First Impressions of Nicaragua (Exploring León)

Описание: After over a year of driving across Central America with a dog, our journey has brought us to the vibrant city of León, Nicaragua. In this episode of our Nicaragua travel vlogs, we dive into the heart of León, exploring its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture.

Our day begins as we leave our Airbnb and hop into a tricycle taxi—a uniquely Nicaraguan mode of transportation. These colourful three-wheeled vehicles are a fun and affordable way to navigate the city, offering an authentic experience for anyone traveling in Nicaragua. Although we definitely got overcharged for our short ride 😉

Our first stop is a charming French bakery near the central square. We wouldn't normally start our day of exploring a new city by buying a croissant, buuuuut sometimes headaches don't wait for days off. After trying o stave off a headache with coffee and bread, we head to the central square, the bustling heart of León. Surrounded by colonial-era buildings and lively street scenes, it's a perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere. Be prepared for the most intense lunch bell you've ever heard though 😂

Before heading too far into the city, we take a moment to tell you about the true state of Nicaragua at the moment. We've heard that YouTubers have gotten into a lot of trouble for saying too much about the government here, so we are careful with what we say, but we encourage you to please do some of your own research and learn about what Nicaraguans are living through right now.

Next, we venture into the Central Market, a must-visit for anyone exploring León, Nicaragua. The market is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, offering everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. We sample some local street food, where I opt for carne asada and Mico tries the traditional Nicaraguan dish, carne en baho. Mid-lunch, we witness one of the more shocking moments of our Central American road trip and are reminded that we have driven a long way from Canada 😅

Our exploration continues at the iconic León Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a highlight for those seeking the top things to do in Nicaragua. Inside, the cathedral's grandeur is stunning, but the real treat is ascending to the rooftop. The panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes are breathtaking, making it clear why this is one of the best places to visit in Nicaragua.

If you're planning a trip and wondering what to do in León, Nicaragua, this video offers a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture and must-see sights. From the bustling markets to the serene cathedral rooftop, León provides a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler.

There's another awesome activity that most people do from León called volcano boarding, which is what we are going to be doing in next week's video! Subscribe here so you don't miss an upload:    / @nicoleandmico  

SafetyWing is our favourite travel insurance: https://tinyurl.com/ycxud5ch

✈️ PLANNING A TRIP TO NICARAGUA? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Best time to visit: November to April offers dry weather and sunny days.
Currency: The Nicaraguan Córdoba is the local currency
Is it safe? We found León to be welcoming and safe, especially during the day when we were out and about

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== Chapters ==
0:00 Welcome to our neighbourhood
3:40 Definitely getting ripped off 😂
7:19 Not your usual Central Park
16:35 What's really going on in Nicaragua?
20:00 A regular market with a very unusual lizard experience
27:28 The top thing to do in Nicaragua according to most

#centralamerica #nicaragua #leonnicaragua #nicaraguatravel