Tortuga Balooda
This is a lovely small and clean hostel with a chilled atmosphere. The breakfast is luxurious compared to other places too as you can choose from: pancakes, tipico (eggs, beans and rice) and granola. The cherry on top of the cake is a very small pool to cool off during a very hot day in Leon.

Explore Leon's culture
Leon is a beautiful city, walking around is a cultural activity in itself so get lost, take pictures and admire the colourful houses, the markets and the people who live within it. 

Visit The Ortíz Gurdián Foundation Art Center
It’s a beautiful building which boast lots of art prints from famous artists around the world. 
Click here for directions

Go on a free walking tour around the city
Learn all about Nicaraguan’s history and the part Leon had into the social changes of a nation.

Walk up to the Basilica Catedral de la Asuncion From the top, you’ll get to enjoy the best views of the city. We went, just before they closed and witnessed the workers ringing the bell. It was pretty damn loud but pretty damn cool too.
Click here for directions

Volcano Boarding
The main backpacking attraction without contest is Volcano boarding. This activity was supposably initiated by the Big Foot Hostel back in the day. It’s now a popular activity among all tour operators. It consists of going down a mountain with a wooden board. It looks scarier than it is as the board didn’t move very fast for us. I did hear of some people breaking a finger though so be vigilant.

How to book: It’s easy to sign up, you can just do it through your accommodation or directly with Viavia or Bigfoot hostel.  
There are two tours that leave each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We went with the morning one as we opted for the option that came with the hike. This included four meals, a hike to El Hoyo & an overnight stay. They include all camping equipment and backpack to carry it all. That’s only day one! On day two you’ll make your way down to the lake and chill for an hour or so before heading back to town for lunch at Viavia (meal included in the price of the hike).
Cost: from $39
Departs: Pick up from the hostel or Viavia

Hike up el Hoyo and swim in the lake
Walk up to an active volcano and sleep under the stars. The hike to El Hoyo was pleasant and not too strenuous. After we finished our volcano boarding we were driven to the hike’s starting point. After a few hours, we made our way to base camp, just in time for sunset. The first hour is the most painful but after this, it’s a piece of cake! Make sure to bring plenty of water with you too. 
The next day we woke for sunrise and admired the views of the sun coming up behind the volcano from the comfort of our own tent. After a much needed breakfast, we made our way down to the lake where we spent an hour chilling out.
All in all it was a very pleasant and memorable experience.
Cost: from $80
Departs: Pick up from the hostel or Viavia

Dark history tour
This guided experience might lure you with it’s open rum bar but it’s more than just a booze tour. You’ll be taken around the caves where people were tortured and murdered and you’ll learn about the dark history of Nicaragua. The guide is an amazing orator and the stories are astonishingly brutal. It’s not an experience for the faint-hearted.
Cost: $15
Departs:  Viavia hostel

Spend a day at the beach
Las Penitas is a lovely surfer’s beach just 20 minutes drive away from Leon. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to unwind, surf and even play some beach volleyball. The hostel Mano a Mano hosts volleyball tournaments weekly. The venue has a lovely restaurant which serves veggie dishes, ice cold beers and homemade Kombucha!
How to get there: You can get a taxi from town, a local bus or an organised shuttle with your hostel

Coco Calala
This vegan hot spot serves exquisite food and, best of all, has a lovely pool and believe me, taking a splash in Leon’s hot city is a much needed luxury. 
Click here for directions

Mañana Mañana Cafe
This hipster cafe is a great stop off if you’re feeling homesick and fancy a good milk coffee and a bagel. It’s also a good address for veggies and vegans too! Their outside courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a hot drink away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 
Click here for directions