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Granada, Leon, & Masaya: Nicaraguan Culture Comes Alive

Nicaragua has the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial cities in all of Central America. Travelers from around the world come to visit the historic architecture and immerse themselves in the lively and unique culture of each town. Known as breeding grounds for poets, artists, craftsman, and the culinary arts, these three cities are wonderful excursions from Finca Del Mar.

The Catedral de León

Leon – City of Poets

Situated on the Río Chiquito River, 1.5 hours north of Finca Del Mar, Leon is the intellectual hub of Nicaragua's northern states. Home to the internationally recognized poet, Rubén Darío, Leon was established in 1523 by Francisco Fernandez de Cordoba about 20 miles east of the present site.

Visitors to Leon are engaged by the seemingly timeless pace of the city. Residents congregate on warm evenings on stoops in front of old colonial homes up and down the narrow boulevards, smoking cigars and laughing with their families. Across the town, public squares are gathering places for end of the day conversations, snacks of roasted corn, and shaved ice treats for the children.

With a wealth of colonial churches and cultural museums, Leon provides intimate insights into the history of Nicaragua. The Museum of the Revolution is a memorial to the blood and sweat of revolutionaries who fought to overthrow the dictatorship of Somoza. All across the town you will find murals, statues, and multiple homage’s to the local heroes who struggled for a better future for their families.


Colorful Granada

Granada – Cultural Capital on the Lake

Granada is the cultural capital of Nicaragua and the oldest city in the Americas. This historically beautiful city on the western shore of Lake Nicaragua is dominated by the Mombacho volcano. Mombacho's cloud-covered peak can be seen from almost anywhere while wandering the cobblestone streets. As you explore the city, you can peak into the courtyards of the colonial homes that have defined this town for more than 450 years.

A haven for artists, Granada has a wide variety of galleries and museums featuring both traditional arts and cutting-edge works. Granada is also home to some of the most interesting restaurants in Central America. Located 2 hours from Finca Del Mar, Granada is also a launching point for trips on Lake Nicaragua, including journeys to the imposing twin volcano island of Ometepe.

Masaya – Home of Folklore and Crafts

Vegetable market in Masaya
Masaya's handicraft market, the largest in the country, is filled with woodcarvings, traditional blouses, hammocks, artwork, sculptures, and other colorful handiwork of Nicaraguan artisans. The market is surrounded by the narrow cobblestone streets and colonial cathedrals that define this proud city.

Just outside of town is the spectacular Masaya Volcano National Park. The center of the park captivates visitors with the volcanoes Masaya and Nindiri. At the rim of the Santiago Crater wisps of steam still pour from the massive crater.

Natural Beauty

Nicaragua hosts 10% of the planet's biodiversity. The two largest rainforest reserves in Central America are in Nicaragua, forming part of 83 national protected areas that cover nearly 20% of its landmass. Massive lakes dotted with islands, wild rivers, plenty of volcanoes, and crystal clear crater lakes give Nicaragua its well earned reputation as a land awash in natural beauty. With two long and ecologically diverse coasts, the Pacific and Caribbean, Nicaragua boasts many hidden beaches, unique cultures, and surprising experiences for the traveler.