How to experience the best of Central America in 50 days solo and overland – Stop 9 Leon, Nicaragua

10-13 March 2024 From Granada, I boarded a local bus to Managua, and from there, I caught a shared taxi straight to Leon.

In many ways, Leon feels like Granada – a small Spanish colonial town characterized by mostly single-story row houses. It seems futile to have any lofty ambition when they are living with these temperamental volcanoes. Most of the time, these houses are shuttered, giving it the impression that it is a laid-back town. But this was also a city of revolution. Street art, graffiti, and monuments attest to this tumultuous past. They paint their houses with vibrant colors. They like to play their music fast and lively. It feels young – many young people are seen on the streets; this being a university town. Many European youths are in town, their oversized backpacks in tow, or wandering the streets seeking out tourist attractions.

Fresh produce in the central market — Sunset on the colorful houses in Leon

Colonial-styled buildings of the National Autonomous University, founded in 1812, the oldest in the country

Lunch in a student cafeteria — Colonial-styled buildings of the National Autonomous University, founded in 1812, the oldest in the country

A street in the city center that celebrates the revolutionaries — Revolutionary murals

Traveling in local bus running between towns with only standing room

Local chicken bus with packed with humans and anything they can carry on board

It boasts numerous historic churches, their simplicity juxtaposed with beauty. Like beacons of hope, they stand at key intersections, welcoming lost souls navigating life’s crossroads.

Assumption College, Leon — Leon Cathedral

Church of San Francisco — Calvario Church

San Juan Batista de Satiuba — Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy

Leon's Central Plaza, with the Leon Cathedral and Assumption College — Leon’s Central Plaza, with the Leon Cathedral and Assumption College

Leon is one of the hottest cities in Nicaragua, sometimes up to 40 degrees centigrade. Most walk areas are concrete surfaces, with space trees and limited shades. These volcanoes are threatening to raise the temperature further. Despite this, Leon is a cool place.

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