Central America
Nicaragua
Leon Department
Leon
Leon Attractions
Ruins of Leon Viejo
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Ruins of Leon Viejo

See all things to do
See all things to do
Ruins of Leon Viejo
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Ruins of one of the oldest Spanish settlement in the New World.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
159 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
54
Average
48
Poor
8
Terrible
3
maritimeexplorer
Nova Scotia, Canada3,964 contributions
Appreciate It For What It Is
Feb 2020
People who know little about history and think that all ruins must be spectacular like Pompeii or the great Mayan cities should not come to Leon Viejo. Although it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is not in any way overwhelming, in fact the opposite. The reason its famous is because it does preserve the best ruins of a Spanish colonial city from the 16th century after it was abandoned in 1610 and then covered by layers of ash from nearby Momotombo volcano. Unlike Pompeii very little of Leon Viejo has been excavated and much of what you see is just the outlines of the buildings, not complete reconstructions.

However, if you use your imagination you can picture what life was like here almost 500 years ago. There is an excellent model of what the place looked like before it was abandoned. Chances are you might be the only people on the site which is quiet and sees very few visitors. For birders it is a great place to find some of the more spectacular Nicaraguan species like mot mots and trogons.

The views of Momotombo from atop the old citadel are also worth coming here to see as well as the monument to the Indigenous people.

So expect to be disappointed at first, but the more time you spend here the better you'll like it.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wout d
Leon, Nicaragua52 contributions
Cool!
Mar 2020
Great lookout and little trip outside the city. Recommend bringing sun lotion and loads of water. It's hot out there.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roman D
1 contribution
this place is garabage
Feb 2019
if your readiong this then you are probrobly just looking threw to find a funny view you should also add me on instagram @romandonadi23.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheFranci
Moreno Valley, CA167 contributions
Falls well short of “Pompeii of Central America”
Dec 2019 • Couples
A somewhat lackluster partially unearthed 16th century city. There are a few ruins, most still to be fully dug out and restored. The city was abandoned and lost to time before being rediscovered 50 years ago, but does not offer the impact of any of the ancient cities we have seen.
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig-World-Travelle
Agoura Hills, CA1,836 contributions
Best part of visit was view of volcano
Jan 2019 • Friends
I didn't get this place - just a bunch of bricks in holes in the ground. The best part was the amazing view of Momotombo volcano smoking in the distance with Lake Managua in front.

I would not recommend visiting here.
Written 15 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dod2015
Los Angeles, CA228 contributions
Lots to see at the ruins of Old Leon
Mar 2018 • Solo
This is quite an interesting historic site. It's quite large and well laid out by the Spanish. Most buildings no longer stand, except for their foundation. Make sure to get an English guide to make your tour more informative. Guides are provided by the park. There's a look out in the ruins area where you can see Momotombo and Momotombito.
Written 25 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dod2015
Los Angeles, CA228 contributions
Unassuming yet fascinating ruins! A must see on the way to Leon!
Mar 2018 • Solo
Fantastic ruins. Steeped in history. The footprint of the old town is much larger than expected. Offered an eye-witness view into the lives of those who settle here originally. Quite charming! At the lookout, enjoy an impressive vista of Momotombo Volcano as well as its little volcanic neighbor Momotombito, Not all guides can speak English. Signage is mostly bilingual. Restrooms cost a small fee at the shop across from the park. Highly recommended!
Written 24 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheBear54
Ticehurst, UK62 contributions
Beautiful place
Nov 2017 • Couples
a lovely place to spend a few hours having just arrived in Nicaragua. A fascinating place with some amazing bird life too. Views are pretty good too.
Written 16 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SazzlePops10
London, UK5 contributions
Definitely combine the Ruins and Origin Adventure Park!
Dec 2017 • Friends
We loved visiting the ruins, hearing about the history from the tour guide, who was very informative, and the view of Momotombo volcano was spectacular! There isn't much else in the area, but someone suggested we go to Origin Adventure Park next to Asososca Lagoon. After a morning of history it was great to feel the rush of the Tarzan swing and then swim in the lagoon afterwards. One of the best days of our trip!
Written 1 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessyca505
United States163 contributions
Ruins Around The World...Love to Compare and Contrast
Nov 2017 • Couples
After being to ruins around the world, I love the opportunity to compare and contrast. These ruins are relatively protected and a UNESCO site. They were discovered by a farmer, much like the Terra Cotta army in China. The area is lush and beautiful. Great views of Mombotombo.
Written 26 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ruins of Leon Viejo