Juigalpa  

Juigalpa is the capital of Chontales 70 km away from "Camoapa".  Its Archaeological Museum and sites are important and extremely interesting.  Saddles and leather goods are especially fine in this area, and their bull rodeo is a must-see.

At La Libertad mine you will see the river flecked with gold springing from the Chontales Mountains. You will fine traditional workers panning for gold working alongside modern machines.  There is an interesting small zoo which exhibits a variety of local animals and there is an abundant wildlife in the surrounding mountains and jungles.

In July you can enjoy the "Feria Filarmonica" and in August is El Hijo Ausente Festival (The Absent Child) when many natives who live away return to visit their town.    

Chinandega

Chinandega, city, northwestern Nicaragua, capital of Chinandega Department.  An industrial and trade center in a rich agricultural region, the city is connected by rail with the port of Corinto to the southwest.  The chief industries are sawmilling, metalworking, tanning, and the processing of rice, coffee, and sugar; furniture, pottery, perfume and toilet water, alcohol, and cheese are also made here.  The Spanish colonial port of El Realejo (1534) is nearby.  Population (1985 estimate) 67,800.