Most visitors to Leon, Nicaragua head to the northern city for a particular reason — the opportunity to volcano board the celebrated black sands of Cerro Negro. However, the charming town is worthy of exploration in itself and features several fantastic attractions that embody Nicaragua and Central America as a whole.
Home to some of Central America’s top attractions, including the largest cathedral and contemporary art museum, Leon was also once an important location of the Nicaraguan Revolution and bears several scars from the historical conflict that can still be observed today.
From historical landmarks and unique architecture to once-in-a-lifetime activities and adventures, these are the top things to do in Leon, Nicaragua.
Planning a trip to the city? Check out my complete comprehensive Leon, Nicaragua City Guide.
1. Volcano Board Cerro Negro
The country’s northern city of Leon is the only place in the world that invites visitors to toboggan down an active volcano while reaching speeds of up to 93 km/hour. As such, participating in this adrenaline-pumping activity is one of the most unique things to do in Leon and the entire world.
As the city’s top attraction, several tour providers offer this volcano boarding excursion from the central square and surrounding neighbourhoods. The famous backpacker haven, the Bigfoot Hostel, provides the most popular of these tours.
While this is a reliable tour to book, other smaller operators can be found just off the main strip offering the same excursion for lower rates. What’s even better about these lesser-used agencies is that they feature smaller groups, which are easily navigable and typically allow for two trips up the volcano. In contrast, the Bigfoot Hostel’s tour only does one.
Regardless of who you book with, all tours transport visitors to the base of Cerro Volcano, approximately 45 minutes out of town, following a dirt road. From there, trekkers are given their boards, which they haul up the 728-metre volcano following a relatively easy path.
From the caldera, visitors admire breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes before taking turns soaring down their rustic rides at some genuinely astonishing speeds. Whether in it for the exploration of the rugged regional landscapes or the high-speed thrills, volcano boarding is an absolute must-experience thing to do in Leon, Nicaragua.
2. Explore the Leon Cathedral
Dedicated to Santa María de Regla, Leon’s Cathedral was built between the mid-18th and early 19th centuries and remains a monument of innovative architecture today, being the largest cathedral in all of Central America.
Designed by Guatemalan architect Diego Jose de Porres Esquivel, the cathedral combines influences of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture for a unique, eclectic design that continues to attract architectural enthusiasts from around the world.
Even those not enthralled by the history and evolution of building design can still admire this architectural marvel for what it is — a towering landmark at the heart of Leon where visitors can receive some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscapes and mountains.
Located within the city’s central park, the Leon Cathedral invites visitors to explore its spacious interior hall Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, with a short closure between 12 pm and 2 pm for mass.
After exploring the inside of the church, don’t forget to go around to the back of the cathedral, where visitors can receive access to the building’s rooftop for only $3. From here, visitors receive an up-close look at the construction’s intricate designs while marvelling at the sprawling landscapes surrounding the complex.
Whether attending a time of worship or exploring the architectural history of the complex, the Leon Cathedral is a staple of the city’s central park and a must-visit thing to do in Leon, Nicaragua.
3. Take a Walking Tour of the City
Leon features several iconic and historical landmarks beyond its numerous cathedrals and central square. And the best way to explore the entirety of the community is by taking one of the many walking tours offered by local guides.
On foot, visitors engaging in this activity are guided through the city’s historical evolution, from centuries-old churches and cathedrals to more modern architecture scarred by the Nicaragua Revolution that defined the region’s 1980s.
While most agencies offering this walking tour offer the experience for about 20 CAD, several local guides throughout the city offer the same experience for free, barring a tip for the guide at the end of the adventure.
While visitors can find a guide just by taking a short walk through Parque Central, The original free Walking Tour offers one of the best experiences with no upfront fee.
4. Tour the Museum of the Revolution
Offering further insight into the city and country’s revolutionary past, the Museo de la Revolucion is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and costs 3 USD (4 CAD) to enter.
The admission fee includes your ticket and a tour guide that leads you through various displays of photos, books, and memorabilia that recounts the decade-long conflict and personal stories of the revolution.
The tour ends on the roof of the historical building, where visitors can admire breathtaking views of Parque Central and the Leon Cathedral in all of its glory. However, along with the spectacular views, visitors can still spot several scars scattered throughout the cityscape that mark the historical conflict in the community.
While not all of the guides at the museum speak English, the informative locals engage in creative communication to provide a truly memorable exploration of the complex. So be sure to leave a tip at the end of the tour.
5. Visit the Museum of Traditions and Legends
Originally operated as a prison throughout the Somoza family dictatorship from 1936 to 1979, the Museum of Traditions and Legend is now the home to the region’s cultural heritage and traditional practices and beliefs.
While some of the original cells of the prison and murals presenting the life of the prisoners can still be explored within the complex, the most significant modern draw to the museum is the opportunity to explore the stories, fables, folklores, and traditions that the local population have passed down for centuries.
While many of the top things to do in Leon, Nicaragua, are centred around the city’s revolutionary past, the Museum of Traditions and Legends provides visitors with a more traditional insight into the local population’s ancestral past and beliefs. It is a must-experience attraction for understanding the authentic beauty of Nicaragua’s past.
6. Continue to the Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián
Completing the city’s trifecta of spectacular museums, the Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián is a must-experience attraction and one of the best things to do in Leon, Nicaragua, for exploring the fine arts and creative visions of local artists.
Not only is the museum one of the most extensive in Leon, but the Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián is perhaps the most prestigious museum of contemporary art in all of Central America.
Starting with the Renaissances realism movement, the museum gallery features work from all significant artistic movements, including romanticism, modernism, postmodernism, and actual modern pieces.
Along with featuring local Nicaraguan artists, the gallery features work from individuals across Latin America, including Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Fernando Botero, Roberto Matta and more.
Again, while the city’ revolutionary past seems to stake the spotlight for many tourists to the town, visiting the Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián is one of the top things to do in Leon, Nicaragua, for art history enthusiasts.
7. Visit Old Leon
Located an hour from the modern city, the Leon Viejo (also known as Old Leon) are the ruins of an old Spanish settlement from the 16th century that a volcanic eruption in the region has long since destroyed.
Considered one of the oldest colonies in the Americas, Leon Viejo offers visitors a unique exploration of a colonial settlement’s ruins and is the only ruins on the continent to boast an intact original layout.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, visitors to the modern city of Leon can explore the remains of its colonial predecessor via a two-hour walking excursion, which is bookable through numerous operators in the town.
Check out my complete Nicaragua Travel Guide for more information and itineraries for your next adventure through the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.
