Matagalpa

Matagalpa is a large city in northern Nicaragua that spreads across hills and valleys in a mountainous region. Streets rise and fall between residential neighborhoods, markets and coffee roasters, while green slopes surround the town.

The settlement grew from an area inhabited by the Cacaopera people, who resisted Spanish rule until 1875. After independence, the place developed into a center of coffee production in the highlands.

The city's name comes from the language of the cacao producers and means "Let us dig" or "What thunders". Locals drink their coffee strong and sweet, often several times a day, while they gather in squares and in front of small shops.

The city sits above 700 meters elevation, where temperatures remain between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius (79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. Visitors will find supermarkets, health centers and accommodation ranging from simple rooms to monthly rentals.

Two public hospitals, César Amador Molina and Santa Fé, provide specialized medical care for the northern region of the country. They serve over 110,000 residents and the surrounding communities in the highlands.

Location: Matagalpa Department

Inception: April 5, 1851

Elevation above the sea: 680 m

Website: http://alcaldiadematagalpa.gob.ni

GPS coordinates: 12.92839,-85.91845

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:11