Isla El Cardón

Corinto

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DESTINATIONS nicaragua corintonicaragua Do & See Isla El Cardón

Isla El Cardón

With a length of just under a mile, El Cardón is a small rocky island off the coast of Corinto. It was once the home of Rubén Darío, Nicaraguan poet whose poems do not lack depictions of this small paradise. Today, the only sign of man is the iconic white lighthouse, so anyone visiting by boat will mostly encounter unspoilt nature, with the backdrop of crashing waves and squawking seagulls.

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Do & See

Corinto may have a modest selection of sights compared to the larger cities of Chinandega and León, but it is nonetheless a great place to spend a pleasant day. Wander the streets as you explore interesting local stories, or enjoy some beach time with flavourful seafood and spectacular sunsets.

Isla El Cardón

Isla El Cardón

With a length of just under a mile, El Cardón is a small rocky island off the coast of Corinto. It was once the home of Rubén Darío, Nicaraguan poet whose poems do not lack depictions of this small paradise. Today, the only sign of man is the iconic white lighthouse, so anyone visiting …

Playa Corinto

Stretching for several miles, Corinto's sandy beach provides ample space for riding the waves of the Pacific, or wading through the water as you look for the best sunset-watching spot. There are several bars, restaurants and shops along the beach to attend to your …

Railway of Corinto

Railway of Corinto

In the 19th century, Corinto was a central element in the first projects by the Nicaraguan government to construct rail lines in the country. As a result, León and Corinto were among the first cities connected by rail, with the port as the terminus of the line. In today's Corinto, a well-kept locomotive bears …

Mercado Municipal

Mercado Municipal

With such close proximity to the ocean and fertile tropical farms, you'll find some of Nicaragua's real treasures along the stalls of this market. It is also a great place to mingle with locals and get a true glance at local daily …

Chinandega & León

With colourful patches of nature reserves, regularly smoking volcanoes and shores washed by the Pacific, northwestern Nicaragua is a place unlike anything else, boasting not only lush nature but also interesting stories of history and culture.

Cathedral of León

Cathedral of León

Also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this eclectic cathedral is one of the most notable attractions in Nicaragua, which bears the influence of several nations and architectural styles. Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is the largest cathedral in Central America, where you can admire …

Cerro Negro

Standing 24 kilometres (15 miles) from the city of León, Cerro Negro is one of Nicaragua's youngest volcanoes. It appeared in the 1850s and is only 728 metres (2,388 feet) high, which makes it a popular choice for moderate hikes. And when it comes to the way back, why not slide down on a …

Fundación Ortíz-Gurdián

Fundación Ortíz-Gurdián

A well-frequented cultural centre with an extensive selection of artworks, made by local and foreign artists — including Picasso and Andy Warhol — who created in a wide range of styles and periods. Along with its courtyards, the building complex is also a fine example of Leonese architecture from the 18th …

San Cristóbal Volcano

San Cristóbal Volcano

San Cristóbal is Nicaragua's highest volcano, rising to 1,745 metres (5,725 feet) as part of a volcanic complex. Although still active today, it serves as an exciting destination for a range of popular activities. Organized tours are usually available from León and Chinandega, allowing you to explore the nature reserve in the comfort of …

Flor de Caña Rum Distillery

Flor de Caña Rum Distillery

Operational since the late 19th century, the first distillery of Nicaragua's award-winning rum brand is located in Chichigalpa, at the foot of the mighty San Cristóbal volcano. There are a variety of tours available to guide visitors through the secrets of rum production, which also include some tasting as an essential part of the …

Finca Emma Banana Plantation

Finca Emma Banana Plantation

A little over 32 kilometres (20 miles) from the port of Corinto is one of the world's largest banana plantations, covering 300 hectares (741 acres) of land. Organized tours are available, where visitors can get a glimpse into the secrets of banana and plantain production. They usually also include a visit to Hacienda San …

Chorotega-Nicarao Archeological Museum

Chorotega-Nicarao Archeological Museum

A small but well-endowed museum in the eastern part of Chinandega, with a remarkable selection of pre-Columbian artefacts. Due to its location in a residential area, it is also a good place to observe everyday life in a city whose history began well before the arrival of the …

Birdwatching

In a country which is home to over 700 species of birds — including the national bird, the turquoise-browed motmot — and natural reserves covering 20% of its land, birdwatching is an activity of ever-growing in popularity. In the northwest, León is generally a popular base for such trips due to its proximity to …

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