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Estelí

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Northern department with a dynamic principal city, surrounded by beautiful natural and agricultural areas.

Population: approx. 215,000 people
Location: northern zone of Nicaragua, north of León and south of Madriz
Attractions: tobacco production, waterfalls, natural reserves, archeology, arts and crafts

Estelí is a city in a cooler region of the country. This region has plenty archaeologically interesting sites. Estelí is located 150 km. from Managua on an altitude of 800 meters above sea level which causes the pleasant climate.

According to the historians the name of the city is derived from the Nahuatl word “ulua”, which means “obsidian river”. Others interpret the name as being derived from the words “Matagalpa Lí” or “Náhualt Eztli”, meaning “river of blood” and “colored water river”, respectively.

Estelí is the entrance to the Las Segovias region (in the northern part of Nicaragua) which makes it a city of lots of commercial exchange and transportation. The main activities of Estelí are found in the agricultural sector though. There are many tobacco plantations and factories, where high quality cigars are produced.

Ancient petroglyphs have been found in the region, some of them dating back more than 1,000 years. They were found three kilometers east of Estelí, in a region called “Las Pintas”. Furthermore, ancient fossils of gigantic mammals have been found in the municipality Pueble Nuevo, also close to Estelí. The fossils found are between 20 and 30 thousand years old.

Another interesting place is the little town of San Juan de Limay, where beautiful soapstone statues are made and sold at friendly prices. It takes more than an hour dirt road from Estelí, but you will get some great views.

Five kilometer south of Estelí you can find a waterfall called La Estanzuela. The thin stream of water falls 40 meters and forms a pond where you can cool off (the water is very cold!) and enjoy the nature. To enjoy nature you can also visit one of the innumerable mountains and hills, covered with trees and located in the department of Estelí. Nice places are Moroponte, Tomabú, and La Mocuana.

It takes only two hours in car to get from Managua to Estelí. You can just take the Pan American highway to the north, which will pass through Estelí. Buses leave often from the Mercado Mayereo terminal.

 

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