Matagalpa

About

Despite being one of the largest and most important cities in Nicaragua, Matagalpa has maintained its laid-back village atmosphere. After gold was was discovered around Matagalpa in 1840, prospectors from around the world flocked to the city for their chance at fortune. One German couple, Ludwig Elster and his wife Katharina Braun, are credited with planting the first coffee trees in the area - a crop that’s now the region’s bread-and-butter (supplemented with chocolate and tobacco). While wandering the city, you can’t not stop to enjoy a life-altering cup of joe, or heavenly local chocolate. Along the way, you’re sure to pass the local cowboys, or musicians musicians playing Polkas and Mazurcas on guitar, trumpet, violin and accordion. These aren’t ploys for tourists, but genuine expressions of local culture. Adding to the city’s lost-in-time feel are its historic buildings, such as the 19th century cathedral and the other nearby churches.