| When driving between Managua, Masaya and Granada you will pass through a picturesque part of Nicaragua known as "The White Towns".
Towns with such magic sounding names as Nindiri, Niquinohomo, Masatepe, Catarina, Diriá and Diriomo are nestled into this lush countryside. Each is known for its native cuisine, its handicrafts or for a particular bit of colorful folklore that has been handed down through the generations.
This region is located 27 miles (45 km) south of Managua, at an elevation of 1,375 feet (500 mt) above see level. The weather is cooler than other areas with a richer vegetation and many different flowers and colors along the roads. Coffee is the main production in the area, as well as flowers, pure blood horses, rocking chairs, wicker furniture, leather shoes, etc.
Many small towns that tourists can visit, have been there for centuries, even before the arrival of Columbus to America. The area can be visited in a half day. Catarina View Point is generally included in tours in the Masaya Area. |
- "Horses and Coffee Tour": located in Diriamba (from the Chorotega language diri-mba or big hills). The tour will take visitors through real plantations. Not only coffee is seen, but 500 year old Ceiba trees and rubber trees as well. After the refreshing stroll through the fields, a complete equestrian show is presented at the "picadero". Soft drinks and beer served. The art of the Spanish Pure Blood Horse School will be demonstrated by the skillful riders. Very often the owners of this traditional "hacienda" will participate in the show and will personally be the hosts for this visit. Coffee sampling is the closing activity of the tour. Time permitting and if in harvest season, a visit to the Coffee Mill will be included.
- "San Marcos town": place of birth of the founder of the Somoza family (Anastacio Somoza García) and actual site for the Mobile of Alabama University International Campus.
- "Masatepe": (from the Chorotega language mazatl-tepec or place for deer). This is the place to buy natural leather shoes.
- "Niquinohomo": (from the Chorotega, means valley of the warriors), place of birth of Augusto César Sandino, the nationalist General that fought against Somoza, killed in ambush and years later used as a symbol by leftist groups called Sandinistas.
- "San Juan de Oriente": place for arts and crafts, ceramics.
- "Diriá and Diriomo": small towns with rich history, witchcraft legends.
- "Catarina": From the edge of the Catarina view point, an amazing view of the Apoyo Volcanic Lagoon offers the visitor an exceptional photo opportunity. The Momacho Volcano, Granada, and Nicaragua Lake, can be seen from this high point. Restaurants and bars offer food and beverages.
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