El Coyotepe Fortress
El Coyotepe Fortress
El Coyotepe Fortress (km. 28 Carretera Masaya) – located just 30 minutes southeast of Managua, then-Nicaraguan president Zelaya built this fortress in 1893 to ward off potential invaders (particularly from USA – at a time when financial interests were considering building a canal similar to the Panama Canal). This facility ended up being used by the Somoza regime as a prison for political enemies. The fortress is now owned by the Boy Scouts (who use it to hold their annual jamborees). They also conduct tours of the fortress. Visitors can use the foretress’ vantage points to see the panoramic views of the city of Masaya, its lagoon, the Masaya volcano, Lake Managua & Lake Nicaragua, and the Mombacho volcano. Admission: US$2 (foreigners), C$10 (Nicaraguans). A guided tour is included with the fee. Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.