Private Tour

Charming Leon Outdoor - Culture, Nature and Fun

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

Mobile ticket

San Jacinto Mud Pits & Old León: A Journey Through Nature and History

Explore the bubbling mud pits of San Jacinto, where nature’s raw power comes alive with steaming geysers and churning earth. Learn tortilla-making with locals and immerse yourself in their traditions.

Step back in time at the ruins of Old León, the “American Pompeii,” founded in 1524 and abandoned in 1610, as you uncover the stories of the indigenous Imabite people and colonial history.

Take a stroll by the old Momotombo Port to admire Lake Managua and the iconic Momotombo Volcano. Then, refresh yourself with a swim in the crystal-clear Asososca Lagoon, a stunning volcanic crater lake.

Before returning to León, indulge in a traditional “quesillo” from a charming artisan town—a perfect end to your adventure.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Entrance fees to the destinations.

Our Typical dessert "Quesillo" and a typical beverage, pops or water

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Hervideros de San Jacinto

San Jacinto Mud pods, Let's walk the fumarolic field and see the mud pits of different sizes, depths, and colors. See nature's force in action as the mud bubbles and churns, spitting up geysers of steam in addition to learning with the locals to make the very popular tortillas.

1 hour • Admission Included

Ruins of Leon Viejo

Let's enter the spirits of colonial days exploring the ruins of old Leon, one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas so-called "American Pompey" founded by Spanish in 1524 and abandoned in 1610. Learn how indigenous people of the Imabite tribe used to live, their culture and more.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Charming Leon Outdoor - Culture, Nature and Fun

Pickup included

Reviews

4.75

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A great day out
Goosefoot143,
Mar 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very interesting and informative tour. Great to see some of the area around Leon and sample local food and drink. Franklin was very engaging and we were well looked after.
A great day out spectacular scenery and good guide
macmill,
Aug 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an interesting day out from Leon, Miguel from Vamos travel was an excellent guide and we had a very enjoyable day visiting the hot mud geyser, old Leon and swimming in the el tigre lagoon. The scenery around Leon is spectacular and it's a shame that many tourists only ever see the city and go volcano surfing as there is clearly so much more to see and do. One thing of note the path down to the lagoon and back up is very steep and slippery so wear sensible footwear although the swims worth the hike. Would recommend this da trip.
Great way to experience Leon area
karatorbert,
Apr 21, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was such a great experience. Franklin catered it to our interests and needs, and took us all over to try local food, see mud pits, swim in a secluded lagoon, visit old Leon. We got to see places and had experiences that wouldn't have been feasible on our own. He’s funny, entertaining, and made our time here so meaningful and enjoyable!
Great way to spend an afternoon
Bryguy999,
Apr 20, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
I also added some comments under Cerro Negro sandboarding that we did with Franklin and Victor from Vamos Travel. I would definitely recommend touring with Vamos Travel as Franklin knows a lot of Nicaraguan history that he can share, but the prices for "private tours" can be quite steep, so try to get in with a group if you can. After sandboarding Cerro Negro Franklin offered to take us on the "charming" tour near Leon, Nicaragua. Franklin has studied the history of Nicaragua and was able to tie a lot of things together for us as Victor drove us to various locations in his Toyota Land Cruiser. We had our first quesillos, swam in the volcano lagoon, visited Old Leon where a lot of the history made more sense, visited the old port at Momotumbo (no longer a port but a good swimming spot with pubs and restaurants), and walked along the sulfuric mud bubbles. All in all the tour took about 6 hours and we were exhausted by the end of it. I would say a good value for what we paid, especially if you have a few of these sites on your hit list. It was a pleasure touring with Franklin and Victor for the afternoon.