Cloud forests, political rallies, massive farmer’s markets and world-class cigars await visitors to this destination, located close to Honduran border. Wake before sunrise to do yoga, learn Spanish or try your luck at the slot machines. It’s not a short bus ride from the capital city of Managua to Esteli, but is one worth taking as this city offers a slower paced life than most others and a chance for visitors to truly experience authentic Nicaragua. It is one of the best places to brush up on your Spanish, thanks to the numerous language schools throughout, with some offering homestays. Don’t miss out on visiting one of the numerous cigar factories here, from smaller ones that pump out 5,000 cigars a day to larger ones that produce 15,000 a day. Tours will take you through the factories where locals are hard at work and at the end there are plenty of cigars to purchase to take home. Escape the city and grab a bite at La Casita, a tropical oasis serving up amazing cheese and coffee located just a few minutes outside of town. Or head to Miraflor where beautiful waterfalls, rivers, cloud forest and jungle await you.