Leon Viejo / Managua
On our way to the old capital 40 km away.
The Ruins of " León Viejo " are a testimony of the first Spanish settlers in the New World.
Founded in 1524, the city has suffered a series of natural disasters in its short history. Partially destroyed by the volcano " Momotombo " which awoke in 1578, the earthquake of 1610 brought the final blow by destroying what remained standing.
The city then moved to its actual place.
This site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
We thought of staying by the lake as it’s very hot and the view of the volcanoes is magnificent.
But the surroundings and the roadsides are littered with rubbish.
Since garbage collection is non-existent, residents dump their garbage on the roads ... Despite the numerous signs asking not to throw anything away ...
We decide to drive to the capital city.
Chinandega / Leon
We go back to " Leon " via " Chinandega ".
" Chinandega " or " Orange City " is not a pretty city but has some churches that we visit under a fiery sun.
We are surrounded by fields of sugar cane and volcanoes, a very beautiful landscape.
It is also an opportunity to meet a couple of French people on bicycles travelling through Central America ... How brave !!!
Back in " Leon ", Christophe spends 2 hours in " Pizza Hut " to enjoy a quick internet connection ... He drinks 1 liter of coca-cola !!! but we caught up on our website.
Jiquilillo
We spend a few days on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in a small fishing port unknown to tourists.
On our way we stop at the distillery " Flor de Caña ".
It is a family estate, producer of top-end rum in Nicaragua for 5 generations.
The active volcano " Telica " enriches the soil. The rum is naturally aged without sugar and distilled with 100% renewable energies. Named « Best Rum Producer » in 2017, “Flor de Caña” is one of the world’s first rum brands to use sustainable resources.
We enjoyed the tour and tasting !
Our seaside program is reduced to a walk every morning along the ocean where we are alone, camper maintenance and rest.
ROAD BOOK 087
MAVROS ODYSSEE