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Things to do in León (Department)

Our most recommended things to do in León (Department)

From León: Hike and Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro

1. From León: Hike and Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro

On this 5-hour tour from León you experience the adventure of volcano boarding. You take a 45-minute drive from León City to Cerro Negro. From the main entrance of the volcano you walk for approximately 2 hours to the top. It is rocky and there is no shade, but once you are at the top you have the best views over the Volcano Chain of León. You can walk around the crater and can see how active this volcano actually is. Cerro Negro is the youngest volcano of Central America but it is also one of the most active. Once at the top you can enjoy volcano boarding your way down the ash side. Feel the rush as you stand up snowboard style or sit down! Feel the heat and smell the sulfur gases as you reach speeds up to 70 kilometers per hour!

Leon: Colonial City Tour

2. Leon: Colonial City Tour

Nicaragua is a land of volcanoes, a hot climate, and interesting cities. Visit the well-preserved ruins of one of the first Spanish colonial cities built on the continent. You’ll see several places of interest on your 3-hour guided tour of the elegant city of León. Admire the attractive, preserved historical center and its colonial buildings. In addition you’ll see many natural attractions in the area around the city. Leon is known as Nicaragua’s most liberal city, and as an intellectual center that features the country’s largest student population. Your guide will show you Sutiaba, an indigenous neighborhood, followed by visits to the Ruben Dario Museum and the Museum of Myths and Legends. See the Cathedral and head up to its rooftop for the views. Explore the central square and admire its murals.

Telica at Twilight: 8-Hour Volcano Excursion from León

3. Telica at Twilight: 8-Hour Volcano Excursion from León

Visit the Telica Volcano, one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes, on an 8-hour trip from León. Depart at 14:00, walking for 3-4 hours until you reach the foot of the volcano. Then begin a 1-2 climb up to the crater. The climb will be steep but not entirely difficult. Along the way you'll see plenty of native vegetation and have the opportunity to take in the views. Before reaching the crater, cross a beautiful valley with grass, trees, and stones. At the top, watch and the sunset, a truly magnificent site. Then, once it is dark, hike the final short distance up to the crater to see the lava glowing in the twilight. It's a pretty spectacular sight.

Managua: 4-Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour

4. Managua: 4-Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour

Admire all the wonders Managua has to offer on this guided city highlights tour. From the lively city center to the breathtaking views from the Tiscapa Lagoon, discover the history behind every turn with your local guide. Start your walking adventure at the Ruben Dario Monument, make a turn, and see the Ruben Dario National Theatre. Learn about the powerful cultural and literary influence of Ruben Dario from your guide as you stroll. Continue to Plaza la Fe and see the statue of Simon Bolivar, a figure of independence and revolution throughout South America. Enter the bustling city center and explore Parque Central and the historical Plaza de la Revolución. From here, make your way to the Casa Presidential and see the main office of the president. Arrive at the Old Cathedral and marvel at the neoclassical architecture. Visit the National Palace of Culture, formally a royal residence, and see the Roosevelt Monument.

Leon: Volcano Board Adventure on Cerro Negro

5. Leon: Volcano Board Adventure on Cerro Negro

Test your sense of adventure and feel the adrenaline thrill of boarding down the Cerro Negro just outside of Leon. Think of it as like snowboarding - or sand boarding - except on the black lava of an imposing volcano. Designated a protected area, Cerro Negro provides the breathtaking location for this action packed tour, starting with an early morning transfer by 4WD truck. After an approximate 40-minute drive, you will be at the base of Cerro Negro wondering how on earth you will reach the top. Once at the top, you will wonder how on earth you will ever get back down again! Before you do, take some time to observe the majestic volcano and surrounding forest. Then, fully kitted out in your jumpsuit, goggles and board, climb aboard the sled like volcano board and slide back down to base at blood-rushing speeds! Some refreshments will be waiting at the foot of Cerro Negro as your reward, and after a short rest, the truck will take you back to Leon.

Granada: City Walking Tour and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

6. Granada: City Walking Tour and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Walk through the main streets of the Colonial city of Granada. • Visit of its main tourist attractions (The Historic Cemetery of the Colonial City, The Old La Pólvora Fortress, Church of María Auxiliadora, Torre de la Merced, Xalteva Walls, Xalteva Church, Central Park, Granada Cathedral, Museum of San Francisco). • Tour of 45 minutes in volanta drawn by horses. • Independent driver and small groups ensuring the attention of the Guide during the tour. • Daily departures in the morning or in the afternoon. • Suitable for the whole family.

Managua: 3-Day Granada, Masaya, and Leon Tour

7. Managua: 3-Day Granada, Masaya, and Leon Tour

Day 1: Stop by the Masaya Volcano National Park before learning about the history and culture of locals 500 years ago by visiting the park's museum. Throughout the day you can also hike to the other 3 extinct craters and see the beautiful landscape from the park, from where you can view Lake Managua and the city. Later, pass by Granada islets and meet a cute family of monkeys, before getting off the boat to learn about the San Palo Fortress which was built more than 250 years ago. You will then take a nice walking tour through the colonial city of Granada as your guide narrates the history of the city, with a visit to the chocolate museum included. Finally, enjoy the nice breeze at the lookout of Catarina Hill where you will have the option to enjoy a little hiking. Day 2: Stop at the Ruins of Leon Viejo to learn about how Nicaragua was first colonized by the Spanish, before taking pictures from Momotombo Volcano. Following that, stop at Leon where you will Learn about the history, culture, and the great poet Ruben Dario, before taking a walk on top of the roof of the cathedral. Day 3: On your final day you'll stop at the Masaya Crafts Market where you can shop for souvenirs to take home. You'll then stop at Masaya to visit the city and the main church, which sits in its central park. Following that, stop by the Coyotepe Fortress, where you will learn how this building was used as a political prison in the 80s. You will later stop at Laguna de Apoyo to relax on the shore of the lagoon, before encountering the Masaya Volcano in the evening. This final stop will allow you to take stunning pictures with the orange of the lava in the background, and will also allow you to see the volcano's magma.

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What people are saying about León (Department)

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 23 reviews

I do strongly recommend this tour. Our guide, Frank, was really nice and fun and obviously very experienced with volcano hikes. He told us many interesting facts what made the trip from Leon to the vulcan enjoyable. The hike is definitely among the easier ones, just don't forget to bring water as it gets really hot especially at the top (been there at the end of August). The ride down is really fun and surprisingly not even that fast as one would expect, so no need to worry about that. Just be prepared to have the ash everywhere and a proper shower is needed to get it all out of your hair. At the end we were offered some fruits, which was a really nice bonus :)

Lester was our guide, he was very knowledgeable about the geography of the region as well as volcano boarding. Nothing in the world can prepare you for what you are about to do. Climbing up the volcano was difficult with the wind blowing at you and the volcanic rock slightly shifting beneath your feet.

This experience was so much fun and our guide was the absolute best! Super knowledgeable and friendly and helpful. It’s a unique and fun experience.

Russell was a fantastic guide! Took lots of photos told lots of stories. 100% recommend going with this company over the others. A great experience.

super recomendado! nuestro guía Russ super atento y nos dio mucha información e historia del cerro y de Nicaragua!