Parks and the outdoors in León

Parks and the outdoors in León

1. See

   Central Park

   Parque Central

   A lively park with a fountain and shady trees in front of the cathedral. The park is a great place to people watch as it is packed with families and youth chatting and playing, with vendors selling ice cream and drinks. On weekends musicians, dancers or street performers may add to the atmosphere. Of the eight streets leading up to the square, six have been converted to nice pedestrian streets. For a guided walking tour of the city, gather at the northeastern corner of Central Park at 9:00.

2. Eat

   Coco Calala

   Tasty vegan food in pleasant outdoor seating in a luch garden. Great fruit drinks. Popular among international travelers. Also a small delightful hostel with swimming pool.

   Mon-Sun 8:00-21:00·C$250

3. See

   Environmental Botanical Garden

   Jardín Botánico Ambiental

   Run by the UNAN-León university for both public education and research. The botanical garden has recreated the four different forest types that exist in Nicaragua, with cacao, cinnamon, avocado, mango, coco and many other trees. You will also see birds and other wildlife. The entrance fee includes an extensive guided tour along stone covered forest paths. Ask the guide why a plant with long thick leaves is called "lengua de suegra".

   Mon-Fri 08:00-16:00·C$146 for foreigners, C$25 for Nicaraguans

4. See

   Iglesia San Juan Bautista

   A relatively simple church located in front of San Juan Park. It was built between 1620 and 1650 but reconstructed in a neoclassical style in the 18th century, with large wooden columns. It used to be the church of the old hospital.

5. See

   León Viejo

   The original site of León on the western shore of Lake Xolotlán at the foot of the Momotombo volcano, until the city was moved in 1610. Not available elsewhere, this UNESCO World Heritage site shows the ruins and layout of an early colonial city, with the Calle Real leading up to the Plaza, the Cathedral, other churches, and residencies of its leading citizens. There is also has a small museum about the indigenous population.

   Tue-Sun 08:00-17:00·C$50 natives, C$365 foreigners, which includes an excellent guided tour, less for children

6. See

   Park of the Poets

   Parque de los Poetas

   A park honoring five poets of the Spanish language, all with connections to León: Rubén Darío, Alfonso Cortes, Salomón de la Selva, Azarías Pallais and Antenor Sandino Hernández. At night you can grab a piece to eat at one of the food stands.

7. Do

   Parque Aquático Telica

   Fun water park with multiple swimming pools and slides. Popular among children and families.

   Open now · closes 6 pm

8. See

   Parque Arlen Siu

   A park commemorating the revolutionary singer Arlen Siu, who was killed in 1975 by the Somoza dictatorship at the young age of twenty. The park has a small zoo, the best playground in León and the municipal nursery.

9. See

   Rubén Darío Centennial Park

   A park built in 2016 on the one hundred anniversary of the death of poet Rubén Darío. The park has a big monument honoring the poet, surrounded by a beautiful flower garden.

10. Eat

    Los Pescaditos

    Best seafood in León. Worth the long walk or short cab ride.

11. See

    Parque San Juan

    Lively park shaded by trees in front of the San Juan Church.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to León (CC BY-SA 4.0).