The municipality of Juigalpa is located to the west of the department of Chontales. Its territory extends from the coastal area of Lake Cocibolca, through the tables of Hato Grande, to the high peaks of Amerrique, which rise to the east of the Mayales valley.
American Natural Reserve
One of the natural attractions of the municipality is the Serranias de Amerrique Nature Reserve, considered one of the oldest massifs in Nicaragua. Due to its location and soil and climatic conditions, it is considered a climate transition zone, which allows a great diversity of birdlife to inhabit it. Its natural wall shape facilitates the condensation of water from the trade winds, granting greater humidity to the area, but at the same time allows the existence of the dry zone in some regions of the lower zone.
The municipality has 25 kms. of shorelines on Lake Cocibolca, a large area of wetlands that is home to an exuberant presence of waterfowl. Puerto Díaz, formerly called Puerto de Guapinolapa, is a quiet community of artisanal fishermen nestled next to the lake. Its sunsets are colorful and magical. About 12 km. of this population are the islands of Cacaguapa: El Muerto, La Redonda, La Grande and La Rosa, the last one of the municipality of Comalapa. In them the fishing of guapotes, sabaletes and mojarras is abundant. In its spaces there is evidence in lithics and clay of its ancient inhabitants. In 2002 they were declared a Municipal Ecological Park.
The Mesas de Hato Grande hill, with 640 meters above sea level, are a benchmark in the municipal geography. In past centuries, they housed extensive cattle ranches and in their brittle fields the wild cattle or “juidor” multiplied prodigiously. Geologically they are of great importance, since an obsidian deposit has been located there.
The hill of La Vaca, Las Tetillas and La Cruz are considerable natural promontories with spaces for the study of earth sciences.
El mayales river, with 80 km. in length, it is the main hydrographic resource of the municipality. The Cuisalá and Pirre are its tributaries. 3 km. To the north of the city is El Salto, a resounding waterfall that is very popular in the summer season. Other water sources of municipal relevance are the Carca, Apompoá, Manigua, El Potrero, El Arrayán, El Morán and El Caracol streams.
The Hot springs Aguas Calientes and Rancho Gilma are singularities that tell us about a thousand-year-old volcanic past of these lands.
nature tourism
Puerto Diaz
La American Natural Reserve It has established itself as a benchmark for adventure tourism in Nicaragua. Its high peaks allow contemplating the vastness of the brittle landscape of Chontal. Its dense wooded areas are ideal for hiking and observing flora and fauna. In all its extension you can see archaeological remains of the Amerrique people, its oldest settlers. To access this mountainous system there are the routes of Poza Larga, Piedras Grandes, El Quebrantadero and Cuajiniquil. At present, a process of management and promotion of the Geopark Serranías de Amerrique is being developed.
La Guzmán Pasos Biological Station and Private Wildlife Reserve, from UNAN-FAREM Chontales, has trails under lush forests and is one of the routes to ascend to Mesas de Hato Grande, which is also becoming a destination for explorers from all over Nicaragua.
Throughout the brittle geography of Juigalpa there are monoliths that can be climbed, including Cuajiniquil, Peña del León and Santa Bula. The still little explored Copelito canyon is a good option for hiking.
Near the city center there are also the options of visiting the El Gorrión, Paraíso de Yalili, Caracolitos Negros and Rancho de Juancho Private Wildlife Reserves.
Mayales Point
Tourism rural
Estate Los Angeles It is a family initiative that combines lodging, bar and restaurant services with horseback riding and tours of different natural spaces.
In America, the farm San Antonio It has a notable archaeological inventory, caves, waterfalls and wooded areas of productive interest.
in front of the popular cacique rock, in Amerrique, the Bella Vista and El Barón farms have become a reference for agritourism in the area.
In the mountainous terrain of Manigua you can visit the Mira Brisas farm to go hiking, observe the flora and fauna or take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Carca ravine.
Gallery
Tourist Offer Map