Hotel
El Portal 1610

Hotel El Portal 1610 is a family owned hotel with a passion for great customer service.  Hotel El Portal 1610 literally is translated to Hotel The Portal of 1610.  The name is based on the year in which Leon was founded in.  Portal represents a door or “main” entrance to the knowledge and enjoyment of Leon’s history, artistic and religious cultural.

Legend has it that the hotel’s location was once occupied by the former Treasurer of the Spanish Royal Crown, Don Antonio de Betancourt.  He is said to be buried in a certain place under the hotel and his treasure has been sought after for centuries and has yet to be discovered.

Hotel El Portal 1610 is located in front of the now museum, where famous poet Rubén Dario grew up.  The building still holds its colonial atmosphere where the life and history of Rubén Darío has been portrayed on the walls and some of his belongings are on display, including his bed, his bible, and some of his writings.

History
Droplets

León is one of the most important cities in the country.  Visitors will find the ruins of one of the first Spanish colonial cities that were built in the continent, which are preserved thanks to the volcanic sand that buried the place after an eruption. The city of León is an attractive destination due to its museums, art galleries, preservation of colorful colonial architecture, an imposing cathedral, and the facades of its churches. The city is also famous for the festivities held in honor of Virgin Mary (December) and the colorful sawdust carpets than can be seen during Holy Week (Easter).

Visitors are also attracted to sites and activities near Leon such as the beaches of Poneloya and Las Peñitas, Juan Venado Island, El Cerro Negro Volcano, San Jacinto Mud Springs,  Asososca Crater Lagoon, Telica Lava Twilight and Ruins of Old Leon, among others.

Our Services
Secure Location
Full Breakfast Included
Free WiFi
Free Parking
Pet Allowed (Restrictions Apply)
Tourist Packages

Our Guest Rooms

  • Double Rooms – Triple Rooms- Family Rooms
  • Anti-stress and hypoallergenic beds
  • Air Conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Cable TV
Open 24 hours
  • WiFi
  • Access to Balcony
  • Access to Terrace
  • Outside Smoking Area

Activities to enjoy during your stay

Tour

Sandboarding Cerro Negro
Central America’s youngest and still active volcano offers incredible views while hiking up and an adrenaline rush while sand boarding down.
  • Action
  • Adrenaline
  • Unique experience
  • Only in Nicaragua
Ruben Dario Museum
Famous Nicaraguan poet, Rubén Darío, initiated the Spanish-American literary movement known as modernismo (modernism) that flourished at the end of the 19th century. When Rubén Darío was only 40 days old, he moved to the colonial city of León. The famous poet lived there for 14 years, and the house where he lived has been turned into a museum in 1964.
  • Poetry
  • Father of Modernism
  • History
  • Culture
Ruins of the first city of León
The ruins of León Viejo have been listed as UNESCO world heritage site in 2000. What is left of the second oldest city of Nicaragua is nothing but ruins. When the Momotombo volcano erupted in 1610, the inhabitants rapidly left the city in fear of the volcano. What you can see at León Viejo are the foundations of the houses, as well as some partially restored important buildings, like the church.
  • Ruins
  • History
  • Heritage
Beaches – Poneloya and Las Peñitas
Poneloya and Las Peñitas are neighboring beaches, both approximately 20km from Leon. There are various hotels and restaurants for every budget and it has become a growing tourist attraction throughout the years. Las Peñitas has been selected as one of the top 10 beaches in Central America by TripAdvisor users. Most of the restaurants are owned by foreigners that have fallen in love with the country and decided to invest and live the beach life.
  • Surf
  • Fishing
  • Yoga
  • Fun in the sun
Camping Telica Volcano
The Telíca Volcano is an active volcano about 30 kilometers from León. The latest violent eruption was in 1948, but the volcano has ever since been smoking and grumbling. The volcano is just over a kilometer high and has a huge crater. In the evening you may see the lava boiling and glowing in the depth, 120 meters below. This spectacular feeling will even be improved when you look around. The Telíca volcano forms part of the volcanic chain that runs all the way down. You will see several volcanoes in line, some smoking and others dormant.
  • Volcano
  • Trekking
  • Camping
  • Scenery
Kayaking Juan Venado Island
The Juan Venado Island is a nature reserve is a true mangrove sanctuary only 20 km from the city of León. While you are kayaking you may observe different life forms as well as various types of aquatic birds as well as crabs and crocodiles. There are no houses or people living on the island, so you will practically have the whole gorgeous beach to yourself. Olive Ridley Turtles come to lay their eggs between August to December – the best time to spot them is at night. Camping is permitted which allows you to look for these spectacular animals at night.
  • Aquatic Adventure
  • Nature
  • Turtles
  • Camping

Discover the colonial city of León

Enjoy your stay

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Meet our hotel

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