Fortaleza De Coyotepe


Built in 1893 atop Cerro de los Coyotes, this fortress saw the last stand of Benjamín Zeledón, the 1912 hero of resistance to US intervention. The marines managed to take the fortress – as witnessed by a young man named Sandino, who vowed his revenge. Later, it was Somoza's worst prison and the Guardia Nacional’s last stronghold, overrun during the Sandinistas’ 1979 offensive. Entrance includes a dungeon tour. Hop in a Managua-bound bus (US$0.40) or taxi (US$1) to get here.

It’s worth the climb just for the view: Laguna de Masaya, Lago de Managua, Volcán Mombacho and, if it’s clear, Volcán Momotombo, rising red and black above Managua.

Taxis may charge extra to take you up the steep hill. Otherwise it’s a sweaty half-hour hike.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Iglesia de San Jerónimo

1.17 MILES

Among the major buildings worst hit by the earthquake of 2000 (which also destroyed about 80 homes) was Iglesia de San Jerónimo, built in 1928, the…

4. Parroquia El Calvario

1.43 MILES

Parroquia El Calvario is a squat colonial structure with no spire, it's most remarkable for the extra-gory statues of Jesus and the thieves being…

5. Parroquia de La Asunción

1.51 MILES

At the center the town is the 1750 Parroquia de La Asunción, an attractive but scarred late-baroque beauty that the Spanish government has offered to help…

6. Museo del Folclore

1.53 MILES

Inside the Mercado Artesanías complex, this small museum focuses on dance, local myths and the cultural traditions of Masaya. Apart from excellent photos…

7. Iglesia San Miguel de Masaya

1.6 MILES

The modern Iglesia de San Miguel, whose resident San Miguel Arcángel makes the rounds during the procession of St Jerome, is worth a peek.

8. Malecón & Laguna de Masaya

1.62 MILES

Seven blocks west of the Parque Central is an inspiring view in a region famed for them: across Laguna de Masaya to the smoking Santiago crater. The…