Highlights
- Day trip to the colonial city of Leon from Managua
- Visit the ruins of Leon Viejo and the Cathedral of Leon, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with your bilingual guide
- Learn about Nicaraguan art at the Art Centre of Ortiz Gurdian Foundation
- Tour the Rubén Darío Museum and learn about this famous Nicaraguan writer
- All entrance fees and hotel pickup and drop-off included
Useful Information
Leon Day Trip from Managua
Visit the ruins of Leon Viejo, declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Follow your guide on a tour of the ruins and learn how Leon is the second-oldest city in Nicaragua, established in the early 1500s. You'll see foundations of houses as well as some restored buildings.
Continue into the city of Leon, founded in the early 1600s. Known for its beautiful churches and stunning streetscapes, Leon is a picturesque colonial city. With your guide, tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cathedral of Leon, one of the largest churches in Central America. Admire the interior filled with magnificent works of art including marble statues.
Next, head to a local restaurant for lunch (own expense) before continuing to the Art Center of the Ortiz Gurdian Foundation. Located in two restored colonial buildings, this center houses various exhibits of paintings, sculptures and contemporary art. Tour the center with your guide and learn about various Nicaraguan artists.
Then, visit the Rubén Darío Museum, located in the old house famous Nicaraguan writer Rubén Darío once lived in. Ruben Darío was the poet who initiated the Spanish-American literary movement that took off at the end of the 19th century and had a lasting influence on Spanish literature and journalism. Tour the museum and see hand-written manuscripts, as well as photographs. After your tour, you'll be driven back to your Managua hotel.
Reviewed by LUIS A, USA, October 2012
Martin, the tour guide, was excellent he did an outstanding job in showing us the city and all of the historical places.
Reviewed by Nancy W, USA, March 2013
Bustling city, slightly different than Granada. It was interesting to visit but relatively long drive to get there for not too much time actually pent there.
