The mid-size city of Ocotal (34,000 inhabitants) is known for its lively atmosphere during daytime and calmness at night. There are many hotels and hostels, as well as restaurants, comedores, bars and small discotheques. Ocotal’s main attraction is its central park which is like no other in Nicaragua. Parque Las Madres, as it is called, is a lush tropical garden designed by the ex-mayor of Ocotal and tropical plant expert, Don Fausto Sanchez. A large variety of local plants (more than 100 types!), surrounded by cypress and pine trees, give the city centre a friendly, natural ambiance. Around the corner you can also visit the cultural centre or the ‘Casa de Cultura’. The building has an interesting historical background, functioning first as an important centre during colonial times, then as a prison of the U.S. troops who were battling Sandino, and nowadays it operates as a cultural site that also houses the municipal library. The ample parish baroque-neoclassical church of Ocotal (El Templo Parroquial de Ocotal), built in the 19th century, is situated at the other side of the park. Its simple but attractive interior with pine columns is worth to have a look. The town hall (alcaldía) is on the other side of the central park.
1 – Central Park
2 – Church: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
3 – COTRAN
(= bus terminal)
4 – Gas station SHELL RAMOS
5 – Hotel Belrive (to go to Macuelizo)
6 – Supermarket San Judas
7 – Supermarket Mas x Menos
8 – Supermarket PALI
9 – Bank PROCREDIT
10 – Bank BANCENTRO
11 – Bank BANPRO
12 – Restaurant Linda Vista
13 – Restaurant La Yunta
14 – Restaurant Deportivo
15 – Disco Sky Dancing
The city of Ocotal is located 222 kilometers from Managua, close to the border checkpoint of Las Manos. The city can be reached by following the Pan-American Highway until you pass Yalagüina. Go to the right here (signage is present), and continue the road until you arrive in Ocotal. The road from Managua until Ocotal is in very good condition.
Buses leave from the Mercado Mayoreo in Managua. There is a regular service from 3:20 A.M. to 5:15 P.M. (almost hourly). The bus ride takes about 3 ½ hours. The buses arrive in Ocotal at the COTRAN (main bus terminal), 1km south of the central park. To return to Managua you need to take an expreso that leaves from the COTRAN. There are 10 buses daily. 4:00 A.M. – 5.00 A.M. – 6:30 A.M. – 9.00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
