The Ruins of León Viejo are a historical and cultural heritage of Humanity. In this tour you will go back in time to learn a little more about the origin and development of the first Spanish city founded in Nicaragua. you will also visit the coast of Lake Xolotlan or Lake Managua and enjoy  a great view of several volcanoes including Momotombo and Momotombito.

The original city of Leon was founded by the spanish conqueror Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524 near the Momotombo volcano and Lake Managua. This city had to be relocated 86 years later due to intense volcanic activities and religious beliefs. After many years of being abandoned they were discovered underground in 1967, now they represent a testimony of the social and economic structures of the spanish empire in the 16th century. In 2000 the Ruins were declared by UNESCO “Heritage site of humanity” as a symbol of Spanish conquest.

The trip begins with a 50 minutes car ride from your hotel door in Leon to the community of Momotombo pretty near to the Managua’s Lake. After reporting your visit you must continue by foot approximately an hour and a half. While touring the site you will see the foundations of most of the important contructions such as the cathedral, bank, church, fortress, etcetera. Also you will be able to spot some birds who made this place their home including the Nicaragua’s National bird, Guarda barranco.

On your return you will stop at La Paz Centro town where you will visit one of several tile and brick factories and taste a typical dish called QUESILLO, this is quite famous all across Nicaragua!

The tour takes 5 hours including transfers and can be run every day either in the morning or in afternoon starting at 08:00AM and 02:00PM respectively.