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Nicaragua Travel |
Matagalpa NicaraguaWhen travelling through Central America it would be a shame not stopping by in Matagalpa in Nicaragua. It is the second largest city in Nicaragua and the capital of the department in central Nicaragua which bears the same name. Matagalpa has a wide variety of hotels, bars, restaurants and activities. Some hotels are famous for their eco-tourism so those interested by wild nature sure will miss out if they ignore Matagalpa on the map and continue straight by. Keep on reading to learn more about Matagalpa, its history and what you as a tourist can do there. Matagalpa Nicaragua – Some infoThe department of Matagalpa is an area situated in the central of Nicaragua and has around 500.000 inhabitants. The capital of the department is also named Matagalpa and is the second largest town in Nicaragua with just above 100.000 inhabitants and is situated 3000 feet above sea level. Being so high up the city Matagalpa enjoys a much cooler weather than one would expect and has some of the most spectacular views one can find in Nicaragua. Matagalpa also has the most diverse production of wares in Nicaragua making it able for tourist to enjoy export products such as fruit and coffee fresh. "Matagalpa Washed Coffee" is famous around the world for its quality, eco-friendly plantations and taste of chocolate. Matagalpa Nicaragua – The historyWhat was to become known as the city Matagalpa was formed as early as 1542 by the Spanish, but since they did not find any gold in the area Dominican and Mercedarian missionaries took over the settlement. The settlers began mixing with the local population and soon there was a sprawling little town named Matagalpa which meant “Let’s go where the rocks are” in the Sumo language spoken by the indigenous people. In 1808 the Spanish were proved wrong since gold was found in the mountains but it was not until the 1850s the migration to Matagalpa triggered the mining process to start. Everybody was not interested in gold though since several German settlers began planting coffee at the same time. Although a lot of political difficulties and wars the coffee grown on Matagalpa has remained one of the most important exports for the entire country of Nicaragua. Matagalpa Nicaragua – Tourist attractionsAlthough Matagalpa does not have any major sights or tourist attractions it is still worth the visit because of its interesting history and the fresh coffee. Most hotels serve wonderful coffee and can arrange coffee tours which guides you through the plantations, the city even have a coffee museum with some unique objects. For instance, the museum holds a steam locomotive that is probably the only train in the world considered to be railless. It was used in the early 1900s to transport the coffee from Matagalpa to the port of Corinto. Many hotels can also offer eco-tourist activities including mountain hiking, horseback riding and birdwatching. Matagalpa Nicaragua – Getting thereThe city of Matagalpa is situated 130 km north of Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Taking the north highway, Carretera Norte, for about two hours from the centre of Managua will take you there. In Managua there will also be possible to find buses passing Matagalpa on their way north, ask at the airport, at the hotel or simply find some locals and they will help you out getting in the right direction.
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