There are many unique things to do in León Nicaragua. León is a Spanish colonial city situated in western Nicaragua, the second largest city in the Country.
I was surprised by how non-touristy and authentic León is. There are no tourist shops selling the usual souvenirs and the locals just get on with their lives.
León is a must-do stop when backpacking Nicaragua. It’s easily reached from elsewhere in Nicaragua and from as far away as El Salvador, Honduras, and even Guatemala. I have many travel and budget travel tips to help you enjoy León as much as possible.
Centred around Parque Central, all attractions in León Nicaragua are within easy walking distance of each other. León has a rich and interesting history and culture. Previously the country’s capital, León is considered the intellectual centre of Nicaragua.
It’s known for its university and in particular revolutionary history. Because of the university, there is a young population here who embrace the café culture with many lovely cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
Best things to do in León Nicaragua
There are many fun things to do in León Nicaragua from Volcano boarding, nights out and admiring the colourful colonial architecture.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Go Volcano Boarding Down an Active Volcano – Cerro Negro
One of the most fun things to do in León Nicaragua has to be the famous volcano boarding, you can’t visit León without hearing about this activity. This was my favourite activity in León and although expensive (for Nicaragua), is a must-do.
You can book a volcano boarding tour from Via Via Hostel or Bigfoot Hostel for £30. The cost includes transport to and from Cerro Negro, the board hire, and suitable clothes to stop you from getting scratched.
The walk to the summit is half the fun and the views are breathtaking. You have some time to take in the views, take some pictures, and have a safety briefing.
When boarding down the volcano it looks scary, but it’s easy to control your speed and go slowly if you want to. Don’t dig your shoes into the volcano too much, a guy completely wrecked his shoes on my tour!
The walk to the summit is quite steep and it gets very windy. If you don’t fancy carrying your board with you, it’s possible to pay for a porter to help.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Admire Gorgeous Sunsets at Las Peñitas Beach
What are the best things to do in León Nicaragua if you want to relax? León is only 18km from the pacific and it’s easy to take a chicken bus to enjoy a day at the beach.
If you’ve got time, I highly recommend spending a few nights at Mano o Mano Hostel. There are loads of activities that can keep you busy, as well as taking time out to chill.
Las Peñitas was one of my favourite destinations in Nicaragua and I have written a separate article detailing all the things you can do there. This article provides more detail about Las Penitas and Mano o Mano Hostel.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Join a Free Walking Tour of León
Free walking tours can be found in most cities in Central America. León Nicaragua is no exception, and they can be a good way to learn a little about the history of the place and get your bearings.
It also provides a highlight of some of the interesting places to see and do that you wouldn’t find on your own. Check with your hostel about starting times.
Most free walking tours in León Nicaragua will talk about the fascinating political history of the town. They also include a visit to the Cathedral (you need to pay the entrance fee separately).
Remember the guides providing ‘free’ walking tours earn their living this way so don’t forget to tip.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Have a Crazy Night Out in Leon Nicaragua
León Nicaragua gets lively in the evenings and the thing I liked here is the mingling of tourists and locals. Don’t be afraid to go to a local joint and party the night away.
Via Via Hostel is a popular night spot for travellers and locals, especially on a Friday night when they have live music. Also, check out Gecko’s Bar and their ear-blowing loud music most nights!
I felt totally safe when out at night in León but most of the time I was with a friend. I didn’t hear of any problems but if you are concerned try to make some new friends at your hostel and head out together.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Cool Off in a Hotel Swimming Pool
León Nicaragua get hot, very hot! If your hostel or hotel doesn’t have a pool, worry not.
Several hotels allow day visitors to use their pool for a small fee. Visit Coco Calala for only 50 Cordoba to use the pool all day. Having the option to cool down for a few hours is very welcome.
Coco Calala also serve very delicious food and smoothies so make an afternoon of it and enjoy a break from the sun.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Marvel at León Cathedral From the Street and the Roof
Visit the León Cathedral of the Assumption Mary, the largest cathedral in Central America. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site on the main square and looks equally amazing from the street level as well as the rooftop.
You can visit the rooftop of the Baroque and neoclassical building for $2 to experience a different view of León. Many iconic photos of León are taken from here with the bright white rooftop, especially at sunset.
This is one of the most popular things to do in Leon Nicaragua. Remember if you ware planning to do a free walking tour it’s likely you will visit the Cathedral so plan accordingly.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Enjoy Parque Central in Leon Nicaragua
Parque Central is the main city centre square in León Nicaragua surrounded by beautiful grand colonial buildings on all sides. Come here to marvel at the architecture, taste some street food, and feel the buzz, especially at night.
Walkabout the rest of the centre too and go sightseeing, as there are many interesting things to see around town. There is a lot of history in León about the 1979 revolution including a lot of street art, keep a lookout. Check out the street art and murals and visit the Museo De La Revolution to learn more.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Hike Volcano Telica at Sunset
There are many tours you can do from Leon, it’s a case of deciding which ones you prefer as you won’t be able to do all of them. I didn’t visit Volcano Telica myself but there are a few different options you have. Read this guide Guide to Volcan Telica for more in-depth details of the different options.
Telica is an active volcano so you can get close to the crater and if you’re lucky get a glimpse of the red-hot lava glow. You can do an overnight hike or a couple of different day hikes.
The agency in Via Via sells the sunset tour for $45 and lasts for 7 hours (2 pm – 7 pm).
El Hoyo Volcano Hike
Another tour I didn’t do but looks impressive is the Volcan El Hoyo hike where you enjoy views over Momotombo Volcano and Lake Managua.
You can do a day tour, costing $40, and starts early at 5 am and returns to León at midday. Alternatively, you can stay overnight on a camping trip.
Play Pool or Billiards
What are some cheap things to do in León Nicaragua? There are quite a few pool halls (Billiards in Nicaragua) in León so find a friend at your hostel and while away a few hours.
The cost is only 80 Cordoba per hour to rent a table and you can enjoy a few cheap beers at the same time. A perfect way to begin a night out.
A interesting fact: They don’t have triangles to restart the game. They do have an awesome guy that walks around and makes the perfect triangle with just his arms in a matter of seconds…very impressive!
Visit the best McDonald’s in Nicaragua
The McDonald’s in León Nicaragua might not sound like the most exciting place to visit but there is a really beautiful courtyard garden to sit and relax.
If you need some home comforts enjoy a big mac in style!
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Where to stay in León Nicaragua
It’s best to stay in the centre of León so you can walk to many of the tourist attractions. Anywhere within 10-15 minutes’ walk from Parque Central will be ok.
I stayed at Via Via León and would highly recommend it. There is a bar at the front of the hostel that is visited by locals and tourists. Behind the bar is a lovely, shaded courtyard where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The accommodation is further back, in a private area. Enjoy another shaded courtyard with hammocks where it is quiet at night despite the bar at the front.
You can also book the Cerro Negro volcano boarding here as well as many other tours. The tour agency is not connected with the hostel, they just use their space in the courtyard at the back.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Where to eat in León Nicargua
There are many cafes and restaurants in León, and I found a great affordable little place. It’s called 23 Bar just off Parque Central.
They have a selection of 4-5 meals that come with a fresh juice for just 65 Cordoba (less than $2) and it’s a good-sized portion and tastes great.
I highly recommend a visit here if you are on a budget or if you just want good food at great places. They are not open on Sundays which I found out the hard way so be aware of this.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
How long should you stay in León Nicaragua
León Nicaragua is an interesting place to explore in itself. It is also a good base to explore all the sights nearby so I would suggest staying for 3-4 nights minimum.
Stay longer if you want to do more of the tours and even longer if you plan to spend a few nights at Las Peñitas. I highly recommend staying a couple of night, it’s awesome and read more about it here: Las Peñitas Nicaragua: Sunsets, stars, and chilling
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
How to get to León Nicaragua
León Nicaragua is easy to reach from a number of different destinations within Nicaragua and further afield. This is a major town in the country so there are good road connections from elsewhere.
How to Travel From Granada Nicaragua to León Nicaragua
If you are travelling from Granada to León, or from León to Granada this journey is easily completed with chicken buses. You need to make a change in Managua.
The bus from León to Managua costs 60 Cordoba and from Managua to Granada costs 34 Cordoba.
This is a common route and there is plenty of buses each day however I always start early just in case of any delays on the way.
If you want to read more about Chicken Buses and their safety check out this article Chicken Bus from Lake Atitlan to Antigua – How To Guide. The safety rules and mode of operation is the same in Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Managua to León Nicaragua
Managua to León is just one bus ride on the chicken bus costing 60 Cordoba. If you are staying in Managua ask your accommodation where the nearest bus station is.
Travel from El Salvador to León or Honduras to León
If you are traveling to or from El Salvador, Honduras, or even Guatemala your shuttle bus will most likely stop in León.
I crossed the Nicaraguan border from Honduras. I started my trip in Lake Yojoa and drove through Honduras all the way to León.
Travelling from Costa Rica to Leon Nicaragua
This is a long journey but easily doable. Find a local agency in Costa Rica depending on where you are coming from. Alternatively check out Tica Bus, which has a good reputation for long travel journeys in the region.
If you’re coming from Costa Rica, I would strongly advise you to see other sites in Nicaragua before you reach Leon. You will pass the lovely city of Granada, the fascinating Ometepe Island, and the famous San Jan Del Sur.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
What is the temperature in León Nicaragua?
León Nicaragua is very hot and humid. As soon as I arrived in León the heat hit me in the face like a hairdryer. It felt hotter than everywhere I’d been in Guatemala and definitely hotter than Lake Yojoa in Honduras where I had come from.
The temperature is mid 30c year-round and they have a wet and dry season. The dry season is better for hiking and sightseeing and runs from December to April and is peak season. The wet season offers a different perspective as the hills are greener and lusher with fauna so don’t discount this season.
THINGS TO DO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Is León Nicaragua worth visiting?
If you were asking yourself is León Nicaragua worth visiting, I hope I have helped answer the question. León Nicaragua is 100% worth visiting so make sure you add this to your backpacking itinerary in Central America.
THINGS TO TO IN LEON NICARAGUA
Where else to travel to in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is one of my favourite countries in Central America. Therefore, I would aim to visit as much of the country as possible as there are so many unique and contrasting places to visit.
Top destinations I travelled to and had so much fun included the following:
Granada:
Granada Nicaragua is another wonderful colonial town. More central in the country, it provides easy access to some famous sites such as Nicaragua Lake, Apoyo Lagoon and Masaya Volcano.
Ometepe:
Ometepe is a fascinating island created by the eruption of two volcanoes. My favourite activity on Ometepe is renting a scooter and exploring the island.
San Juan Del Sur:
San Juan Del Sur is a famous beach town in the south of Nicaragua not far from the border of Costa Rica. Many expats choose to make this place their home and there is a plethora of cute cafes and restaurants in town. Nightlife is another big thing here thanks to the infamous Sunday Funday pub crawl.
Hi! This is a very nice intro to Leon which has helped me a lot whilst staying here, thank you so much! I would like to ask if you could kindly the names any other places apart from the very lovely that offer the use of their pool for a fee or consumption for non-houseguests ? That would help me a ton, thank you, safe travels