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Boaco

A peasant culture and livestock farming are the common characteristics of Boaco, a department located in the center of Nicaragua. The territory features landscapes of valleys that contrast with small mountains and hills. Despite the fact that the area is not usually known for tourism development, it offers natural attractions such as natural reserves, waterfalls, rivers and hot springs, as well as cultural ones like archaeological sites, a strong handmade craft production and traditional old dances.

The administrative center of the area is the city of Boaco, where an urban center lies on a sinuous territory with a unique personality. There are many viewpoints in the city, as well as hotels, restaurants, bars and a dynamic agricultural trade. Furthermore, the local religious festivities - which are celebrated by the end of July - represent a colorful season for this department. Actually, this is the ideal time to observe the antique, picturesque dance of "Los bailantes", and many bullfights.

Several natural attractions can be found in the Eastern side of Boaco. The 'Embalse de las Canoas', a medium size artificial lake with nice panoramic views and lots of fish, is located here. Also, there is an establishment with natural hot springs and other tourist services. In addition, the small town of Teustepe features some pre-Columbian petroglyphs.

The Northern region of Boaco features high mountains and rarely visited destinations. The Cerro Alegre Natural Reserve is situated between the cities of Santa Lucia and San Jose de los Remates, and extends its territory to the neighboring department of Matagalpa. There are other peaks like the Cerro Santa Ana and the 'Peñón de Santo Domingo', and interesting places along the Malacatoya River, where visitors will find many waterfalls and canyons. Other places have petroglyphs and caves.

The city of Camoapa is one of the many interesting destinations in Southern Boaco. The area is famous for its handicrafts made of a fiber called 'pita', and its neighboring hills (i.e the 'Cerro Mombachito'). Also, Camoapa is known for caves, waterfalls, petroglyphs and the ruins of its old city. The coasts of the department on Lake Cocibolca (also Lake Nicaragua) are reached further South. Despite not being elongated, these coasts are a natural place of great beauty.

The department of Boaco is constituted by six municipalities. Its territory is crossed by many important rivers, as well as the 'Serranía de Amerrisque' and the 'Cordillera Chontaleña'. Also, there are rarely known places here, such as the Fila Masigüe Natural Reserve on the East, and many other destinations that are yet to be discovered.

Municipalities

  • Boaco

    Crossed entirely by the 'Serranías de Amerrisque', this municipality has quite an irregular geography. Its center is the city of Boaco, also known as the city of two levels due to its multiple streets, alleys and sidewalks that go up and down. A great cultural attraction here is an antique and traditional dance called "Los Bailes de Boaco". This municipality is the capital of the department of the same name.

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  • San José de los Remates

    This municipality lies on a fertile soil of many mountains. In addition to the small rural city of San José de los Remates, where visitors will find a viewpoint with nice landscapes, there are several villages nearby. Also, San José de los Remates has various natural attractions, such as the Cerro Alegre Natural Reserve, and the canyons and waterfalls of the Malacatoya River. Furthermore, petroglyphs can be found inside a few private farms.

  • San Lorenzo

    San Lorenzo is the only municipality in Boaco that has a coastline on Lake Nicaragua. San Lorenzo, the capital city, and Tecolostote are the two major towns. Agriculture and livestock prevail within this territory of several hills and mountains. One of the most interesting destinations is the 'monolito de Quizaltepe' or 'Cuisaltepe', where tourists will find waterholes, caves and mineral deposits.

  • Santa Lucía

    The center of this municipality is the picturesque, peaceful town of Santa Lucía, which is surrounded by mountains and rock formations. The most impressive of all is Santo Domingo, with its windmill that can be seen in the distance. Two other interesting sites are the Cuevas de la Cocinera (caves) and the Salto de las Américas pond. Handicrafts made of Henequen are also an interesting product of this area.

  • Teustepe

    There are several attractions in this rural municipality, whose center is the small city of Teustepe. One of them is the artificial lake Embalse de Las Canoas and a tourist center with natural ponds of thermal waters. Petroglyphs and caves are also interesting, but less accessible.

  • Camoapa

    A mountainous landscape and a lot of cattle. The center of this municipality is the city of Camoapa, which is considered the second most important in the department. There are various workshops that produce leather, metal and 'pita' fiber pieces (pita hats were famous in the past). Camoapa also has interesting archeological sites, such as the ruins of the original city, the Salinas caves and the diverse rock art in Piedra Pintada.