This series of hot springs and mudholes – likely connected to the Telica volcano and sometimes referred to as 'mud fields,' – is a desolate, sulfur-scented place to wander around. Local kids and teenagers will approach you at the small parking lot (US$1) and offer to show you around (about US$1); it's a really good idea to hire one, as there are no marked trails.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.98 MILES
Three blocks north of the cathedral, the 1786 Iglesia de la Recolección is considered the city’s most beautiful church, a Mexican-style baroque confection…
-
Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado
22.06 MILES
This 20km-long, sandy barrier island (in some places only 300m wide) has swimming holes and lots of wildlife, including hundreds of migrating bird species…
-
Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián
12.31 MILES
Probably the finest museum of contemporary art in all of Central America, the Ortiz-Gurdián Collection has spilled over from its original home in Casa Don…
-
16.68 MILES
Flor de Caña rum is among the world's finest and it has been produced in Chichigalpa since the distillery's founding in 1890. Visitors are initiated into…
-
Museo Histórico de la Revolución
12.21 MILES
León is the heart and soul of liberal Nicaragua. Stop into this museum for an overview of the Nicaraguan revolutionaries who stood up against the Somoza…
-
23.06 MILES
Anyone with even a passing interest in archaeology should stop in here, one of the finest museums in the country. The beautifully displayed collection…
-
12.14 MILES
Officially known as the Basílica de la Asunción, León’s cathedral is the largest in Central America, its expansive design famously (and perhaps…
-
Museo de Leyendas y Tradiciones
12.35 MILES
León’s most entertaining and eclectic museum is housed in La XXI (the 21st Garrison), decorated with murals graphically depicting methods the Guardia…
Nearby attractions
1. Reserva Natural Telica-Rota
4.52 MILES
This very active, 90.52-sq-km complex peaks at Volcán Telica (1061m), the twin craters of which are a mere 30km north of León. Also called the ‘Volcano of…
2. Reserva Natural Pilas-El Hoyo
9.91 MILES
Most people come to this reserve to see the volcano Cerro Negro (726m and growing), one of the youngest volcanoes in the world. Almost every guide in León…
11.76 MILES
This 17th-century neoclassical church was rebuilt more than once and boasts an impressive bell tower.
11.87 MILES
For a truly comprehensive collection of creepy crawlies, butterflies, scorpions and other critters from all over Central America, drop into this private…
11.87 MILES
This 17th-century church occupies a whole block on the northern edge of downtown and was constructed to serve the spiritual needs of working-class…
11.95 MILES
A hodgepodge of neoclassical and baroque styles, the richly hued El Calvario dates from the 18th century. It's notable, among other attributes, for the…
11.98 MILES
Pricey private school worth checking out for a look into León's university scene.
11.98 MILES
Three blocks north of the cathedral, the 1786 Iglesia de la Recolección is considered the city’s most beautiful church, a Mexican-style baroque confection…