León Department, Administrative division in western Nicaragua
León Department is an administrative region in western Nicaragua encompassing ten municipalities that stretch to the Pacific Ocean. The area is crossed by the Maribios volcanic range and contains several volcanic peaks alongside popular coastal beaches.
The original city of León was founded in 1524 but relocated roughly 30 kilometers because of volcanic activity in the region. The ruins of the former settlement now stand as a UNESCO World Heritage site preserving colonial-era architecture.
The León Cathedral holds the remains of notable figures including Nicaragua's poet Rubén Darío and features hidden underground passages. These spaces reveal how the building served multiple purposes throughout different periods.
The region is easily accessed by road from Managua and offers various accommodation options in the coastal towns. The dry season from November through April provides the best conditions for beach visits and outdoor exploration.
Cerro Negro volcano is famous for sandboarding down its black lava slopes, an unusual recreational activity in Central America. This active peak offers a surreal experience with intense heat and mineral smells rising from the ground.
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