When people talk about Nicaragua, most imagine the beaches of San Juan del Sur, the colonial charm of Granada, or the volcanoes around León. But for us, one of the most surprising and inspiring discoveries has been Estelí. Tucked away in the northern highlands, this city offers a very different side of Nicaragua. Cooler air, rolling mountains, creative energy, and a heartbeat that feels authentic and unpolished
Hola! I’m Margreet, and together with Leonel I run Mono Loco Adventures.We’ve spent time wandering Estelí and its surroundings, and we want to share the experiences that made us fall in love with this region. If you’re ready for something beyond the classic tourist trail, Estelí is waiting. In this blog we want to share our favorite things to do in Esteli.
1. Reserva Natural Miraflor
Just 30 km outside Estelí lies Reserva Natural Miraflor, a sanctuary of cloud forest, organic farms, waterfalls, and local communities. Its protected area spans 206 km² and hosts over 200 species of orchids, 236 bird species (including quetzal and motmot), plus mammals like deer and monkeys.
High up in Miraflor lies a small lagoon. urrounded by cloud forest, the lagoon carries local legends and reflects the misty peaks above. It’s often a calm spot for reflection, photography, or a quiet moment after hiking.
Hiking in the Miraflor Reserva is magical every turn offers waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, or the chance to spot monkeys swinging through the canopy. Miraflor is one of those places where travel feels meaningful, where you connect deeply with land and community.
2. El Jalacate Farm
Up into the hills near Estelí, and you’ll find El Jalacate Farm, home to the legendary sculptor Don Alberto Gutiérrez. For decades, he has carved his visions into the rocks. Animals, faces, mythical figures, all tucked away in the countryside turning his land into a living art gallery.
Touring the farm feels like walking through a dream. Every stone tells a story, you are walking through paths where rock surfaces become canvases, meeting Don Alberto’s creations and understanding his deep connection to land, nature, and creativity. It’s a meditative, inspiring stop for art lovers and those seeking something offbeat.
3. Roll your own cigars
Estelí is cigar country, and you feel it as soon as you arrive. Tobacco leaves dry in barns on the edge of town, and the sweet, earthy smell lingers in the air. Join a workshop to learn how cigars are made and even roll one yourselves.
The process is an art form: carefully selecting leaves, rolling with precision, and watching experienced hands at work. Even if you don’t smoke, the craftsmanship is fascinating, and you gain a real appreciation for a tradition that has shaped Estelí’s identity.
4. Catch a soccer game
On game day, Estelí pulses with energy. Join the crowd at the stadium to watch Real Estelí play, and experience an atmosphere with fans waving flags, drums echoing, chants filling the air, passion and color.
Even if you don’t usually follow soccer, the energy is contagious. It’s more than a game, it’s community, passion, and pride. And being there, cheering along with locals, will give you your favorite memories of Estelí.
5. Salto de La Estanzuela
Just beyond the city, Salto de La Estanzuela is a natural waterfall hidden in the forest. Trails from Estelí or from nearby reserves lead to the waterfall where you can swim in cold jungle pools and enjoy the green, misty surroundings.
It’s a perfect contrast to the urban murals and cigar factories. The sound of rushing water surrounded by greenery and mist, it feels like your own secret paradise.
6. Reserva Quiabús Las Brisas
Another reserve near Esteli is the Reserva Natural Quiabús Las Brisas, part of the surrounding mountainous region. It’s less visited than Miraflor, but that’s exactly what makes it special. You can walk trails through forest, birdwatch, and observe the native flora and fauna. The cooler higher elevations offer refreshing breaks and views over the wider region.
It’s the kind of place where you disconnect completely, where the silence feels like part of the adventure.
7. Museum of history & archaeology
In Estelí’s city center lies the Museo de Historia y Arqueología, where you can trace the region’s past. Inside, we found pottery, tools, and relics that tell the story of the people who lived here long before us. It’s small, but it adds so much depth to understanding Estelí, not just as a city today, but as a place shaped by centuries of culture.Visiting this museum helps you appreciate that this region isn’t just about nature and farms, it has ancient roots.
8. The Cathedral
In the heart of Estelí stands the cathedral. After days of exploring trails and reserves, stepping inside its calm interior felt grounding. Its simple façade, open plaza, and the rhythms of church bells invite you to pause. Walking through, you get a sense of how religious life anchors many local routines. Sometimes, the simplest moments are the most beautiful.
9. Tisey-Estanzuela Nature Reserve
Close to Estelí sits the Tisey-Estanzuela Reserve, combining cloud forests, rugged terrain, and waterfalls. It’s here that you find not only waterfalls like Estanzuela, but also panoramic viewpoints where you can see the landscape unfold in waves of green. For anyone who loves the outdoors, this reserve is a must.Trails here vary in difficulty but all offer immersive forest environments, birding, misty panoramas, and the feeling of being deep in nature’s heart.
10. Ecological trails & outdoor Activities
Everywhere around Estelí, you’ll find ecological trails leading to waterfalls, viewpoints, and farms. From gentle walks in Miraflor, ridge hikes in Tisey, or linking between villages. Want to birdwatch? The cloud forest is alive with quetzals, oropendolas, toucans, and many orchids. Want to combine activities? A day can start with a mural walk in town, switch to an afternoon at Salto Estanzuela, and end with dinner and cigars under starry skies. That’s what makes Estelí so special, it’s a playground for nature lovers, yet still rooted in authentic community life.
Why You Should Visit Estelí
For us, Estelí was one of those places that surprised us the most in Nicaragua. It’s not polished or touristy it’s real. It doesn’t have endless beaches or colonial cathedrals (though it has its own quiet charm). What it does have is authenticity, layers, and invitation. In Estelí you’ll breathe mountain air, hear the rustle of orchids, hike through misty forests, meet local artists and farmers, roll your own cigar, and feel the heartbeat of a city alive with stories. It’s a place where nature and culture overlap, where paths are woven between farms and forests, and where you can connect deeply to a region that remains relatively off the beaten track.
If you’re traveling through Nicaragua and want something beyond the beaches and colonial cities, make the journey north. Estelí will stay with you long after you’ve left.
🌍 Travel with purpose. Explore with soul. Go Mono Loco.
