Activities Horseback Riding Rural life Traditions & Legends Religion & Events Art & Painting Music & Dance Handicrafts Landscapes

It is a region composed of several little charming towns with strong pre-Columbian roots and traditions.  The name “Pueblos Blancos” (or white towns in English) comes from the colonial times when people from this region used to paint the little adobe houses with quicklime. Most of these villages, Catarina, Niquinohomo, Diria, Masatepe, San Juan de Oriente, San Marcos and others are located about ½ an hour away either from the capital city of Managua or Granada.

Each one of them is dedicated to interesting craft making activities like hammocks, furniture, ceramic, stone carvings, leather work, ornamental plants and more. Some of these villages enjoy superb views over the blue waters of Lake Apoyo and others are famous for their delicious homemade “cajetas” or sweets. A visit to this region will definitely be a highlight of your trip.

Attractions

Catarina It is a charming town situated within the amicable weather of the “white Towns” in the region of Masaya. Catarina, 20 minutes away from Granada...

---

San Juan de Oriente It is undoubtedly the capital of the potteries. This little charming town with strong indigenous tradition of molding clay into excellent masterpieces, is definitely...

---

Nindiri This historical town was almost destroyed by lava flows from the San Fernando crater in 1772. Miraculously Nindirí survived due to the active religiosity...

---

Masatepe The name of this former indigenous settlement is coming from the Nahuatl language, standing for “Hill of Deer”. Masatepe is known for its high quality furniture made...

---

San Marcos It is one of the several charming villages situated 45 minutes away either from the city capital of Managua or the colonial city of Granada, in the region of Carazo.

---

Discovering Nicaragua I

Help & Development Program

Both Scott and I wanted to thank all of you:
Anijar Karen • Tour: Granada & Isletas • Date: August 28 2009

Both Scott and I wanted to thank all of you at ORO travel who helped make our vacation one of the more memorable ones of our entire life. We are not saying this with any form of hyperbole at all, but, we have been all over the world and never have we had such a splendid time. Never have we been treated with the kindness, care and concern as we were treated by both Julio and Giovanni.