Things to see and do in Matagalpa

Located in the highlands of Nicaragua, Matagalpa is one of the country’s most important cities there. Known for its important coffee-growing tradition and stunning mountain scenery, it’s a destination to add to your Nicaragua travel itinerary. It is a region rich in natural resources, so places to visit in Matagalpa include lush forests, rivers and waterfalls, making it ideal for ecotourism and outdoor activities.

Matagalpa’s culture is as rich as its landscape. The city combines colonial and modern architecture, with historic sites such as the Cathedral of San Pedro and the Coffee Museum. It is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting and complete destinations to visit in Nicaragua, so we recommend that you don’t miss it. If you want to continue discovering the wonders of beautiful Matagalpa, keep reading and don’t miss out on our travel tips!

What are the best places to visit in Matagalpa?

1. Coffee Museum, a must-see in Matagalpa

Matagalpa is one of the regions with the greatest coffee production and tradition in Nicaragua and since 2000 they have honoured this important economic sector with its interesting Coffee Museum. The museum explores the production of this product in the region from its beginnings through photos and old tools and interesting information and explains the way coffee is planted, harvested and processed. But coffee is not the only thing you can learn about in this museum, as it also offers information on other aspects of the history and culture of the department of Matagalpa, such as a display of pre-Columbian handicrafts.

The entrance is free to all visitors and its opening hours are from 8:00-12:300 and 14:00-19:00 every day. If you are interested in learning more about such a relevant product in Matagalpa as coffee, you should add the Coffee Museum to your travel itinerary.

2. San Pedro Cathedral

The Cathedral of San Pedro Apostle, also known as the Cathedral of Matagalpa, is an imposing religious building located in the heart of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Dedicated to Saint Peter, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, the cathedral was initially a parish church promoted by the Society of Jesus in 1874 and completed its construction in 1897. Baroque in style, it has three naves and large bell towers and stands out for its immaculate white colour. Inside, you can admire wooden statues and sculptures in high relief. Incidentally, it is the third largest cathedral in the country and the main church of the diocese of Matagalpa, making it one of the emblems of the city.

3. Cocoa Castle

The Castillo del Cacao (or the Cocoa Castle in English) in Matagalpa is another spot worth visiting. This “castle” and museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the important production of cocoa and chocolate in Nicaragua and its economic and cultural relevance in the region. It is also notable for its medieval-style architecture and the lush gardens and cocoa plantations that surround it. Sightseeing tours include guided tours explaining the process of growing, harvesting and processing cocoa, as well as tastings of cocoa products. If you’re a chocoholic, don’t miss it!

4. El Calvario viewpoint

Finally, one of the stops you can’t miss in Matagalpa is a visit to the Mirador del Calvario. Located on top of a hill, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

To get there, you climb up a somewhat steep road, but it makes for a nice nature walk. It can also be climbed by car or motorbike. Besides being ideal for taking pictures, the viewpoint has a small tower, dedicated to the virgin, and resting areas, providing a quiet place to enjoy the natural beauty of Matagalpa. It is a popular meeting point for tourists and locals alike, offering an unforgettable experience in this majestic Nicaraguan city. Admission is only 5 cordobas, or about 0’15€, and it is open Monday to Sunday from 7:00 to 17:00.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Matagalpa

5. Waterfall of the Moon

One of the best excursions to do from Matagalpa is to the Cascada de la Luna (Waterfall of the Moon). It is located 40km from the city and offers an impressive natural spectacle. Surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains, this waterfall is a perfect refuge for nature lovers and the ideal place to cool off when the heat gets too hot. The hike to the waterfall passes through beautiful trails and is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and wildlife watching. Upon arrival, you can cool off in the natural pools formed by the waterfalls, enjoy a picnic in a peaceful and picturesque setting and enjoy sports such as kayaking and canopying.

You can arrive by bus from Matagalpa to La Dalia and the journey takes about an hour and a half.

6. Cerro Apante Nature Reserve

The region of Matagalpa stands out for its impressive landscapes and natural destinations. An example of this is the Cerro Apante Nature Reserve, another of the perfect plans in the middle of nature in the surroundings of the city of Matagalpa.

The reserve is located just 3 km from Matagalpa and has a hiking trail of 2 hours to the top of the hill, a spectacular place from where you can see the landscape of Matagalpa. The hike starts at Dario Park, from where a bus will take you to the starting point for 5 cordobas (€0.10). From there, follow the road until you reach a crossroads where you’ll have to pay 30 cordobas (€0.75) to enter the park. If you wish, you can hire a local guide who will explain the details of the route. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the valley and the Montaña de la Paz (Peace Mountain) monument, a 33-metre cross representing the earthly years lived by Jesus. Put on your hiking shoes and enjoy the hike to Cerro Apante!

7. Selva Negra Farm Tour, one of the coffee farms in Matagalpa

Last but not least, we want to recommend one of the coffee farms you must see in Matagalpa. Selva Negra Farm Tour is the ideal place to learn about coffee production in the region from an expert guide, while enjoying a unique natural environment.

On the farm, you can walk along its marked trails to discover the local fauna and flora and sit down to eat in one of its restaurants, which offer delicious local dishes. For the little ones, there is a play area and a small museum on the history of the region for the whole family. Selva Negra also offers accommodation in cabins with beautiful mountain views if you’re looking for a place to sleep on your trip to Matagalpa.

How to get to Matagalpa

To get to Matagalpa from Managua, the most convenient option is to take an intercity bus from the Managua Bus Terminal. Buses to Matagalpa depart regularly throughout the day and the journey usually takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Once in Managua, the best way to get around the city and its surroundings is to use taxis or private transport services. Taxis are easily accessible and offer a convenient option for short trips within the city. In addition, it is advisable to coordinate with the driver about fares before starting the journey. Another option is mobile app transportation services, which have gained popularity in Managua and provide a safe and reliable way to get around the city, especially for those who prefer to avoid in-person fare negotiations.

Where to eat in Matagalpa?

Nicaraguan food is a real treat that you should try during your trip. Typical dishes include Gallo pinto (rice with red beans), vigorón (cooked cassava with pork rinds), nacatamales (dough filled with pork or chicken) and pescado a la tipitapa (fish). In local restaurants, the average price per meal is between 3 and 10 euros, depending on the type of establishment and location.

• El Balcón: A nice and pleasant restaurant where you can try the local gastronomy at a very good price. In addition, you can enjoy its rich natural fruit juices and beautiful panoramic views.
• Restaurante Las Praderas: For many, the best restaurant in Matagalpa, especially if you eat meat. It stands out for its excellent service, its abundant and delicious portions and the variety of its menu.
• Pescamar Restaurant: Your ideal restaurant if you want to try Nicaraguan seafood recipes. In their menu they also have other options such as fried chicken, for those who are less fish-loving

Where to sleep in Matagalpa

• Hotel San Jose: Located in the centre of Matagalpa, Hotel San Jose offers a garden, restaurant, free WiFi and family rooms. All rooms include a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and air conditioning; some have a patio. The highly rated breakfast is included in the price. The price for one night in the Double Room is 63€.
• Hostal Buena Onda: Also located in the centre of Matagalpa, Hostal Buena Onda is a highly recommended option. Rooms have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The reception provides free maps, as well as bicycle and car rental. A fabulous breakfast is available for €3. Price per night in a double room: 33€.
• Agualí Biological Station: If you want a more adventurous option in a unique environment, you can stay at the Agualí Biological Station, in one of its tents in the middle of nature or in a mixed room with other travellers. It has a terrace and garden, as well as a children’s play area, free parking and wifi.

What do I need to know before organising my trip to Matagalpa?

• The official currency of Nicaragua is the córdoba.
• Make sure to bring cash, as ATMs can be hard to find on the island. US dollars are accepted in some places.
• Pack light, comfortable clothing for the tropical highland climate, along with a light jacket for cool evenings.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent and a small backpack with water and snacks for local excursions.
• Carry appropriate clothing for nature hikes, especially trekking shoes and breathable shirts for wet weather.
• Keep your belongings safe at all times, especially in crowded places. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash.
• Avoid drinking tap water. Opt for bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Consider carrying a first aid kit with basic medicines.
•  It is recommended have travel insurance to cover possible medical emergencies.
• The recommended vaccinations for travel to Nicaragua are: Hepatitis A, Tetanus-diphtheria, Triple Viral.
• Mandatory Vaccine: Yellow Fever. If travelling from an endemic country.
• Use Passporter to create your itinerary of everything to see in Matagalpa

How to plan a trip to Matagalpa

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share with other users what places to see in Matagalpa.
• Enjoy your trip to Matagalpa!

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Matagalpa