Things to do in Estelí
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La Gran Via
Chinese food comes hot, fresh and in large portions; the soups are great. Lunch specials are a better deal.
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Vuela Vuela
One of Estelí's best restaurants, serving delicious roasted meat, good salads and sandwiches, and big breakfasts (presto 'coffee' though…hmmm). Not the cheapest place, but worth the splurge if you've OD'd on gallo pinto.
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La Casita
La Casita is surrounded by gardens framing a mountain stream and is the perfect place to relax amid all the jungly loveliness. Here you can enjoy chai tea, homemade yogurt or the signature mariedas, a small loaf of whole-wheat bread with different toppings (veggies, hummus, cheese, whatever). There is a little shop selling spices, seeds, top-quality handicrafts and other interesting items in front, or you may prefer to wander out back and enjoy the finca (farm).
It's hidden about 1km south of town along the Interamericana, just past Cecalli.
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Turicentro Estelimar Science Museum & Pools
A good excuse for a 2km walk toward Jinotega, Turicentro Estelimar Science Museum & Pools has a small science museum with some pretty fabulous solar- and pedal-operated dinosaurs made out of old car parts, plus displays involving alternative energy, gears and hydraulics. There are also three attractive pools where you can relax afterward and big cabañas that are a good deal for groups and families.
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Estelí Cathedral
Although Estelí's most impressive attractions are in the mountains surrounding the 'Diamond of the Segovias,' the 1823 Estelí Cathedral is worth a wander, and the murals surrounding the parque central (central park) are interesting as well. Several parks display petroglyphs that were brought down here from the mountains in the early 1900s, many of which are now badly damaged.
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Rincón Pinareño
Almost worth the trip from Managua - in an ordinario - this Cuban restaurant serves up crusty pressed sandwiches that skimp on nothing, truly delicious soups and more in a cozy dining room that can get packed at lunch.
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Restaurante Casa Italia
Not only does the friendly owner create eight kinds of spaghetti, lasagnas and pizzas, plus good antipasti, from Italian family recipes, he also teaches Italian classes, if you need to brush up.
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Supermercado Las Segovias
Self-caterers can visit Supermercado Las Segovias, a half block from PetroNic, a solid supermarket with great deals on gourmet coffee.
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Artesanía Nicaragüense
Among the largest of several souvenir shops clustered right here, with the area's incredible pottery and crafted leather items.
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Ananda Yoga
Yoga classes are offered at the Yoga Y Licuaudos Ananda health-food restaurant next to the Casa de Cultura.
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Market
The big, bustling Market is a fine place for fresh veggies, cheap thongs and much, much more.
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Galería de Héroes y Mártires
Be sure to stop by the Galería de Héroes y Mártires, devoted to fallen revolutionaries, with walls of faded photos and personal effects, from clothing to weaponry, on display.
There are special exhibits (with a bit of signage in English) about Leonel Rugama Rugama, the warrior-poet whose last line was his best: when he and Carlos Fonseca were surrounded by 300 National Guard, with tanks and planes, they told him to surrender. 'Surrender, your mother!' he famously replied, which is one, quite literally, for the history books.
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Empresa Nica Cigars
Cigar tours are worth doing as Estelí produces some of the world's finest tobaccos. Most of the seeds are original Cuban stock, as are many of the curing and rolling techniques you're able to see firsthand. Tobacco is harvested March through April and porros (cigars) are rolled all year long. In general, you should make arrangements to visit a cigar factory at least 48 hours in advance; guides are always your best bet. Empresa Nica Cigars can arrange tours.
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Cecalli
About 1km south of town, Cecalli is an organic farming cooperative specializing in medicinal plants; it has a small museum with dried and fresh herbs that is well worth visiting. You can also check out the selection of herbal teas, organic shampoos, pomada Don Juan and other herbal remedies, or get a massage, have acupuncture, or just talk to a doctor about whatever ails you. No appointment is necessary. Afterward, La Casita café is right next door.
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Casa de Cultura Leonel Rugama Rugama
Next to El Museo Archeologica this culture center offers a variety of dance, cooking and music classes, as well as evenings of live music and other activities. It holds the peña cultural which is an evening of folkloric dance performed by its students and other activities.
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Juventus Centro Cultural
The open-air patio offers sweeping views of the mountains to the west, making a fine setting for the excellent coffee, licuados and sandwiches served here.
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Museo de Historia y Arqueología
Museo de Historia y Arqueología has a small collection of pottery shards, shells and other miscellanea that could keep you entertained for a few minutes.
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La Tunoza Cooperative
In the community of La Tunoza, about 5km north of Estelí, this women's cooperative makes paper out of natural fibers like tuza, rice and pine needles.
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Tacomex
Tex-Mex fast food comes blunted for the sensitive Nicaraguan palate but tasty nonetheless; try the 'gringa,' like a quesadilla, with salsa inside.
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Escuela Horizonte
This well-established program uses its extensive contacts with local development groups to get students involved in the community.
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Casa de Cultura
Vegetarian offerings and tasty juices (along with teas, fresh yogurt and pancakes) are served in this pleasant outdoor café.
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CENAC Spanish School
Also teaches English to Nicaraguans, if you'd like to volunteer. It's 50m north of Cotran Sur.
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