Jinotepe

Jinotepe, a town of roughly 32,000, is located in the middle of the mountain ridge that reaches El Crucero and 2,500 feet above sea level. This town enjoys an almost year round breeze of 10 to 25 mph, and the higher elevation (almost 2,000 feet) affords Jinotepe some of the coolest temperatures in the state.

UNAN is located here, as a branch of the National college in Managua. It's fairly common to find English speakers milling around town. Jinotepe has lots of parks and green spaces great for an afternoon of people watching. The main park is just west of the market and is usually bustling. During the patron saint festivities at the end of July, it's chaotic.

Jinotepe's market is about six blocks in size, and is good for everyday shopping. Clothes are ridiculously cheap and there's a big selection of fruits and veggies (even red onions, cojombro and big, juicy tomatoes). For touristy items, there's a small yellow market just half a block south of the Pali food store, at the southwest corner of the market. There you will find a half dozen stores with Tshirts, dresses, wooden figurines, and miscellaneous knickknacks. The first store on the left has tourist information and a small selection of maps/brochures.