LOS HERVIDEROS DE SAN JACINTO

On the southeast flank of 1,060-meter Volcán Telica, Los Hervideros de San Jacinto are a nest of boiling mud pits and thermal vents fueled by the underground geothermal activity. They make a great day trip from León. To get there, take a bus bound for Estelí, San Isidro, or Malpaisillo and get off at the town of San Jacinto (approximately 25 kilometers from León). The entrance is marked by an enormous arch and a posse of women and children selling “artifacts” from the hot springs. The young boys will offer to guide you around for $.20, a good deal considering the danger of falling into a scalding mud bath. There are community-based tourism projects and trail improvements in the works, as well as a new hotel.