The Isthmus of Rivas, known as "The City of Mangoes," comprises 10 municipalities, each with its own unique charm due to its natural beauty and rich culture. Bordered by Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca) to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Rivas was established in 1858 and has been a central hub for migrations of tribes such as the Kiribí, Chorotega, and Nicarao since time immemorial.

The first Nicaraguan territory explored by the Spanish colonizers was the Rivas region. There were two expeditions, one in 1522 and the other in 1523.

The department of Rivas stands out for its great natural wealth, where the Pacific Ocean, Lake Cocibolca, and unique volcanic landscapes converge. Its coasts are home to some of Nicaragua's most visited beaches, especially in the municipalities of San Juan del Sur and Tola, internationally renowned for their ideal surfing waves, scenic beauty, and breathtaking sunsets.

In addition, Lake Cocibolca is home to the majestic Ometepe Island, formed by the Concepción and Maderas volcanoes, considered one of the most emblematic natural destinations in the country, ideal for hiking, flora and fauna observation, and rural tourism.

Rivas boasts a rich history linked to the ancient Chorotega and Nicarao indigenous cultures that inhabited this region before the arrival of the colonizers. Over time, the territory became a strategic point for trade and transit between the Pacific and Lake Nicaragua.

The municipality of Rivas was the site of important historical events in the country, such as 19th-century battles during the fight against the filibusters. The department also preserves religious traditions, patron saint festivals, typical cuisine, and indigenous communities that keep their customs and cultural identity alive.

Rivas is one of the most productive departments in southern Nicaragua. Its main economic activities include agriculture, livestock farming, fishing, and tourism. Among the most important crops are plantains, corn, beans, sugarcane, and various tropical fruits, products that supply both the national and regional markets.

Tourism has become a key driver of local development, fueled by the growth of destinations such as San Juan del Sur, the beaches of Tola and Ometepe Island, which attract national and international visitors throughout the year.

Visitors to the department can enjoy a wide variety of tourist experiences: Enjoy its beaches, visit Ometepe Island, learn about the local culture and history, and taste traditional dishes such as fresh fish, seafood, typical soups, cheese, nacatamales, and plantain-derived products.