Cathedral is the oldest in Latin America. A tour guide mentioned it but I wasn't sure. I know it is the oldest Cathedral in Central American but is it in LATIN AMERICA? please let me know.... would appreciate to have actual facts from my beautiful Leon... I am still getting to know my own country and would like facts. Thank you in advance
2009-10-07 19:12:17
I doesnt matter about the CAPITAL in the Country itsself that need HELP. See the real situation Karla an wake up..............
2009-10-02 18:09:22
My commet is that I will like that Leon will be again the capital of Nicaragua...
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