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Nicaragua
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Masaya |
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The land in and around
the department of Masaya is lush and beautiful. Surrounded by crater
lakes and volcanoes, visitors to Masaya will see and experience the
heart of Nicaragua.
The first settlers of the region of Masaya were of Chorotegano descent,
originating from Mexico. These settlers were named Dirianes. The
language of the Dirianes was Nahualt. Three theories exist about the
origins of the name, Masaya. The first believes that Masaya or Masayan
signifies "Place where there are deers", the second indicates
that the origin signifies "Place among several water gaps" and
the last version of the columnist Oviedo and Valdés assures that Masaya
in the Chorotega language signifies "Mountain that burns", due
to Volcan Masaya.
Masaya and Monimbó, two key native tribes of the Dirianes, were
characterized for having painters of great imagination, creative
artisans and large farmers. The town of Masaya, and mainly the
neighborhood of Monimbó, was important native tribes of the Dirianes.
To this day, the neighborhood of Monimbó holds the heart of the native
customs and traditions. Masaya is proud and known to have kept the
folkloric traditions and art to its truest form. |
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Rivas |
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| Rivas
traces its history back to 606 AD when various indigenous tribes
gathered and settled in the area. The Spaniards first visited the area
in 1522 and again in 1524. The current population is a mixture of
Creole, Indian, Mulatto and Spanish. A Catholic Church was built in
1607. The city of Rivas was officially recognized in 1835.
William Walker stormed the city in
June of 1855 but was repulsed by a teacher, Emanuel Mongalo, who became
a local hero. A second battle ensued in 1865 forever banishing Walker
from Rivas.
The twentieth century parallels that
of the rest of Nicaragua with its various invasions, dictators, and
wars. Ex-President Violetta Chamorro is a native from Rivas and also her
son, who is now the Minister of Defense, Pedro Joquian Chamorro. |
| San
Jorge |
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city-port of San Jorge in the Province of Rivas is located about 115 km.
south of Managua, next to Lake Nicaragua (8,157 sq. km.). There is
regular ferry service to the island of Ometepe just 14 km. away (seen
here in the background), along with the Maderas volcano (1,394 m.)
almost completely covered with rain forests and coffee plantations.
Among the interesting spots in this town is the church of Mercedes. At
over 420 years old it is one of the oldest buildings on the North
American continent. |
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Esteli |
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Just a little over two
hours from the capital, Managua and Estelí (pop. 100,000) has a climate
that is very comfortable. Because of the high altitude it is not too hot
and the surrounding mountains, clean lagoons and waterfalls provide a
beautiful living environment.
Estelí offers a genuine
Central American ambiance with all the facilities for a pleasant stay:
shops, markets, banks, university, and lots of open air restaurants with
live music. It is a cool and
pleasant town located in a valley amongst mountains. Tobacco is the main
business of the area, producing some of the finest cigars of the world.
Every year the "Hípicas"
(equestrian parades) bring people from all around the world to exhibit the
some of the areas most beautiful horses. |
Back
to the 21 day Central America Tour Itinerary
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