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Jinotega

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Elevated department providing a great place for coffee production and superb scenery, while it also houses pristine forest.

Population: approx. 297,000 people
Location: northern region of Nicaragua, west of RAAN
Attractions: nature, mountains, coffee production, Lake Apanas, historical sites, scenery

High mountains, large valleys, and many hills mark the scenery in the department of Jinotega. Historical sites, rural villages, spectacular nature – including Nicaragua’s largest natural reserve – and the country’s most important artificial lake can all be found in this area. Tourism development is still at its infancy in Jinotega, but for people who do not require five star hotels and who do not mind putting in some extra effort to reach beautiful, remote locations this department has a lot to offer.

Jinotega: tranquil city surrounded by mountains

The city of Jinotega is located at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, in a valley surrounded by spectacular mountains. This valley was already inhabited during pre-Columbian times by different indigenous groups. The Spanish arrived at the beginning of the 17th century and soon took control of the area. Most traces of the indigenous population have vanished, but an interesting collection of artifacts and other historical objects have been preserved and are exhibited in the Harvey Wells Museum in Jinotega.

There are many comfortable, friendly hotels and good restaurants located in the city of Jinotega, and it is a great place to stay while exploring the area. Many attractions can be easily reached from the city, and it has a pleasant climate with temperatures hovering between 18 and 22 degrees. Because of the height, the whole department enjoys temperatures that are considered low compared to the Pacific lowlands.

The mountains that surround the city provide several attractions. There are some trails that offer hiking possibilities, but other areas like Peñas Blancas (see below) have been better prepared for hikers. There are, however, some historical sites located at these mountains. These include an indigenous cemetery and the place where General Augusto C. Sandino had set up his headquarters.

The city of Jinotega can be reached by taking the road from Matagalpa. The city is only 32 kilometers from Matagalpa, but the poor conditions of the road make it often take up to an hour to reach Jinotega. The road is paved but large holes make it impossible to drive fast. It is possible to get here in a sedan, although high-clearance vehicles are more convenient because of the deep holes.

San Rafael del Norte: a historical village

The small village of San Rafael del Norte is located only 25 kilometers from Jinotega, and it can be reached by taking a surprisingly good road. This town is famous because it was the birthplace of the wife of the national hero Augusto C. Sandino. The general, who fought for an independent Nicaragua, fell in love here with Blanca Aráuz when he lived in the town in 1927. The family house of his wife is nowadays a museum where historical objects like old newspaper articles, a letter from Sandino, and American arms take visitors back to the time when Sandino and his men fought against foreign dominance.

Another famous inhabitant of this village was the priest Odorico D’Andrea. This Italian priest arrived in San Rafael del Norte in 1954, and he has played a significant role in the development of the village. He has helped setting up a health center and giving the inhabitants access to potable water and electricity, among other things. The priest, who died in 1990, is buried in his beloved city, in the Tepeyac Temple.

The priest was also a driving force behind the renovation of the large cathedral of San Rafael del Norte. The cathedral is located in the center of the town and it can not be missed because of its imposing size.

There is also a private reserve located in the municipality of San Rafael del Norte. The El Jaguar Reserve offers several trails and great bird watching possibilities, as well as cabins for tourists and a biological station for students or biologists. Another interesting place is the Kilimanjaro Farm, which is a coffee farm that offers several attractions for tourists. Visitors can learn more about the coffee production, or go for a horseback ride through the forest. Lodging possibilities are also available.

Apanas Lake: nature, tranquility, and hydroelectric power

By trapping the water of the Tuma River into the Apanas Valley, engineers were able to create Nicaragua’s first artificial lake. The Apanas Lake is the most important provider of hydroelectric power in Nicaragua, and the huge lake offers some interesting activities for tourists as well.

The lake can be reached in ten minutes from Jinotega, but it is so big that it takes more than an hour to reach the other side of the lake. The forested area around the lake provides superb scenery, and the many birds and other animals living here make it an interesting site for hiking. Horseback riding and fishing are other activities that can be undertaken, and kayaking in Lake Apanas is also possible.

The hydroelectric power plant is located a couple kilometers southwest of Lake Apanas. This plant, called the Centroamérica Power Plant, is situated at a much lower level than the lake, in the bottom of a valley. The plant can be seen from above, but visiting it is not possible.

Because the area is not visited by the masses, there are no standardized tours offered. To undertake some activities here, it’s best to inquire at a hotel in Jinotega about the possibilities.

Peñas Blancas Massif: stunning views and spectacular nature

The Peñas Blancas Massif is one of the most impressive natural areas in the department of Jinotega. Stunning, steep cliffs rise to an elevation of up to 1,745 meters, making this one of the highest points in Nicaragua. This area is located northeast of Jinotega and is takes some effort to reach it, ensuring tranquility, untouched forests and beautiful settings.

Nature is one of the primary attractions. The Peñas Blancas Massif forms part of the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, and it houses both cloud forests and rainforests. Furthermore, there are rocky cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, gigantic ferns, and a large variety of orchids, in addition to spectacular wildlife including tapirs, coatimundi, and even pumas.

In addition to hiking and exploring the region’s impressive natural settings, visitors can also enjoy great, local food when staying in one of the rural communities in the area. Observing the everyday life of farmers in this region can also be interesting, and by visiting the Peñas Blancas Massif and by staying in such a remote, rural community foreigners can take a peek into the rustic but definitely interesting Nicaraguan countryside life. Coffee producers can also be visited to learn more about the coffee production.

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