Travel Guide: Leon & Neighboring Beaches

VIDEO

My first go pro video! Shout out to Dominique who couldn't come, but let me borrow her go pro :D

Leon is a colonial city about a 1.5 hour drive from Managua. It's a good day or weekend trip. The entire road there is paved! It's a beautiful city. I'd say the only downside is that it is excruciatingly hot.

You'll see these lions once you drive into Leon. This one was taken in front of the cathedral.

 Cathedral of Leon

Cathedral, located in Central Park

Open Monday - Saturday

8:30 AM - 12 PM (11:30 to buy tickets)

2:00 - 4:30 PM (4 to buy tickets)

Cost for foreigners: 85 cords

Cost for Nicas: 35 cords

I recommend going a bit before the start time to beat crowds. Once you get up to the roof, there is a 25 min. limit (Idk if they actually check). No shoes on the roof!Buy the ticket through the little door in the back, adjacent to the open market. Enter on the west side of the building.

View from the top

Now, the beach!! Just 20 minutes away are two beaches:

Las Penitas & Poneloya

-- No photos, because I was too busy relaxing, but Las Penitas is featured in my video! --

If you drive out of town toward the water, Las Penitas will be on your left and Poneloya on your right. Las Penitas is a bit more developed and is a little beach town with a variety of accommodations, restaurants and surf shops.

I stayed at Cardhu del Mar. The place was comfortable, clean, accommodating and the perfect getaway. They have a nice seating area to enjoy the beach and waves without getting onto the hot sand. There's also an adorable dog with a great beard.

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