Where else can you visit a city in the wake of a recent revolution and go volcano boarding one hour later? Leon was the epicenter for the Nicaraguan Revolution. The city proudly teaches you what it means to experience a revolution from a dictator through its poetic murals, monuments and stunning colonial architecture. Near all this culture is a geological revolution with 5 volcanoes in view from town. I spent 2 incredible days in Leon and now consider this one of my favorite travel destinations in the world. So, read on to discover how to plan for a Leon Nicaragua travel itinerary.
My Travel Experience in Leon, Nicaragua
In March I traveled with an Intrepid Travel Tour group to Leon for 2 days. We spent a day in Leon exploring the fascinating history through walking tours, museums and monuments. Then, the next day we experienced volcano boarding at Cerro Negro and a sunset hike at Mt. Telica. I became so captivated by how rich Leon is in both history and nature.
My biggest recommendation for Leon is to read up on its recent history regarding the revolution before visiting. I summarized below the history in a nutshell. Also, getting the most out of the outdoor adventures requires planning. Truly, 2 days felt like only scratching the surface. I included extra things to see and do if you have more time.
About Leon
Leon lies in the coastal lowlands of northwestern Nicaragua along the Río Chiquito. To the east within view are volcanoes and hills of the central highlands. Leon has long been the political and intellectual center of Nicaragua. This city has a rich history and was the battleground for the Nicaraguan Revolution in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Leon’s National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN) is the second oldest university in Central America. The weather in Leon gets very hot with November to January being the best months to visit. The rainy season runs June to September bringing humidity.
“Every Nicaraguan is a poet until proven otherwise” summarizes Nicaragua’s deep enthusiasm for poetry. This bohemian city is home to many of Nicaragua’s famous poets, such as, Ruben Dario, Salomon de la Selva and Alfonso Cortes. Darío is the icon of the Modernism Poetic Movement of the late 1800s to early 1900s.
About Nicaraguan Revolution & Contra War
Nicaragua was under the Somoza dictatorship from the 1930’s until the Nicaraguan Revolution in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) ousted the dictatorship in 1978-9. Then, Nicaragua became the proxy war battleground for the Soviet Union/United States Cold War. The United States backed the right-winged rebels known as the Contra’s against the leftist FSLN.
Thousands of Nicaraguans lost their lives during the Contra War. The Contras performed horrific human rights violations against the Nicaraguan Government. Finally in 1989, the signing of the Tela Accord demobilized the FSLM and Contra armies.
How Leon became “The City of Revolution”
Leon was founded by the Conquistadors in 1524. It has long been in rivalry with Granada for being the capital city of Nicaragua. Both cities are steeped in history with beautiful colonial architecture. After years of going back and forth, in 1852 a compromise was made making Managua the capital.
The roots of the revolution are in Leon as this is where the first of 3 Somoza dictators was assassinated. Later, students from Leon and Managua formed the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). Also, Leon was the first city liberated from the dictatorship.
Today, many of the Leon locals still identify with the Sandinista Party and you can learn about it all on the streets. The expressive murals along with narrated exhibits explain the history on the Leon streets.
Murals of Nicaraguan Revolution
In the 1980’s during the Sandinista Revolution, Mural brigades spread across Nicaragua. Over 300 revolutionary murals were created to express the struggles and vision for the new government. Important themes included women’s rights, literacy and anti-imperialism. Unfortunately, after the Sandinista’s became defeated in the 90’s, most of the murals were destroyed. However, in Leon 26 murals remain exhibited in the town center.
My 2-Day Leon Nicaragua
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 in the City Center
Historical Walking Tour
Leon is an open-air museum being the setting for the Nicaraguan Revolution in the 1980’s with colorful murals and colonial architecture. You literally learn the history by walking the streets through murals, bullet holes and relics of the past. The Original Free Walking Tour meets daily at 9 am and 4 pm from Plaza Central at Juan Jose Quezada. This historical tour brings to life many of the historical landmarks.
At the Central Plaza is the baroque Catedral de Leon, the largest cathedral in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I climbed to the white roof for fantastic views of the city and volcanoes in the background. The Nicaraguan poet, Ruben Dario, is a national icon and buried next to the marble lion inside the cathedral. The Mercado Central is located just across the street from the Cathedral. Inside the renovated market is fresh produce and handicrafts. Nicaragua is known for having some of the world’s best cashews so give them a try here.
In the middle of the day when it is really hot outside, consider the excellent museums in Leon.
Museo de Revoluceon
The small Museum of Revolution sits near the Central Park and offers tour guides who experienced the revolution firsthand. Here’s your chance to take a deep dive and learn about the Nicaraguan history with photos, memorabilia and exhibits. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and the tour takes about an hour.
Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián
The Ortiz Gurdián Foundation Art Center showcases some of the best contemporary art in Central America. The European and Central American art is housed in a beautiful colonial mansion with and an indoor courtyard near the Iglesia San Francisco. It features famous artists, such as Picasso and Warhol and is open every day except Monday.
Popular Leon Restaurants, Bars & Street food
There are numerous bars and restaurants in Leon. With only 2 days I didn’t get a chance to try all these recommendations. There is plenty of street food options to sample in the Central Park area.
Pan & Paz French Bakery & Café – This is a wonderful place to get a quick croissant and coffee or sit down for lunch with quiche, baguette and watermelon juice or wine.
El Sesteo – This restaurant is in the heart of the city near the corner of Park Central. It offers traditional Nicaraguan cuisine with views of the Cathedral.
Batidos Pitaya – This is Leon’s most popular smoothie and health café. Here are refreshing options for health conscious travelers.
Bar Terraza El Mirador – This is one of the best places to catch a Leon sunset view. It is a perfect place at the end of the day to see the stunning views of the city and volcanoes.
Coco Calala Vegan Restaurant – Vegan or not, this restaurant provides hearty, fresh options that are delicious and unique. Our group ate here and we all loved our meals. The setting is very pleasant with an outdoor courtyard surrounded by tropical plants.
Day 2: Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro
and Mt Telica Sunset Hike
Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro
Most popular thing to do in Leon!
Volcano boarding at Cerro Negro is one of the best things to do in Nicaragua. It is one of the few places in the world where you can experience this unique adventure. Plus, you can control your speed. So, almost anyone can do it! It is only available on an organized tour and requires planning.
Related: Epic Nicaragua Volcano Boarding Tours at Cerro Negro – Tips & How to Plan
Just a 45-minute drive from Leon, the Cerro Negro (“black hill”) is the youngest volcano in Central America. It first appeared in 1850 and last erupted in 1999. This basaltic cinder cone stands at about 728 meters high with steep sides. A popular tour group run by the person who invented the sport is Big Foot Hostel Leon. Another good local tour group is Volcano Day.
Volcano Hikes
León is surrounded by five different volcanoes. Each one is at different levels of difficulty. SanCristóbal and Momotombo are more challenging while Telica is easier. Our group did a tour taking a very rough 1-hour 4WD adventure to the active Mt. Telica for the sunset hike to the crater.
The hike up to the summit was a moderate hike offering epic sunset views. However, the winds were not in our favor for the epic views of lava at the crater. We did get a glimpse of the glowing rocks or lava. I recommend bringing a headlamp or flashlight for the night hike down the rocky terrain after sunset.
Other Things to Do Near Leon, Nicaragua
Ruins of Leon Viego
The Ruins of Leon Viejo is another UNESCO World Heritage Site near Leon. About 30 km from Leon, this Spanish colonial settlement was destroyed by an earthquake. Later, it became buried by the ash and sentiment from the Momotombo Volcano eruption in 1610. The ruins were discovered in 1967 with excavations beginning the following year.
Beaches
León has two beautiful beaches located within an hour of the city. Playa Las Peñitas is just 30 minutes away and has lots of ocean view restaurants with fresh seafood. Further away is Playa El Tránsito. This quaint fishing village sees less tourists, however, it’s known for its surfing and natural tide pools.
Surfing Turtle Lodge
The Surfing Turtle Lodge offers many things in one, just a half-hour drive outside of Leon. From surf lessons to baby turtle releases this accommodation guarantees a nature break for wellness. Three different turtles live on this beach: the hawksbill, olive ridley and leatherback. The lodge funds the hatchery and guest donations support the cause.
Turtles return to the hatching site from which they were born to lay their own eggs. The best time to release the baby sea turtles is from September through February. This is the peak nesting and hatching season. Turtles are released at night on the day they hatch because there are fewer predators in the evening. However, you won’t know until the day so you need to be flexible. We had a tour arranged to see the release of the baby turtles. However, it became cancelled because the turtles didn’t hatch that day.
Leon, Nicaragua Accommodations
We loved our stay at the Hotel Real de Leon. It is just a few blocks from the Central Square with a beautiful layout. Its decor includes stylish colonial, Spanish wooden furniture, splashed with a tropical plant garden and small swimming pool. The rooftop terrace is a great place for some drinks and socializing. Stay tuned as next year I may return to Nicaragua and include a stay at the Surfing Turtle Lodge mentioned above to see the baby turtles being released on the coast.
Enjoy Leon!
Leon Nicaragua is truly one of the most unique destinations in the world. Where else can you experience the wake of a revolution and volcano board in one day? And it’s not all touristy like its neighbor Costa Rica. I can’t wait to go back and add more to tell you about it. If your travels bring you to Leon, please share any tips below in the comments.
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