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Carazo

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One of Nicaragua's cultural hotspots with a cooler climate and impressive natural settings.

Population: approx. 177,000 people
Location: central Pacific side, 40 kilometers south of Managua
Attractions: Güegüense celebrations, beaches, architecture, eco-tourism, culture

Carazo is located in the central Pacific zone of Nicaragua, south of the country’s capital, Managua. Most of the Carazo department is situated at an elevated plateau of up to 700 meters above sea level. There are still strong cultural traditions in this region, and the area is an important commercial trader and agricultural producer. There are three urban centers: Jinotepe, the capital city of the department; Diriamba, crib of the Güegüense and entrance to the Pacific Ocean; and San Marcos, an important agricultural municipality. In it interesting to note that the names of the cities of Carazo are in general better known than the department as a whole.

Diriamba: the cultural hotspot

Before colonial times, Diriamba was the home town of the Indian chief Diriangén, a principal opponent of the colonization. It is said that this chief, when he felt the Spanish troops could not be stopped, chose to sacrifice himself rather than negotiate with the Spanish by entering a cave full of tigers. Legends about this Indian chief still uphold by the older inhabitants of Diriamba.

The city is characterized by its neoclassical architecture, constructed over 150 years ago. Coffee plantations dominate the rural area, followed by cattle ranches. One of the best soccer stadiums of Nicaragua is also located in Diriamba, and the local team (called Diriangén) is often the country’s champion (the most important rival is Estelí).

Diriamba is the most important area for celebrations related to the Güegüense. This is a theatrical play that was declared Master Piece of Oral and Immaterial Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.

The main road to the beaches of La Boquita, Casares, and Huehuete starts at Diriamba. The Ecotourism Center La Máquina is also located along this road.

The Güegüense and other festivities

Diriamba is one of the most colorful and dynamical towns when it comes to regional celebrations. These celebrations take place in January of each year, and they include traditional dances, folkloric costumes, and the performance of the Güegüense play. This famous play is a theatrical expression of indigenous opposition against the Spanish rule.

The patron’s celebrations (fiestas patronales) honor Saint Sebastian, the patron of Diriamba. Massive processions, horse parades, and traditional dances of great cultural value like the Toro Huaco, El Gigante, El Viejo y la Vieja, and El Güegüense take place during these celebrations.

The festivities of the three main cities of Carazo all take place during the same period, and they allow visitors to enjoy these colorful cultural expressions of the region. The most well-known and most often visited are the festivities at Diriamba, which continue for three days and end on January 20th.

The Pacific beaches

The beaches called La Boquita and Casares are the two main beaches of Carazo, accessible by a paved road which is currently in rather poor condition. These beaches offer lodging options, restaurants, and other beach activities.

Most inhabitants from both towns are fishermen, but they are starting to get more involved in the tourism-industry, now that more tourists from Nicaragua as well as foreigners arrive at these tranquil beaches.

Other beautiful but not very developed beaches close by include Huehuete, Tupilapa, and Chacocente. This last beach is a true sanctuary for sea turtles, which lay their eggs at this area during certain periods of the year. The area is protected by the government and the National Army, cooperating with the local communities in order to preserve this beautiful region and its endangered inhabitants. At the end of the year, groups of academics often study the turtles at Chacocente and try to protect the eggs.

Jinotepe: the departmental capital

In the departmental capital, Jinotepe, combinations of neoclassical styles and more contemporary architecture can be found. There is a significant student body as a result of the presence of the Universidad Nacional, a relatively large university. There are hotels and restaurants in the city of Jinotepe, known as a clean city inhabited by helpful people.

Jinotepe is located along the Pan American highway, and it is the second important city that visitors will pass (after Rivas), traveling down from the border at Peñas Blancas (at the Costa Rican border).

The amusement park Hertylandia can be found close to Jinotepe, along the road to the city of San Marcos. A multitude of activities can be undertaken from this park, located at a cooler region surrounded by coffee plantations.

San Marcos

The city of San Marcos is the city closest to Managua, which can be reached from the other cities of Carazo, Masaya, Granada, or from Managua. Again there is a neoclassical architectural presence, and there are several restaurants and a hotel in San Marcos.

The University ‘Ave María College’ is also located in San Marcos. Students from the United States and other countries, as well as Nicaraguans, receive English-taught education at this university.

There are several ecotourism centers and rural restaurants located close to San Marcos, which is why the town and the area are visited by national and foreign tourists.

Ecotourism and other options

The Centro Ecoturístico La Máquina is a private reserve situated at an old farm. This reserve includes a system of waterfalls, trails through the tropical dry forest area, and other activities with a natural character. Other reserves and ecotourism initiatives are being set up throughout the department.

The Hertylandia amusement park offers different types of activities. There are small cars for kids and small motorized boats that allow the children to cruise on a water surface. Visitors can hike through the forest or explore this area in a train. There is also a large pool which includes a chute unique in Nicaragua. There is also a restaurant available.

Another activity that can be undertaken is a visit to a waterfall called the ‘Salto de la Culebra’. This area was recently discovered as a tourism attraction, and it includes multiple waterfalls in a beautiful, rural setting.

Getting there

Carazo can be easily reached from Managua by traveling over the South Highway of Managua (which is part of the Pan American highway). After ascending to the municipality of El Crucero, the road later descends to the city of Diriamba. Jinotepe is only a couple kilometers from Diriamba. There is also a connection between Carazo and the departments of Masaya and Granada (San Marcos can be reached from Granada). The department of Rivas and the Costa Rican border are located south of Jinotepe.

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