 | | Cathedral of the Assumption in Leon the largest cathedral in Central America | Whether Nicaragua is a destination in and of itself or a part of a larger Central American tour, Leon is one of those must-see places that needs to be included in your itinerary. With sights and activities for travelers of all ages, the whole family will enjoy your days spent in this historic town. Leon was the capital of Nicaragua until 1857. Originally, the city lay at the foot of Volcán Momotombo, but was moved to its current location in 1610 after an earthquake and volcano eruption destroyed the old city. León has long been the intellectual center of the nation, with its university founded in 1813. León is also an important industrial, agricultural (sugar cane, cattle, peanut, plantain, sorghum) and commercial center for Nicaragua. Your first stop in Leon should be the government-run tourist office located just off the main square next to Cathedral of the Assumption. The friendly assistants in the tourist office can point you in the right direction for whichever activities you might be interested, and can also help arrange a tour guide for a myriad of different tours in the area. Below you’ll find a partial list of what’s available in Leon, but there is no doubt you will find much more once you’ve arrived! Cathedral of the Assumption – built in the 1700’s, this cathedral is the largest in Central America. Other churches - eighteen churches displaying a wide spectrum of architectural styles and photographic opportunities lay scattered around the city.
Momotombo Volcano – a still active volcano with plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Volcano boarding - One of the best ways to see Volcán Cerro Negro is by going down the volcano's side on a board. Inquire locally for a guide.
Beaches – a short bus ride from the city center will find you on gorgeous litter-free beaches. Repost from examiner.com
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