The Best Activities and Things to do in and Around León, Nicaragua: The Perfect Destination for Backpackers

León, Nicaragua, is a true gem for backpackers and adventurers! This vibrant colonial city effortlessly combines rich history, lively culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping activities, relaxing beach days, or cultural immersion, León has it all. It’s a must-visit stop during your Nicaragua journey, offering an array of cozy hostels, delicious restaurants, and welcoming cafés.

While many travelers pass through for a quick volcano-boarding experience on Cerro Negro, there’s so much more to discover. Read on to find out why León deserves more of your time and what other exciting activities you shouldn’t miss.

Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro

Volcano boarding on Cerro Negro is one of León’s most thrilling activities – an absolute must for adventure seekers!

What to Expect:
Your adventure starts with a 45-minute jeep ride to the active Cerro Negro volcano. Once you arrive, you’ll be given gear, including a protective suit, goggles, and a board. Then, it’s time for a 30-45-minute hike up to the summit. While the heat and heavy gear may make the climb challenging, the view from the top – with the surrounding volcanoes forming part of the famed „Ring of Fire“ – is well worth the effort.

At the summit, the real fun begins: you sit on your board and race down the steep slopes. As you speed down, small lava rocks fly around, so goggles are essential! You can control your speed, but be mindful that the friction can damage your shoes, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended.

Costs and Providers:
Vulcano Day (www.volcanodaynicaragua.com) is one of the most popular agencies in León, offering various excursions. Their sunset volcano-boarding trip is particularly popular, but be prepared for a larger group and longer journey. We opted for the daytime tour with a smaller group, which felt like the better option. Prices are USD 25 for the daytime tour and USD 35 for the sunset option. This covers the jeep ride, park entrance, all gear (suit, goggles, and board), and even a T-shirt.

Relaxing on the Beaches: Poneloya and Las Peñitas

Just a 20-30 minute drive from León, the tranquil beaches of Poneloya and Las Peñitas offer the perfect escape. These serene beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the swaying palm trees. Las Peñitas, in particular, is a favorite among travelers, with cozy accommodations right by the sea. Enjoy freshly caught fish, take a surf lesson, or simply stroll along the peaceful shore.

Tip for Free Transportation:
Vulcano Day provides free transportation to Las Peñitas every afternoon for those who book an excursion with them. If you’re not using their services, a quick Uber or cab ride costs just a few dollars and takes around 20-30 minutes.

The White Cathedral of León at Sunset

The León Cathedral is the largest in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its striking white façade and grand structure make it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The highlight, however, is the rooftop, where you can walk across the white domes and take in stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. We highly recommend timing your visit for sunset – it’s a memory you won’t soon forget!

Tickets can be purchased for 108 Córdobas (around €2.60) at a small counter inside the cathedral. Though the cathedral itself closes at 6 p.m., you can stay on the roof until sunset. The entrance to the roof is located at the right-hand corner (when facing the cathedral). Don’t forget to remove your shoes to protect the white surface. Trust us, this sunset will stay with you long after you leave.

Free Walking Tour – Discover León on Foot

A free walking tour is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the history and culture of León. These tours are based on tips and offer an insider’s look at the city’s past and present. As you wander through narrow streets, you’ll encounter historic buildings, revolutionary sites, and vibrant street art. The guides are mostly locals, eager to share fascinating stories and insider knowledge. The murals depicting scenes from the Nicaraguan revolution are especially impressive, giving the city a unique and powerful atmosphere.

Although the tour is free, a tip of around USD 5-10 is customary and appreciated.

War Museum (Museo de la Revolución)

The War Museum is highly rated and offers a deeper understanding of Nicaragua’s revolutionary history. That said, we found the museum experience a bit underwhelming. For an entrance fee of 100 Córdobas (approximately €2.50), you’re guided by a veteran who recounts key moments of Nicaragua’s past. Unfortunately, our guide spoke at lightning speed, which made it tough to follow. Still, the visit sparked our curiosity to learn more about Nicaragua’s history – an essential aspect of understanding this fascinating country.

Street Art and the History of the Revolution

León is famous for its vibrant street art, much of which tells the story of the Nicaraguan revolution. As you explore the city, you’ll find colorful murals that reflect the fight for freedom and the spirit of resistance. Wandering through León feels like a journey through history, with murals capturing significant moments from the revolution. You can discover these murals independently or take a guided tour to learn the powerful stories behind them.

Conclusion

León is a dream destination for those who love adventure, culture, and history. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of volcano boarding, relaxing on pristine beaches, or exploring the city’s revolutionary past, León offers something for every type of traveler. So pack your backpack, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Nicaragua!

Transportation - Arrival and Onward Journey

From León to Somoto

Step 1: León to Estelí
Your journey begins with a minibus or colectivo from León to Estelí. The cost is around 105 to 120 Cordobas per person (approximately 3-4 USD). If you have a large backpack, you may need to pay a small surcharge. The journey takes about 3 hours, depending on whether you catch a bus right away. Buses run every hour, but be prepared: the trip ends at the Cotran Norte bus terminal in Estelí, from where you’ll catch the bus to Somoto.

Step 2: Estelí to Somoto
From Estelí, take the next chicken bus to Somoto. These buses depart every half hour, and the journey takes around 2 hours. The fare is approximately 46 Cordobas (around 1.50 USD). This leg of the trip takes you deeper into northern Nicaragua, through hilly terrain, until you reach Somoto. In the afternoon, the bus can get very crowded, so you’ll be grateful if you don’t end up standing the whole way.

From León to Granada

León and Granada, two of Nicaragua’s most popular cities, are easily connected by bus. The distance is about 140 km, and the journey requires two buses, taking around 4 hours total.

Step 1: León to Managua
Head to the bus station in León and ask for the next bus to Managua, the country’s bustling capital. You won’t have to wait long for a departure. You can choose between a minibus or a chicken bus.

Minibus: The minibuses are comfortable but typically a little more expensive than the classic “chicken bus.” Sometimes, you’ll also need to pay extra for luggage, which can increase the price. The advantage is that minibuses travel a bit faster and depart more frequently once full.
Chickenbus Express: The more authentic and cheaper option is the “Chickenbus Express.” These colorful, old US school buses run every full hour from León to Managua and are a real part of daily life in Nicaragua. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs around 70 Cordobas per person. Make sure you get off near the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Managua. This is a convenient stop, as the next bus to Granada departs directly from here.

Step 2: Managua to Granada
From the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), it’s easy to transfer to the next bus heading to Granada. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 40 Cordobas. Here’s a tip: be vigilant about the fare. We were once charged 200 Cordobas for two people with luggage—far more than the usual price. After a quick discussion, we paid 100 Cordobas and simply got off. Make sure you know the correct fare, or even better, ask the locals for advice to avoid overpaying.