Jinotega Department Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Jinotega

Department

Flag	Coat of arms

Country

Nicaragua

Area

• Department

9,222 km² (3,561 sq mi)

Population

(2021 estimate)

• Department

483,404

• Density

52.4186/km² (135.763/sq mi)

• Urban

119,770

ISO 3166-2

NI-JI

Website

http://www.alcaldiajinotega.gob.ni/

Jinotega is a beautiful region in Nicaragua. It is one of the country's many departments. The main city and capital of this department is also called Jinotega.

This area is located in the northern part of Nicaragua. It shares a border with the country of Honduras. The Department of Jinotega is quite large. It covers an area of about 9,222 square kilometers (3,561 square miles). In 2021, it was home to around 483,404 people. The department was officially created on October 15, 1891.

The city of Jinotega is known as "Las Brumas," which means "The Mists." This is because it often has a cool, misty climate. The city sits in a valley about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level. The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F). It's about 142 kilometers (88 miles) from Managua, Nicaragua's capital. You can get there in about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car.

Source: National Institute for Development Information (INIDE) - Nicaragua. Statistical Yearbook 2016 - 18

Jinotega is special because it creates its own electricity. This comes from the Lake Apanás Dam. This dam is also a popular spot for tourists. The area is full of amazing nature. The Isabelia Mountain Range has many cloud forests. These are forests that are often covered in mist and clouds. Some tall peaks include Chimborazo (1,688 m) and Datanlí Diablo (1,550 m). Here, you can find the beautiful "la Bujona" waterfall.

Another amazing place is the Penas Blancas Massif (1,700 m). It has many waterfalls. Jinotega is also home to part of the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve. This is the largest biosphere reserve in Central America. It covers about 22,000 square kilometers (8,500 square miles). It's a huge area protected for its wildlife and plants.

Exploring Jinotega
Towns and Cities
Images for kids
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Exploring Jinotega

Jinotega offers many interesting places to visit. You can find local restaurants and markets. They sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and drinks. The city of Jinotega is very close to the artificial Lake Apanás.

The town of San Rafael del Norte is about 20 minutes north of Jinotega City. This town has historical importance. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, General Sandino used it as his headquarters. He was fighting against the US Marines who were in Nicaragua at the time. San Rafael del Norte has a lovely old church. It also has a small museum. This museum tells the story of Sandino and his wife, Blanca Aráuz.

Fun Places in Jinotega City

Museums and Libraries

Municipal Museum: This museum is on the north side of the Central Plaza. It shows off old artifacts, history, and antique items.
Municipal Library: You can find the public library in the same building as the museum.

Churches and Parks

San Juan Bautista Cathedral: This large church is on the city's Main Avenue. It has beautiful old-style designs inside. You can also see great views from its bell towers.
Church of Our Lady of Angels: This church is located near La Salle College.
Otto Casco Park: This park has a basketball court. It's close to the bus station and Victoria Motta Hospital.
Central Park: This park is full of trees and has a fountain. It has a central gazebo used for Christmas displays. There are also skateboard tracks and free Wi-Fi. Many important buildings are around the park. These include the San Juan Cathedral, the Mayor's Office, the City Museum, the Public Library, and several hotels and restaurants.

Amazing Views

Peña de la Cruz: You can climb steps to the top of "Peña de la Cruz." This spot offers amazing panoramic views of Jinotega. Many people visit here to honor the Holy Cross.

Adventures in Jinotega's Towns

Nature, History, and Faith

La Concordia: Visit the town of La Concordia. This is where General Benjamin Zeledon was born.
San Rafael del Norte: Explore San Rafael del Norte. This is where General Augusto C. Sandino married Blanca Aráuz. She was a telegraph operator.
Tepeyac Shrine: In San Rafael del Norte, you can find the Tepeyac Shrine. Here, a kind man named Fray Odorico D'Andrea did many good works for the community.
Canopy Tours: Try a canopy tour at "La Brellera" near San Rafael del Norte. You can "fly" through the trees on zip lines!
El Jaguar Nature Reserve: Visit "El Jaguar" Nature Reserve to see protected wildlife.

Rural and Eco-Tourism

Datanlí - El Diablo Natural Reserve: Take a tour of "Datanlí - El Diablo" Natural Reserve. You can enjoy its cloud forests and "La Bujona" waterfall. Local guides will show you around. You can even share in their daily activities.
La Bastille Ecolodge: Stay at "La Bastille" Ecolodge for a nature-friendly experience.
Farm Holidays: Enjoy a farm holiday in Santa María de Pantasma.
Ecotours: Go on ecotours at "La Fundadora" and "Vida Joven" farms. These are located on the road between Jinotega and Matagalpa.
Bosawás Biosphere Reserve: Visit Bosawás, which UNESCO has declared a Biosphere Reserve. It's a huge area for nature.
Peñas Blancas Massif: Explore "Peñas Blancas" Massif. It's known for its white cliffs and waterfalls in misty cloud forests.
Coffee Tours: Take nature tours among coffee fields. You can visit Mount Kilambé Nature Reserve near Wiwilí. Also, check out "Santa Maura" farm. Here, you can learn how "green gold" (coffee) is grown.
Volcan Yalí Nature Reserve: Visit the Volcan "Yalí" Nature Reserve.
Lake Apanás: Enjoy adventure tourism on Lake Apanás. You can go sport fishing or watch rowing boat competitions. This lake is home to many different plants and animals.