Leon, Nicaragua

Sometimes, the best-laid plans of mice and men go awry and you end up with not a problem but an opportunity. I got in late on a shuttle bus across Central America and woke up in Leon, Nicaragua. I went to the bus station early in the morning to catch a bus to my city, Matagalpa. Alas, nothing on a Sunday! So another day it is, here in Leon, Nicaragua. Probably the most underrated city in Central America.

“Y Leon es hoy a mi como Roma o Paris.” Ruben Dario, Poet Laureate of Nicaragua

Here is the usual description and take on Leon. Then, I’ll give you my own, with some photos (forgive my unphotographic nonbrillance).

Leon is Nicaragua’s second-largest city. It’s close to a great beach Las Penitas and is hot! And I mean hot. Hot and sticky. It’s a university town and has always been a town of writers, artists (think Ruben Dario), and revolutionaries. It is vibrant, intellectual, and energetic given the number of universities and youth in town. Historically, it is ground-zero for the Sandinistas and the subsequent revolution after decades of struggle and war.

This is in contrast to its more business and conservative staid rival in Nicaragua, Granada (equally regal but very different). Leon shines because it embraces the old and new. Colorful, and filled with contrasting images. Grand churches, architecture, and art to be discovered around every corner. But it is showing its age … infrastructure is ragged, and many times, no water is available. But that just gives it more charm in my mind. Volcanoes nearby and in fact, its present location was a move from a more dangerous location closer to the rumbling volcanic monsters nearby.

Here are a few photos from my day and walkabout through Leon. See many more here.

Leon is filled with the contrast of the new and old. Flat, you’ll see many bicycles, and animals pulling carts.

Colorful. Vibrant. Even the regular buildings lining the street.

Murals and public art abound. Much devoted to the revolutionary struggle to topple the dictator Somoza.

You’ll find lots of fish at the chaotic market. Leon is only a short drive to the Pacific ocean.

It’s hot but there are lots of parks, trees to provide shade.

Bicycle taxis rule. For 50 cents, you can be transported around the city.

Art is everywhere. Also, free museums. A must is to visit El Convento.

A street of tributes to all those who gave their short lives to the revolution

Guitarist under the clock tower.