The cattle-raising department of Chontales, located in the central zone of Nicaragua, is made up of the municipalities of Juigalpa, the departmental capital, Comalapa, San Francisco de Cuapa, Santo Domingo, Villa Sandino, Acoyapa, El Coral, La Libertad, San Pedro de Lóvago and Santo Tomás, all of them scattered in a landscape of marked contrasts due to being made up of wide lake plains, high plateaus and the steep peaks of the Amerrique mountain range.
The name Chontales is derived from the Nahuatl word “chontalli” which means “foreigner or from outside”. The origin and antiquity of the towns named under this name are subjects on which scholars have not yet found a consensus. The archaeological remains of Carcas, Mayales, Lovigüiscas and Amerrique are scattered in abundance throughout the departmental territory.
Chontales is the gateway to the southern Caribbean of Nicaragua. Its economy is based on a centuries-old cattle-raising tradition. Agriculture, mining, trade and artisanal fishing are of considerable importance.
Among the main tourist attractions are the Amerrique Natural Reserve (Juigalpa), the El Nancital archipelago (Acoyapa), the Piedras Pintadas Archaeological Park (Villa Sandino) and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cuapa.
juigalpa
It is located 139 kilometers from Managua, in the valley of the Mayales River, between the northeastern coast of the Great Lake of Nicaragua, the Sierra de Amerrique and the plains descending towards the lake area.
The word Juigalpa has been interpreted by prominent historians and linguists as “land of black snails” (Xuctlicallipan), “great city” (Juigalpan) and “land of abundant jícaros” (Xicalli), all of Nahuatl origin.
Juigalpa offers splendid viewpoints, a zoo and colorful parks, all sheltered by the tranquility of a town of hard-working, humble and hospitable people.
El Archaeological Museum Gregorio Aguilar Barea It has the largest collection of indigenous statuary in Nicaragua and confirms the remarkable sociocultural development of the Chontal people. The Juigalpan María Ramos Community Museum is a cultural reference point for its historical exhibition and for promoting the identity values of the Juigalpan community. Its old cattle ranches are a reference point in national history.
The patron saint festivities of Juigalpa, “the bullfighting festival”, are very popular in Nicaragua. They are celebrated in August and are dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption. The bullfighting evenings are a daring spectacle where the bravest bullfighters, bullfighters and bullfighters dodge the attacks of the bravest bulls. The bullfighters bring joy to these crowded festivities.
La American Natural Reserve It is an extensive mountain range that determines the climatic conditions of the department of Chontales. Its formation is related to ancient volcanic activity. In ancient times, it was inhabited by a fierce people, whose vestiges are scattered throughout the rugged landscape. Some historical sources have linked its name with the baptism of the American continent.
acoyapa
It was the first departmental capital of Chontales and one of the oldest towns in this region. Its colonial-style church is visited by thousands of devotees who come to celebrate San Sebastián in January.
The coastal area of this municipality was home to extensive livestock farms in past centuries.
The ruins of Lovigüisca, Las Ventanas hill, the Santa Elisa cave and the El Nancital archipelago are its main references in terms of tourism.
Comalapa
It is located 130 km from Managua. Formerly known as Comalagalpan, it is considered the oldest town in the department of Chontales. Its territorial extension includes high peaks and vast lake plains. Its colonial-style church and its archaeology are notable references.
San Francisco de Cuapa
It is one of the youngest municipalities in Chontales. It is located 152 km from Managua. Its topography is irregular and the high peaks of Oluma and Matayagual predominate.
The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cuapa is visited in May by tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over Nicaragua. With great faith and devotion they celebrate the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1980 to the peasant Bernardo Martínez.
The Cuapa Stone is a popular geological and cultural reference in these environments.
Santo Domingo
This mining and cattle-raising town was founded in the second half of the 19th century on the banks of the Antigua River. The mighty Siquia River runs through its fields. The Peña Blanca and Banadí massifs dominate the landscape that fades away towards the Caribbean plateau.
The village of many names – Villa Sandino
At first it was called Pueblo Viejo, then Villa Somoza, for a short time Villa San Francisco and currently Villa Sandino. Its origin dates back to the mid-twentieth century as a modest camp during the construction of the road to El Rama. Before, its thick mountains had been traversed by root cutters and rubber tappers.
The Garrobo Grande pyramids and the Piedras Pintadas Archaeological Park (National Historical Heritage) are valuable places to learn about the ancestral history of these lands.
Saint Peter of Lovago
A quiet and cattle-raising town located east of the Amerrique mountain range. The caves with petroglyphs and Zanzibar waterfalls and the Quilona waterfall are its main natural attractions.
Freedom
Formerly known as El Mineral, this municipality enjoys a thriving mining activity and outstanding livestock farming. Among its main tourist attractions are the El Corozo and Punta Tumbé waterfalls.
It is the birthplace of notable figures in Nicaragua's political, military and religious life.
The coral
It is a relatively young town. Its beginnings date back to the mid-twentieth century, when root farmers and rubber tappers began to venture into its dense mountains. Behind them came cattle ranchers looking for better conditions for establishing their herds.
The Rama River runs through its fields and the peaks of the El Trago and El Chile hills dominate the horizon.
St Thomas
This is a town that is eager to prove that it is “the land of the best quesillo in Nicaragua.” Dairy wealth is a determining factor in this matter.
Its origin is related to the ancient town of Lovigüisca. The El Chancho and La Oropéndola waterfalls are natural sites with an enchanting scenic beauty.
It is located next to the highway that leads from Managua to the South Caribbean, 179 km from the country's capital.