Esteli, which is the third largest city in Nicaragua is situated in the northern central highlands. It is located directly off of the Pan-American Highway and was heavily involved in the civil war against the Somoza, a family dictatorship that ruled Nicaragua for over 40 years, until 1979. For this reason, Esteli is known to be a very political city with frequent rallies. As another way of expressing their political views and a way of cultural healing from the war and oppression of the dictatorship, people have painted many murals throughout the city (more here). The murals are everywhere and within a simple five minute walk in any direction you're sure to find some!
Murals are not the only thing that this city is know for however. The growing climate is perfect for tobacco, specifically cigar tobacco, and during the Cuban Revolution of 1959 the city became a safe-haven for Cuban cigar makers. Cuban cigars are now a staple of the economy here and there are daily tours of some facilities in both English and Spanish with transportation, for 5$.
The city is also home to one of the strongest and most popular futbol or soccer teams in Nicaragua. They are called Real Esteli with the nickname, "the train of the north" and play in the stadium below. There is also a professional baseball team here that where two MLB baseball players (Porfi Altamirano and Alber Williams) played before making it to the big-leagues.
Murals are not the only thing that this city is know for however. The growing climate is perfect for tobacco, specifically cigar tobacco, and during the Cuban Revolution of 1959 the city became a safe-haven for Cuban cigar makers. Cuban cigars are now a staple of the economy here and there are daily tours of some facilities in both English and Spanish with transportation, for 5$.
The city is also home to one of the strongest and most popular futbol or soccer teams in Nicaragua. They are called Real Esteli with the nickname, "the train of the north" and play in the stadium below. There is also a professional baseball team here that where two MLB baseball players (Porfi Altamirano and Alber Williams) played before making it to the big-leagues.
My favorite part about this city however is the climate, because it is located about 2800 ft above sea-level the mornings and evenings are rather cool. In-fact, it is so cool up here that it was the first time on my trip that I didn't need a fan to sleep. The surrounding mountains are also quite beautiful in the background of the city and stretch up as high as a mile above sea-level. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the north of Nicaragua!
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