The city of Estelí, the departmental capital of the same name, is located 150 kilometers from Managua, and is the gateway to Las Segovia, as the departments of Nueva Segovia, Madriz, Estelí and the northern part of Honduras are known, which strengthens its position as the main center of agro-tourism and commercial activities.
“The Diamond of Segovia” It is located in the middle of a valley surrounded by plateaus and situated 800 meters above sea level, which will make you enjoy its pleasant climate. The city has a cozy park, a point of interest to visit since its gardens exhibit monumental monoliths and pre-Columbian archaeological pieces, an expression of Nicaraguan rock art and therefore enjoy the magnificent cathedral with its façade and its two large statues of San Francisco de Asís and Santo Domingo.
The city of Estelí is the main center of the tobacco industry, which is grown in the valley surrounding the city. The fertile Esteli valleys produce tobacco of the highest quality, both for the production of cigarettes for national consumption and for export, which are packed in aromatic cedar boxes.
Sandino Route
The Sandino Route is a Local Development and Historical Recovery Project of the National Hero Augusto Cesar Sandino, born from the need to recover historical memory, promote the values of the patriot and generate better standards of living in the rural population of the 14 participating municipalities, in Condega: Julio Cesar Salgado Museum, Condega, Daraylí, El Bramadero, Venecia, Clay Crafts - Ducuale Grande, San Diego Archaeological Site, Los Alpes - "Nueva Esperanza" Cooperative and "Julio Muñoz" Cooperative, Cerro el Fraile, San Jerónimo, Las Brumas Tierra Colorada; in Pueblo Nuevo 4 Communities are included, they are an integral part of the Tourist and Historical Route.
The Estanzuela waterfall
Located 12 kilometers southwest of Estelí, at the exit that leads to the town of San Nicolás. Arriving at the site, the first thing you see is a beautiful waterfall, 40 meters high, which at its feet forms a pool with fresh, desecrated waters where many boulders abound, including some varieties of jasper, opals and other stones that when polished offer interesting veins and lusters. For those who like adventure, this site is ideal for practicing classicism, since the branches that cross each other and their swaying movement allow you to jump from the highest point to fall into a stream sheltered by a shady environment.
The Mermaid Petroglyphs of San Juan de Limay
On the banks of the Quesos River there is a group of various engravings made by the ancient inhabitants of Limay, using strong stone chisels to engrave the basalt volcanic rock. It is believed that these were possibly from the Matagalpa tribal groups and some incursions by migratory Nahua groups.
In an area of one kilometer in length there is a set of several petroglyphs located on the banks of the river, these sites are known as Los Encuentros, La Sirena, El Chorro, and La Bruja cave.
Miraflores Lagoon
A majestic jungle site with an extensive area of more than 200 square kilometers, this mountain is full of exotic flora and fauna, whose ecosystem ranges from a tropical savannah to a dry tropical forest, passing through a canopy of pine trees and then to a cloud forest at its highest elevation. You can see the colorful quetzals and guardabarrancos along with impressive trees and ferns.
The Miraflores Lagoon, nestled in the reserve, is a body of water located at an altitude of 1300 meters and in its surroundings there are different types of beautiful orchids.
Tisey Nature Reserve – Estanzuela
The nature reserve owes its name to Cerro Tiséy, where a giant fern grew in considerable density, which the inhabitants of yesteryear recognized as Tiséy. This is an Ulúa Matagalpa name that translates as witch or deceiver.
Located 12 km southwest of Estelí, in this reserve we can find landscapes and scenic beauties, where you can admire views over the Pacific plain and the Momotombo and Cerro Negro volcanoes.
In this majestic place, you can find 99 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, of which 62 species are birds.
In addition, you can enjoy a tasting of aged goat and cow cheeses that are produced in the La Garnacha community.
• On July 16, the Catholic Church celebrates mass in honor of the Virgin of Carmen with songs in the atrium of the Cathedral.
• On October 7, the people of Estilianos celebrate their “patron saint” Virgen del Rosario. On this day, a series of cultural activities take place in the city, such as country song festivals, and school children perform religious works of art in the atrium of the cathedral.
• The Virgin of the Rosary, patron saint of Estelí, dates back to approximately the 17th century. Beautiful and interesting legends are woven around her and a large number of miracles are attributed to her.
• The Holy Burial, celebrated during Holy Week, constitutes the culminating celebration of the liturgical year where the capital events of the Paschal mystery are commemorated: the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Musically, it is the Capital of Polkas and Mazurkas with its great exponent Felipe Urrutia y Sus Cachorros, compiler of the famous song “El Grito del Bolo”
• Christmas Shopping Nights, which take place every year in the month of December.
What gastronomy to enjoy?
Huevo chimbo, is one of the most representative sweets of the city of Estelí. It consists of a cajeta filling made with honey, milk, flour and flavors (vanilla, chocolate), wrapped in an egg white frosting.
Other locally consumed products include tortilla, nacatamal, güirila, gallo pinto, doughnuts, curd, vaho, tacos, cajeta, and rice in milk. Not to be missed are the traditional soups of Carao and El Sopón.
