The Provinces of Nicaragua – Stuff You Should Know

Atlantico Norte

This region occupies a large area between the Rio Wangly on the north and the Rio Grande of Matagalpa on the south reacing the Caribbean Sea on the east and the highest eastern summits of the Isabelia mountain chain, near Jinoltega department border, on the west.

Atlantico Sur

The Atlantic Nicaraguan coast is wonderful and charming. The two autonomous regions of the Caraibic coast of Nicaragua are spread on almost 1/3 of the country surface. It is a wild area subject to deforestation due to the increasing immigration of the populations from the Pacific zone. The autoctonous inhabitants of this region are the Sumus, the Mischitos and the Ramas. Africans and people of mixed Afroindigenous culture live on the coast.

Atlantic Coast Autonomous Regions

The two autonomous Atlantic Regions formed, till a few years ago, the big Zelaya department. It was about the 50% of the surface of Nicaragua. The Carribean shores of Nicaragua were discovered by the admiral Cristoforo Colombo in 1502. In this time the Atlantic Coast was a very inhospitable land peopled by native tribes.

Granada

Granada is one of Nicaragua’s most important cities and the country’s main destination for international travelers. For centuries it has been called ‘The Great Sultana’ in recognition of its beautiful colonial architecture.

The best way to explore Granada is on foot, wandering along its narrow streets. Explore the most remote corners of this fascinating city and have a quick look inside the ‘casonas’ (the large colonial houses). You’ll discover their lovely inner patios, filled with tropical plants, and the shadow of their rooms, furnished with the characteristic rocking chairs.

Jinotega

High mountains, large valleys, and many hills mark the scenery in the department of Jinotega. Historical sites, rural villages, spectacular nature – including Nicaragua’s largest natural reserve – and the country’s most important artificial lake can all be found in this area.

Tourism development is still at its infancy in Jinotega, but for people who do not require five star hotels and who do not mind putting in some extra effort to reach beautiful, remote locations this department has a lot to offer.

Leon

The city of Leon is, together with Granada, the most important city of Nicaragua after the main city Managua. On its territory there are many churches of colonial age like the cathedral, the largest of all Central America. All around the city you can see the old architecture; you can see one roof houses with tiles on the roof, and around a patio with plants that gives freshness even if it is too hot.

Madriz (Somoto)

Somoto itself is a small town about 2,000 feet up in the mountains of northern Nicaragua. It’s known for its artists, and for the ancient church in the middle of town. Built in the 16th century, the Catholic church calls parishioners to Mass with hand-rung bells, and the bells also chime every hour,and every 15 minutes.

Somoto is a very poor town, as is the rest of Nicaragua. There are donkeys everywhere, carrying sticks of firewood, people and all kinds of produce. There are few cars in the town, people walk everywhere.

Managua

Managua, it is located only 50 meters above sea level, and in the city predominates a temperate climate all the year round, with constant medium temperatures that range inbetween 28 and 32 degrees centigrade.

The cooler months of the year are December and January; the hottest are March and April. For tourists, Managua is seen as a city without many interests. This doesn’t mean that it’s a despicable or ugly city. In fact it’s neither ugly nor beautiful, mainly because it doesn’t give the impression of being a city.

Matagalpa

Matagalpa is a northern city of Nicaragua, situated 130 Km. north of Managua, at 3000 feet over sea level. It is known for its cool weather, and cloud forest near the city. Population of the City: 105,000 inhabitants. Population of the Province of Matagalpa: 500,000 inhabitants. It is located in the coffee region of the northern highlands of the country. You can get there from Managua taking “Carretera Norte” (North Highway). It takes 1.5 hours driving from Managua International Aiport, or 2 hours from the Capital city of Managua.

San Juan River

The San Juan River is a very important way of admittance for the interior of the country since colonization times and has been witness of many historical events. It has also been goingto become an intra-oceanic channel thanks to the thin land stripe that divides the Lake of Nicaragua Somewhere you can meet small islands covered with luxuriant vegetation. From the lake until the Castillo country the river is wide and some people live on the shores, going towards the sea the water becomes more whirling and the shores become wild and solitary.

Estelí

Estelí is a city in a cooler region of the country. This region has plenty archaeologically interesting sites. Estelí is located 150 km. from Managua on an altitude of 800 meters above sea level which causes the pleasant climate.

Masaya

Named “flowers’ city” is situated 14 Km north of Granada and 17 km south from Managua, the town of Masaya rises on the banks of the lake that has the same name.Masaya, once called Villa fiel de San Fernando, is famous for its coffee plantations and handicraft local markets.

The latter are amongst one of the biggest of Central America. In the two handcraft markets of Masaya, it’s possible to find at a good price, food-stuffs and well made handicraft, especially pottery, articles in wood, leather, ceramics, hard stones and fabrics.

Boaco

Located in the center of Nicaragua, Boaco is a very productive region. It is a department that has a lot of tourism attraction. Nonetheless, tourism has not yet reached this area. Boaco is formed by six municipalities, dedicated to agriculture; primarily cattle raising as well as milk production.

Its name comes from an indigenous sumo tribe: ‘Boaj’. This tribe inhabited this region and it is said that the word Boaj became Boaco due to the union of nahuatl and sumo pronunciation.

Rivas

The department of Rivas offers many different types of attractions. One of the most popular beach towns of Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur, is located in this department. Furthermore, there are plenty of beautiful, pristine beaches and bays along the Pacific coast.

The La Flor Wildlife Reserve can also be found in Rivas, which is the single most important breeding site for Olive Ridley turtles in Nicaragua. In addition to the Pacific Ocean, Lake Nicaragua also offers a multitude of water sport possibilities.

Chinandega

The department of Chinandega is characterized by spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, and a multitude of relatively unexplored attractions. The department features Nicaragua’s highest volcano, the San Cristóbal, among several other magnificent volcanoes.

Pristine beaches, historical towns, estuaries filled with mangrove forest, and some of Nicaragua’s finest churches can all be found in this department. The main city of the department, also called Chinandega, can be reached in about two hours from Managua.