Things To Do
A huge part of what we have to offer our guests here at Casa Ivana is a vast knowledge of various different sights, activities, tours, parks and educational opportunities here in León and surrounding areas. We aim to provide our guests with thorough, up-to-date information on these numerous attractions, and are always more-than-willing to help in organizing activities or transportation. Below is a guide to several of the many things to do and see in and around León.
For any further questions regarding any of the above attractions, or for assistance with organizing an activity, please feel free to ask our staff...they are here to ensure that you have a great Nicaragua experience!
For any further questions regarding any of the above attractions, or for assistance with organizing an activity, please feel free to ask our staff...they are here to ensure that you have a great Nicaragua experience!
Museums
Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian
Referred to as 'the finest museum of contemporary art in all of Central America' by The Lonely Planet, Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian offers the opportunity to learn about the history and various styles of Latin American art by featuring works from Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, Fernando Botero, and many more.
Museum of Legends and Traditions (Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas)
El Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas is the perfect place for anyone interested in the traditional beliefs and cultures of Nicaragua. Here, you will learn about several ancient Nicaraguan legends through art such as murals and sculpture.
Museo Ruben Dario
Located in the childhood house of renowned Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario, this museum is home to several artifacts from Dario's life, including the first poem he ever wrote at the age of 12. Additionally, Museo Ruben Dario offers exhibits demonstrating everyday life in late 1800s Nicaragua.
Referred to as 'the finest museum of contemporary art in all of Central America' by The Lonely Planet, Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian offers the opportunity to learn about the history and various styles of Latin American art by featuring works from Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, Fernando Botero, and many more.
Museum of Legends and Traditions (Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas)
El Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas is the perfect place for anyone interested in the traditional beliefs and cultures of Nicaragua. Here, you will learn about several ancient Nicaraguan legends through art such as murals and sculpture.
Museo Ruben Dario
Located in the childhood house of renowned Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario, this museum is home to several artifacts from Dario's life, including the first poem he ever wrote at the age of 12. Additionally, Museo Ruben Dario offers exhibits demonstrating everyday life in late 1800s Nicaragua.
Historic & Colonial Sight-Seeing
Basilica Catedral de la Asuncion
Located at the heart of Leon, and just a short walk from Casa Ivana, 'El catedral,' as it is known by locals, is one of the most stunning examples of colonial architecture in all of Nicaragua. This architectural masterpiece took over 50 years to build, and is the resting place of several national figures of Nicaragua, including the poet Ruben Dario.
Iglesia de la Recoleccion
Built in 1786, and located just three blocks north of the main cathedral, many people believe la Recoleccion to be the most beautiful church in Leon, making it a must-see on the architecture-lover's itinerary.
Iglesia el Calvario
Located a short walk to the east of the main cathedral, Iglesia el Calvario is more stylistically diverse than the other churches of Leon, incorporating elements of neoclassical and Baroque architecture.
Leon Viejo
Although located about an hour drive from the city of Leon, 'Old Leon,' in English, is one of the most well-preserved and oldest early-Spanish settlements in Nicaragua. Founded in 1524 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, Leon Viejo was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Located at the heart of Leon, and just a short walk from Casa Ivana, 'El catedral,' as it is known by locals, is one of the most stunning examples of colonial architecture in all of Nicaragua. This architectural masterpiece took over 50 years to build, and is the resting place of several national figures of Nicaragua, including the poet Ruben Dario.
Iglesia de la Recoleccion
Built in 1786, and located just three blocks north of the main cathedral, many people believe la Recoleccion to be the most beautiful church in Leon, making it a must-see on the architecture-lover's itinerary.
Iglesia el Calvario
Located a short walk to the east of the main cathedral, Iglesia el Calvario is more stylistically diverse than the other churches of Leon, incorporating elements of neoclassical and Baroque architecture.
Leon Viejo
Although located about an hour drive from the city of Leon, 'Old Leon,' in English, is one of the most well-preserved and oldest early-Spanish settlements in Nicaragua. Founded in 1524 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, Leon Viejo was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Outdoor Activities
Telica Volcano
Standing at over 1000 meters at its highest point, Telica Volcano is the perfect outdoor activity for everyone. Whether you're an experienced volcano-trekker, a geologist or a wildlife enthusiast, Telica has something to offer to everyone.
Playa Las Penitas
Located just a 20 minute drive from the Leon City Centre, Las Peñitas can provide a relaxing day at the beach, or a, multi-day, get away. There are a wide selection of beach-side Restaurants and Comedors to choose from, where you can enjoy some traditionally-prepared, freshly-caught fish while admiring the beautiful view of the vast Pacific to the west.
Standing at over 1000 meters at its highest point, Telica Volcano is the perfect outdoor activity for everyone. Whether you're an experienced volcano-trekker, a geologist or a wildlife enthusiast, Telica has something to offer to everyone.
Playa Las Penitas
Located just a 20 minute drive from the Leon City Centre, Las Peñitas can provide a relaxing day at the beach, or a, multi-day, get away. There are a wide selection of beach-side Restaurants and Comedors to choose from, where you can enjoy some traditionally-prepared, freshly-caught fish while admiring the beautiful view of the vast Pacific to the west.