Lying well to the northeast of Managua, Matagalpa (pop. 115,000) is in a prime coffee-growing area. Matagalpa has a fascinating historic church. Its biggest attractions, however, are the climate and the surrounding countryside: Abundant foliage and cool weather provide a break from the heat and dust of other regions in Nicaragua.

The drive from Matagalpa to Jinotega is incredible: lush, green pastures and rolling hills textured by rows of coffee plants. A short way out of Matagalpa is Selva Negra (Black Forest), a 495-acre/200-hectare private reserve that offers a resort hotel, extensive hiking trails, horseback riding and an impressive cloud-forest ecosystem. Amidst the cedar, pine, mahogany and orchids, you’ll find howler monkeys, coatis, armadillos and some 200 species of birds. This is one of Nicaragua’s prime ecotourism attractions. Jinotega boasts Santa Maria de Ostuma, a beautiful church. Matagalpa is 65 mi/105 km northeast of Managua.