Organized Tours in Leon, Nicaragua

Vapues, on the north side of Iglesia El Laborio (tel. 505/2315-4099; www.vapues.com), is one of the city's main tour operators, organizing everything from flights to hotel reservations. Tierra Tour, 1 1/2 blocks north of Iglesia La Merced (tel. 505/2315-4278; www.tierratour.com), organizes tours of the area and transfers to Managua and farther afield. Surf Tours Nicaragua (tel. 505/8814-2975; www.surftoursnicaragua.com) specializes in surfing tours of the north Pacific coast and offers 7-day packages with accommodations included.

Quetzaltrekkers, 1 1/2 blocks east of Iglesia La Recolleción (tel. 505/2311-6695; www.quetzaltrekkers.com) is an agency with a difference. It is run by volunteers, and all profits go to helping street kids in León. They conduct volcanic hiking tours to Momotombo and Cerro Negro, among others.

Julio Tours, a half-block north of the cathedral (tel. 505/8625-4467; www.juliotoursnicaragua.com.ni), is operated by Julio Pineda, an excellent English-speaking city guide who specializes in historical and cultural tours of the city.