Chinandega

Chinandega is a commercial, industrial and agricultural center that is located 15 kilometers from the ocean in the Northern Pacific Coast region of Nicaragua.

Understand
Chinandega is one of the largest cities in Nicaragua, with a population of 86,000 in the city and 133,000 in the municipio (2012). It is a commercial and manufacturing center located in the rich agricultural area between the volcanoes in the Cordillera de Los Maribios and the Pacific Ocean. The chief crops in the region are sugar cane, cotton and bananas. It is considered to be the hottest city in Nicaragua.

History
Chinandega was one of several towns that existed in Nicaragua before the arrival of the Spaniard. The Spanish priest Francisco de Bobadilla visited Chinandega in 1528. In 1548, at the time of the first census in Nicaragua, Chinandega had 660 inhabitants. When Antonio Vázquez de Espinosa visited Chinandega in 1613, he described it as a Native American town that was a little piece of paradise, with an abundance of maiz and many different fruits.

In 1835, Chinandega was elevated from a pueblo to a villa, and in 1839, it became a city (ciudad). In 1885, Chinandega suffered a devastating earthquake that destroyed the churches and many buildings. Rebuilt, many of them were destroyed again during the civil war in 1927, when the city was set on fire after being bombed by the United States marines.

In November 1998, the city was severely hit by hurricane Mitch. Around 50 people died, and thousands of people lost their homes. The hurricane also damaged a lot of the city infrastructure.

By Bus

 * From Managua: Take a minibus or a bus from the Huembes Market. The costs US$3 and takes 2.5 hours.
 * From León: Busses leave from the León main bus terminal every 15 minutes. This costs C$23 cordobas (US$1). The direct bus takes about one hour. Avoid buses that stop in Chichigalpa, as they take considerable longer.
 * From Honduras: There are regular buses to Chinandega from Guasaule on the border to Honduras.

Get around
The best way to get around in the center of the city is to walk. Local buses run between the Parque Central, Bisne (the large peripheral market), the old market, and other points. Taxis are abundant (8 cordobas), as are the more charming and agile bicycle taxis (5 cordobas). If driving, take into account the fact that most streets in the center of the city are crowded and one-way.

See
The four main sights in the city are the Central Park, the Santa Ana and El Calvario churches, and the excellent archeological museum.

People Watching
Going to the central park is a good past time. There are many carts selling hamburgers and milkshakes. You can also take the famous "bus pelon" for a ride around the town - for just C$3. It is a way to enjoy the cool night air.

Volcano Climbing
Chinandega lies below the Cordillera de Los Maribios, a mountain range with multiple volcanoes, including San Cristobál, the tallest one in Nicaragua. It is possible to hike most of them. While it is possible to climb the volcanoes on your own, it is recommended to go with a guide or an organized tour.

Baseball
Watch the Tigres de Chinandega, the local baseball team, playing in the national professional league.

Buy
The central market is located four blocks east of the Central Park.

Eat
The best casual food is found at the various vendors in and around the Central Park. There is also great food at the many fritangas located on the side of the streets. For pizza, try Pizza Don D'Erick, one block south and one block west of Central Park.

Go next

 * Corinto on the Pacific Ocean. This is the principal harbor in Nicaragua. The town has a relaxed atmosphere with old wooden houses, beautiful beaches and some nice seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean. Buses leaves frequently from the main bus terminal.
 * El Viejo Just a few kilometers northwest of Chinandega, with the important and beautiful Basilica and National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of Maria. Buses leave from the El Mercadito bus terminal. In El Viejo, try the famous rosquillas (cheese crackers).
 * The northern pacific beaches of Aposentillo, Juiqilillo, Padre Ramos and Mechapa, for swimming, surfing and kayaking in the Padre Ramón nature reserve.
 * León The neighboring colonial city that is a little less hot, with an enormous cathedral and an excellent art museum. About an hour away, buses leave every 15 minutes from the main bus terminal.
 * Honduras There is regular bus service to the El Guasaule at the border with Honduras.
 * El Salvador To avoid Honduras, take a bus to Potosí on the Gulf of Fonseca. From there you can take a boat to La Unión in El Salvador.