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Run by the UNAN-León university for both public education and research. The botanical garden has recreated the four different forest types that exist in Nicaragua, with cacao, cinnamon, avocado, mango, coco and many other trees. You will also see birds and other wildlife. The entrance fee includes an extensive guided tour along stone covered forest paths. Ask the guide why a plant with long thick leaves is called "lengua de suegra".
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Zoológico Alren Siu
A very small zoo with monkeys, birds, tigers, turtles, pelibuey sheep and a lion. Fun for small children.
A park commemorating the revolutionary singer Arlen Siu, who was killed in 1975 by the Somoza dictatorship at the young age of twenty. The park has a small zoo, the best playground in León and the municipal nursery.
Ruins of the first church in León, built in the first half of the 16th century in the old indigenous community of Sutiava. After the relocation of León in 1610, it served as Nicaragua's cathedral until 1622. At the end of the 17th century it had become too small for the growing indigenous population, and new much larger church was built two blocks to the east. The church was destroyed in 1835 due to the eruption of Volcán Cosigüina, and it was never rebuilt. The ruins now serve as a quite and beautiful archeological site.
Built between 1698 and 1710, this is th second largest churches in León, serving a traditionally indigenous community in Sutiava. The rustic wood interior is a pleasant deviance from the often ornate styles that are typical of most León churches.
A baroque chapel completed in 1718, with a simple but beautiful exterior. Of four small historic chapels in Sutiava, this is the only one that survived the turbulent times of the early 19th century.
For the best view over the city with the volcano range in the background, head to this historical fortress southwest of León. During the Somoza dictatorship, the fortress was used both to control the city and as a prison for political opponents. Best reached from Sutiava, but there is also a road from Barrio Guadalupe.