CARAZO

The Department of Carazo was founded in 1891. Agriculture and dairy farms are predominant on its volcanic plateau. It is an important region for the cultivation of citrus and coffee plantations. It has the unique pecularity, that Jinotepe, the capital of the department of Carazo, is where the first coffee tree was planted in Nicaragua.

It is located 30 kms from Managua, and to the southeast are “The towns plateau” (“Pueblos de la Meseta”). Jinotepe and Diriamba, also known as the twin cities “Ciudades Gemelas”, enjoy excellent weather.

There are many coffee plantations and the two cities share the same religious festivities and famous folklore. If you have not seen “El Baile del Toro Guaco”, the festivities in honor of San Sebastian and Santiago, and the dance “El Gueguense”, you could do so here.

Very close to Carazo, though it is part of the Department of Masaya, is Masatepe where you can enjoy a delicious mondongo (tripe) soup. You will also find a variety selection of artifacts made of mimbre (rattan). Here they celebrate the Pineapple and Tangerine fair, in November. If you like sweets, you will find quantities and qualities of coconut, milk, zapoyol, and nuts in this city.

Carazo also has the following towns: Santa Teresa, El Rosario, Dolores, La Conquista, and La Paz de Carazo.

Tourist Sites

Historic: The three cities; Jinotepe, Diriamba, and San Marcos and their respective patron festivities (Santiago, San Sebastian, and San Marcos).

Sceneries: The beaches of La Boquita, Huehuete, and Tupilapa.

Ecological: The wild life refuge of Silvestre Escalante-Chacocente, near the bay of El Astillero. Marine turtles lay their eggs in droves, all along the beaches of Carazo.

Tower and Dome of San Sebastian

Diriamba: Its Basilica boasts of a dome that stands out with an image of San Sebastian, patron saint of the city. These January festivities are nationally famous.

Catholic Church of Jinotepe

it is located in front of the Plaza or Central Park. It is a colonial building with an elegant facade and two sided towers. This church is consecrated to the Apostol Santiago, patron of the city.