San Rafael del Norte

This mountainous municipality with a cool climate has its center in the small town of San Rafael del Norte, which has as its attractions its ancient façade church, the Tepeyac retreat center and a beautiful museum about the national hero Augusto C. Sandino, who had the area its operations center. There are several rivers with attractive pools in the area, and there is also the Kilimanjaro Tourist Estate and the El Jaguar Nature Reserve.

Description

The small town of San Rafael del Norte is famous for being the birthplace of Blanca Arauz, the wife of the national hero Augusto C. Sandino. The general, who fought against the intervention of American invading troops in Nicaragua, fell in love with her in 1927, who was a telegraph operator in the town. Blanca's family home is now a museum where historical objects, such as newspaper articles, letters from Sandino and American weapons, trace visitors back to times during which Sandino and his men fought against foreign domination.

Another famous inhabitant of the town was Odorico D'Andrea. This Italian father arrived in San Rafael del Norte in 1954 and played a very important role in the development of the town. He helped to organize health centers, bring drinking water and electricity to the inhabitants, among other things. This father, who died in 1990, was buried in his beloved city, in the Virgen del Tepeyac temple, which offers beautiful views of the city.

he father also gave an important boost in the renovation of the parish of San Rafael del Norte. The church is located in the center of town, and is notorious for its colorful stained glass windows and its impressive size, which contrasts with the size of the town.

There is also a private nature reserve located in the municipality of San Rafael del Norte: the reserve

The Jaguar offers trails for bird watching, as well as cabins for tourists and a biological station for students or biologists. Another interesting place is the Kilimanjaro coffee farm, where tourists can learn about the production of coffee or ride through the forest, among other activities. Also, it is possible to stay at this farm.

How to get

San Rafael del Norte is located 25 kilometers from Jinotega, and it is reached through a paved road in good condition. It is also connected by a road to the town of San Sebastián de Yalí. There are frequent buses that travel to and from Jinotega. From Managua, located 185 kilometers away, you can reach this city through Jinotega; by public transport you must also transfer in that city.