莱昂·别霍遗

To be honest we were spoiled after spending the last few weeks seeing magnificent Mayan ruins so we were less than impressed with this as they are really just the bottom of some walls sticking above the ground. It does you an idea of how large the structures were but there really is not much to see.

Leon Viejo is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place that History lovers and any Curious George would place on the bucket list, and I am one of the happy ones that had it checked out. With bunch of friends we were traveling Nicaragua on motorcycles and couldn't pass that opportunity. The museum and the ruins park is readily accessible by any vehicle. Cost of entry is US $5.00 per person and it includes a guide that will lead and tell the story. English speaking guide is not always available and we had the luck not to be there at the right time. Information signs at the ruins are in English also so we managed OK without knowledge of Spanish. There is restaurant and souvenir place at the entrance and also a security guard that told us where to park the bikes and promised he would watch them for us. We had the sense of safety and security at all times, just like anywhere in the country. Place was very nice and we have learned a lot of history of Leon, the birth place of Nicaragua. I believe that visit was well worth the trip, especially it is close to the airport, and one could easily make this a one day trip. Beautiful views of lake and Vulcan from nearby beach. Recommended for families without toddlers. Otherwise any one will make this visit with no problems.

There isn't a lot to see or do here and it is a long way from Leon but if you go with a knowledgeable tour guide (highly recommend Julio Tours) it can be very interesting.

Quite expensive entry fee by Nicaragua standards at $5 per person. Two simple small 'museum's , in Spanish only, then the site itself. The site has half a dozen open sided constructions protecting excavated sites from natures elements. These house exhibits that are basically the same, a few short walls outlining the structures that once stood there. One part has low walls plus the original clay brick fooring. Yes its 500 years old in parts but somehow it’s not interestingly described. The view of the lake and Momotombo volcanoes and others from a hill where the fort once was is quite good but that view, actually a much better view, can be obtained from the lake for free. And that view from the lake is probably the best reason to come down this road. Its only 15 km each way off the Leon to Managua road so why miss it for such a short diversion considering the distance if you've travelled to Nicaragua. And then like us you might think, whats $5, I might as well spend 45 mins at Leon Viejo as well seeing as I'm here.

The guide around the site spoke really good English and knew his history, as we arrived abit late he stayed on to show us around, the excavations are only small amounts of what was there , children would probably be bored.

The town was dismantled in an organised move away from the base of the volcano. As a result there are no artefacts and you can we a few foundations of buildings. Why this is a Unesco site is a mystery to me. A huge disappointment.

As others have said, there is very little to see here as the site was mostly covered up again after the excavation - the Main Street is 2m below current ground level. The history is interesting, and the story of the treatment of the indigenous population is shocking, but this is not worth a trip out from Leon. If you are passing to Managua (as we were) then maybe go, but don't expect much.

Between what the ruins of Leon Viejo are advertised as and what you actually see, the experience was fairly disappointing. There were very few ruins that were fully uncovered- the little that you do see is only partially visible, not very well marked, and/or obstructed. The tour guide that took us around had a very monotone delivery and was not a good speaker, in addition to not understanding our questions. The combination of a visually lackluster place, lots of walking in high heat, and a mediocre guide created a very mediocre experience. The only highlight of this place is the viewpoint of the lake and the two volcanoes, Momotombo and Momotombito, however I would not say this warrants a trip. Only recommended for history buffs.

The place is interesting but you will need A LOT of imagination to picture how it used to be. There is hardly anything there...

I must say that I was greatly saddened when I learned that an entire culture was obliterated here due to Spanish conquerors. They have a nice little museum, display of the ruins, a guide(speaks English), and the ruins themselves. These ruins are from the 1500's...not like Mayan ruins of Guatemala. The price is reasonable and there is a beautiful of a lake (Xichotlan...or something like that). It is quite hot so have water available and sunblock.

.Background: As part of a 3-week volcano trek across Central America, our tour group visited these remote ruins. Now a World Heritage Site (ca 2000), Leon Viejo was the original site of Leon, founded in June 1524 by the Spanish conquistador Cordoba. Because of its proximity to Momotombo volcano, it was especially vulnerable to destruction. Several eruptions and two earthquakes later, a local referendum got it relocated to where Leon is today, about 20 miles west.PROS: The place is becoming well organized -- with an on-site museum, guides (Spanish and English) and a full tour. And there's a nice profile view of Momotombo in the distance.CONS: Location is not its best asset. It takes a half-day trip to visit. Many of the ruins are overgrown with vegetation. Although you can still see the remains of the old town, it is not as well preserved as that of Pompeii, where casts of the doomed townsfolk can be seen up close. Verdict: Although historically interesting, it is not for everyone. It may even bore some. And you wouldn't miss a lot if you don't go. A coin toss. Grade B..

The view of the volcano and I enjoy history, so seeing the ruins and the excavating they were doing was great. Also a VERY reasonably priced shop with local wares (cheaper than Masaya market for the same items)

We enjoyed our trip to Ruinas of Leon Viejo even though there are not many ruins. It was definitely worth it for the view of Momotombo volcano. Our guide at KarmaNica Tours was great!

This is one of those things to do if you have time. If you find this kind of thing interesting you should go but there are some many great things to do in Leon - if you have to skip something, maybe this should be it.

I very much recommend going to Leon Viejo. It's become a well-run historical attraction over the years with two museums, guides, a full tour, and the view of Momotombo is fantastic. The site is under ongoing archaeological digs which means it's constantly under discovery. Spend 2-3 hours here, bring lots of water and a well-charged camera, and be prepared to learn a lot about the long and fascinating of Nicaragua and the many cultures and conquests. There are water and snacks available for sale. I went with a group and we had a Spanish speaking tour guide but the majority of our group spoke Spanish and the rest of us translated for them. I don't know if English speaking guides are available.