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Carazo

The cities of Diriamba and Jinotepe, as well as a coastline on the Pacific Ocean and a wildlife refuge, are some of the attractions of the small department of Carazo. The majority of the urban centers are situated in a vast plain - situated in the Northeast - that gradually descends to the sea, producing a cool weather.

The city of Diriamba happens to be one of the most interesting destinations of the region, whether it is for its charming neocolonial urban center or its colorful religious festivities. These celebrations are a good time to see some of the most beautiful traditional dances of the country: El Güegüense (also known as 'Macho Ratón'), Toro Huaco, El Viejo y La Vieja, Las Inditas and El Gigante. Diriamba also has many restaurants and hotels, and its rural area features nice waterfalls and a natural reserve called 'La Máquina'.

Several beaches are located in three coastal municipalities. La Boquita and Casares (Diriamba), Huehuete and Tupilapa (Jinotepe), and the Escalante - Cachocente River Wildlife Refuge (Santa Teresa), which comprises a large preserved area including a beach where several species of sea turtles arrive and nestle, are part of this territory.

The department has eight municipalities. The capital city is Jinotepe, which also has a historical neocolonial center, in addition to many restaurants, bars and a club. Furthermore, the rural area features several productive farms. The picturesque towns of San Marcos, Santa Teresa, El Rosario, La Conquista, La Paz and Dolores are worth a visit.

Municipalities

  • Diriamba

    Diriamba has diverse attractions. In addition to the neocolonial center of its urban area, the city also has restaurants, all kinds of hotels, a museum and a football stadium. Furthermore, Diriamba is the headquarters of interesting cultural manifestations that can be seen mostly during its religious festivities. Tourists will also find beaches on the Pacific coast, in addition to waterfalls and natural reserves.

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  • Dolores

    Dolores turns out to be Nicaragua's smallest municipality. It's almost entirely occupied by its urban center, which includes a pretty central park with lots of trees. This small town celebrates its religious festivities from May 1st to May 10th. Although it is frequently visited on January 19th, which is when the "Tope de los Santos" is held due to the festivities of Diriamba.

  • El Rosario

    This small, rural municipality lies on a flat territory, despite being situated in a mountainous plateau called "Meseta de Los Pueblos". Its urban center is the rural town of El Rosario. The religious festivities are held in January, a good time to see the traditional dance of "Las Indias".

  • Jinotepe

    The dynamic city of Jinotepe is the capital of this municipality and the department of Carazo. A neocolonial center, hotels, restaurants, bars and one club are some of its attractions. Moreover, Jinotepe has a coastline on the Pacific Ocean, in addition to a frequently visited amusement park.

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  • La Conquista

    The catholic devotion prevails in this rural municipality, known for having a small church with a statue of a black Christ. The territory also has a pond called "Posita del Señor de Esquipulas", which is famous for its supernatural healing benefits. The urban center of La Conquista is small and peaceful, except during the religious festivities, which are held right before Holy Week.

  • La Paz

    Also known as "La Paz de Oriente", this small rural municipality has its urban center in the town of La Paz. The place gets hectic in February, which is when its religious festivities are held.

  • San Marcos

    The youthful ambiance of the urban center of San Marcos is related to the presence of an international university. The city center, which has a neocolonial architectural style, has several restaurants and some lodging options. During its traditional festivities, April 24th and 25th, one can observe many folkloric dances. There are various ecotourism sites in this municipality, where the main agricultural product is coffee.

  • Santa Teresa

    The small, peaceful center of Santa Teresa is the center of this municipality. Its shores are located in the Pacific Ocean, where visitors will find the Rio Escalante - Chacocente Wildlife Refuge, an area that preserves the forest and fauna of the region. This is also one of the few beaches in the world where Oliver Riley Turtles and other sea turtles massively arrive.