León is a land of volcanoes, hot weather and interesting cities. Here, visitors will find the ruins of one of the first Spanish colonial cities that were built in the continent, which are preserved thanks to the volcanic sand that buried the place after an eruption. The elegant city of León preserves its attractive historical center and colonial buildings. Also, there are many natural attractions as well as little known and remote rural areas.

Leon is one of the most important cities in the country. 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. The city also has hotels, restaurants, local tour operators, bars and clubs. It is also a good starting point to explore the region.

This department has a coastline in Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán) and also features two major attractions: the ruins of the first city of León and the Momotombo volcano, which caused the destruction of the city in 1610. Nowadays, this area is known as 'Leon Viejo' (old Leon), and still preserves some of the buildings of this ancient city. Momotombo, which its almost perfect cone, happens to be a challenge when it comes to climb it.

Leon has eight volcanoes, all of which are part of the 'Cordillera de Los Maribios'. The most interesting might be Cerro Negro, which is a young, small volcano that offers incredible views and slopes to practice snowboarding. Other sites are the volcanoes of Santa Clara, Momotombito (volcano/island) and the natural reserves of Pilas-El Hoyo and Telica-Rota. Also, there are two volcanic lagoons: Asososca and Monte Galan.

There are even more attractions in Leon, such as several beaches on the Pacific Ocean, which are spread throughout the municipalities of Nagarote and Leon. Both municipalities have beaches with infrastructure, while others remain in their natural state. El Velero, El Tránsito and Puerto Sandino (good waves for surfing and a nice estuary) are located in Nagarote. On the other hand, the municipality of Leon has the most famous ones: Poneloya and Las Peñitas. In front of the last one, tourists will find the Juan Venado Island Natural Reserve.

The department has 10 municipalities. All of them have their own attractions and characteristics. Besides what we have mentioned before, the small towns of La Paz Centro and Nagarote also have interesting sites, including the delicious, traditional 'quesillo', which is served in many establishments located on the 'Carretera Nueva a León' and in the urban centers. It is also worth to mention that the majority of Leon's municipalities are rural and tourism is yet to be developed.

More In León

León

Leon has one of the most impressive colonial cities in the country. Here, tourists will find hotels, restaurants, bars, tour operators, museums, cultural centers, several colonial churches and the largest cathedral in Central America. Leon also has a couple of famous beaches: Poneloya and Las Peñitas. The Juan Venado Island Natural Reserve is located close to the last beach, featuring abundant marine life and mangrove vegetation. The municipality is also famous for the festivities held in honor of Virgin Mary