Esteli is the third largest city in Nicaragua, an active commercial center in the north and is known as “the Diamond of the Segovias.”

Located on the Pan-American Highway, 150 km north of Managua, Estelí is a fast growing and progressive city of about 119,000 people. It enjoys a pleasant climate throughout most of the year due to its location in the north central highlands at a mean elevation of 844 m above sea level. The city is also surrounded by forested mountains and plateaus that go up to 1600 m above sea level, some which are protected as natural reserves.

Estelí was the scene of heavy fighting in the war against the Somoza government in 1979. The land around Estelí is perfect for growing tobacco for use in cigars, and the town became a refuge for Cuban cigar makers after the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Award winning cigars have made Estelí one of the most importantcigar-producing cities in the world. Estelí also has many language schools, restaurants, and hotels that cater to tourists traveling to nearby natural reserves and other parts of the region. Natural Reserves around the area include Miraflor, Tisey-Estanzuela, Las Brisas-Quiabuc, Tomabu, Tepesomoto and Moropotenteeel.

If you are looking for a more rural setting to study Spanish, Esteli may be the place for you. It has a bustling city feel while at the same time, it is located far from the capital and the people are very rural in their speech, demeanor and humility. Some of the nicest folks you will ever meet live in this great pueblo and they love to speak Spanish with the “extranjeros” and they are extremely patient.

In Esteli, you will study four hours a day, the classes consist of two hours of grammar and two hours of conversation or we can adapt the class structure to your needs and desires. We will gladly help you arrange a homestay with a local family or arrange for you to stay in one of the low-cost hotels or hostels here. Esteli is one of the destinations that people often stay past their intended time because they just get enamored with the place and the people. Let us know your desires and we’ll set everything up for you!

Visit one another lagoons, rivers, cascades
Visit the cooperatives
Horseback Riding Tour
Visits to Santa Cruz, The Jalacate, The Cascade, The house, Condega (archaeological museum and historical museum), Good View (The Well of the Death), Sébaco (indigenous communities)