[et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_post_title meta="off" featured_image="off" text_background="on" text_bg_color="#E09900" _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" title_font="|600|||||||" title_text_color="#000000" title_font_size="37px" title_letter_spacing="1px" background_image="https://www.desdenicaragua.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/departamento-de-jinotega-nicaragua.jpg" background_position="center_right" text_orientation="center" custom_padding="318px|||||" text_shadow_style="preset2" text_shadow_horizontal_length="0.1em" text_shadow_vertical_length="0.1em" text_shadow_blur_strength="0.09em" text_shadow_color="#FFFFFF" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="||0px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.21.0" _module_preset="default" text_font_size="16px" text_line_height="1.8em" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
- Population of the Department of Jinotega
- Climate of the Department of Jinotega
- Flora and Fauna of the Department of Jinotega
- Boundaries of the Department of Jinotega
- Economic Activities of Jinotega
- Gastronomy of the Department of Jinotega
- Traditions of Jinotega
- How to get to the Department of Jinotega?
- Municipalities of the Department of Jinotega
- Map of the Jinotega Department
- Tourist Places of the Department of Jinotega
- History of the Department of Jinotega
- The Department of Jinotega Today
- Enjoy Nicaragua
- Contact Us
Department of Jinotega
The Department of Jinotega is the largest department of Nicaragua, covering a territorial extension of 9,222.40 km². In addition, this territory is one of the highest in the country, so it is possible to enjoy an excellent climate almost any time of the year.
The department is divided into 8 municipalities with the departmental capital being the municipality of Jinotega. It is estimated that the population of the department of Jinotega is approximately 452,973 inhabitants.
The department of Jinotega is very visited for its vibrant nature, climate, culture and tourist and religious sites. DesdeNicaragua invites you to visit the different municipalities and communities that make up this wonderful place and enjoy all the adventures that only in this part of Nicaragua you can enjoy.
The word Jinotega is derived from the primitive Nahuatl root Xiotenkatl. The term comes from xiotl, originally from the word xiokwawtli, which means jiñocuabo or mangy tree; the ending -tenko, which means at the edge of or next to; and the suffix of gentilicio -katl. So, Xiotenko means Place next to the jiñocuabos and Xiotenkatl, Neighbor of the jiñocuabos. Possibly this is the most accurate translation, because in the region there is an abundance of these trees.
According to historian Eddy Kühl, the name Jinotega does not come from the Nahuatl language, since the indigenous people of this area (Jinotega, Matagalpa, Sébaco and Muy Muy) spoke the Misumalpa language, that is, they were not of Mesoamerican origin like the Mangues (Chorotegas) and the Nahua (Nicaraguan) peoples who inhabited the Pacific area of present-day Nicaragua.
According to the German linguist Walter Lehmann, the language of the indigenous people of Jinotega and Matagalpa was of the Macro-Chibcha family. The historian Julian Guerrero, in his "Monograph of Jinotega" states that the word Jinotega is Chorotegan.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.21.0" _module_preset="default" text_font_size="16px" text_line_height="1.8em" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
Population of the Department of Jinotega
The population of the department of Jinotega is estimated to be approximately 452,973 people. However, it is important to mention that there are no updated population censuses, so this number may be much higher.
In the Jinotega area, the population is distributed among the different municipalities. However, it is worth mentioning that each municipality is also made up of small towns and communities that live from agriculture and cattle raising.
Climate of the Department of Jinotega
The climate of Jinotega is Tropical Savannah. This is one of the most envied by the whole country; due to the altitude in which it is located, the climate stays between 18 and 22 degrees. Even in the summer season, the temperature in this department remains below the average of the rest of the country.
If you want to cool off, Jinotega is an excellent place.
Flora and Fauna of the Department of Jinotega
Flora
The department of Jinotega is very rich in its flora; since it has diverse vegetation where pine and oak predominate.
The vegetation of the department has two characteristics, the first one is the nebliselva vegetation that predominates in the highest parts of the department. The second is the humid tropical vegetation that develops near the Coco River.
Jinotega is dominated by forests and areas full of vegetation that have not been altered by man.
The types of vegetation in Jinotega are:
- Shrub Vegetation: Vegetation with shrubs and trees less than 5 mt tall, it is concentrated throughout the department of Jinotega with an area of 192.48 km².
- Shade Coffee: Coffee plantations with woody vegetation, serves as protection for the crop. The highest concentration is in the municipality of Jinotega with 392.93 km².
- Shade-grown coffee: Coffee plantations without tree vegetation.
- Undergrowth: 70% of the vegetation is undergrowth and 30% is scrub. There is little presence in the municipality of Jinotega.
- Weedy Pasture: Carelessly cultivated pasture with 60% grasses and 40% weeds. This type of vegetation is present in all municipalities of the Department.
- Pasture with trees: Pasture areas associated with tree vegetation with canopy coverage of less than 40%, significant areas are found in the municipality.
- Improved pasture: Pasture land with improved and weed-free varieties, the most significant areas are located in the municipality of Jinotega.
- Agricultural Crops: Annual crops with or without irrigation, including areas with vegetables.
- Coniferous Forest: With a cover density of more than 70%, trees over 5 meters high, it covers an area of 79.09 km² of forest. The highest concentration is in the municipality of Jinotega with 23.58 km².
In the department of Jinotega there are still some areas of forests with deciduous species of forest importance such as: Aguacate Montero, Cedro Macho, Coyote, Chapermo, Chilamate, Elequeme, Gavilán, Guácimo, Jobo, Madroño Blanco, Sangregrado Blanco, Sangregrado Colorado.
Another characteristic of the high and low forest is the large number of species of precious woods in the process of extinction such as: Areno, Camibar, Mahogany, Guapinol, Maria, Palo de Agua, Pino Caribe, Pino Ocote, Pochote, Laurel Blanco, Nanciton and Roble.
Fauna
The fauna of Jinotega includes species of the great group of mammals, reptiles, avifauna and ornifauna.
It is possible to find the following species: Cabro de Monte, Danto (American Tapir), Jaguar (tiger), Pava (Chachalaca), Pavón, Tigrillo, Venado, Armadillos, Congos, Momos, Anteaters, Sloths and Pizote, Lapa Roja, Loras, Querque, Toucan, Boa, Yellowbeard, Black Coral, Red Coral, Mica Snake, Chocoya, Mata Buey, Ratonera, Tamagás, Blood Snake and Zopilote.
Natural Reserves of the Department of Jinotega
Part of the rich vegetation and fauna of the department of Jinotega is due to the multiple natural reserves found in the territory. These are:
- Natural Reserve "Miraflor".
- Natural Reserve "Macizo de "Peñas Blancas"".
- Natural Reserve "Yalí Volcano".
- Datanlí" Nature Reserve
- Natural Reserve "Kilambé".
- Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, with 20,000 km², the largest in Central America, shared with the Northern Caribbean.
- Saslaya National Park
Boundaries of the Department of Jinotega
- North with Honduras
- To the south with Matagalpa
- East with the Northern Caribbean Autonomous Region
- To the West with the Departments of Nueva Segovia, Madriz and Esteli.
Economic Activities of Jinotega
The main economic activities that are developed in the municipalities and communities of Jinotega can be classified into agricultural activities, livestock and commerce.
The planting of coffee, beans, corn and various vegetables are considered the main activities of the Jinotegan population. And it is these activities that play an extremely important role in Nicaragua's economy.
In the communities and comarcas of Jinotega, cattle raising is also promoted, which allows for the export of meat, milk and milk products.
This also allows for the production of hides and leather products.
Apart from these activities, a small part of the population of Jinotega is dedicated to the commerce of food, clothing, and other essential products for the population.
Gastronomy of the Department of Jinotega
The gastronomy of Jinotega is based on corn and milk products.
It is common to find güirilas with curd and cream, pork leg soup, stuffed pizque tamale, camaguas beans, curd soup, Indian chicken meatball soup.
Among the typical drinks of the department of Jinotega are coffee liqueur, loja water, pinolillo and natural fresh orange and lemon, among others.
Traditions of Jinotega
The department of Jinotega is known for its religious traditions associated with the devotion to the Holy Cross and Father Odorico D'Andrea.
In Jinotega, as in the rest of Nicaragua, the "gritería" and the patron saint festivities are celebrated in each of the municipalities that make up the department.
In Jinotega are common pilgrimages to San Rafael del Norte in homage to Odorico D'Andrea. There are also pilgrimages in celebration of the day of the Holy Cross (May 3).
Other traditions in Jinotega include the celebration through dances such as polkas and mazurkas are danced in the peasant chojines.
Also, the indigenous communities of Jinotega have their own traditions, such as La Fiesta de Las Varas, where the indigenous authorities are changed.
How to get to the Department of Jinotega?
Traveling to Jinotega is very easy.
If you are traveling by bus from Managua, you will have to board a bus at COTRAN Mayoreo to Jinotega. Buses start leaving at 5:30 AM.
If you are traveling from the department of Leon, you can take the microbuses or buses that leave from the terminal to Esteli. Then in Esteli you can board a second bus at COTRAN north to Jinotega, Yali or San Rafael del Norte.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.21.0" _module_preset="default" text_font_size="16px" text_line_height="1.8em" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
Municipalities of the Department of Jinotega
These are the municipalities that make up the department of Jinotega:
- Municipio de Jinotega (Cabecera departamental)
- Wiwili de Jinotega
- El Cuá
- San José de Bocay
- Santa María de Pantasma
- San Sebastián de Yali
- San Rafael del Norte
- La Concordia
Map of the Jinotega Department
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://www.desdenicaragua.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mapa-del-Departamento-de-Jinotega.png" alt="Mapa del Departamento de Jinotega" title_text="Mapa del Departamento de Jinotega" _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.21.0" _module_preset="default" text_font_size="16px" text_line_height="1.8em" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
Tourist Places of the Department of Jinotega
This is a complete list with the tourist places of the department of Jinotega that you must visit:
#1. Entre Brisas y Encanto Eco Lodge, in the Datanlí - El Diablo Reserve.
#2. Peña de la Cruz in Cerro Chirinagua.
#3. La Finca Vida Joven Camp
#4. La Fundadora Ecolodge
#5. Las Madres Natural Park
#6. Black Pottery Workshop Las Curenas
#7. Municipal Museum of Jinotega
#8. Benjamin Zeledón House Museum
#9. Rancho Bonito
#10. Tio Nacho Cabin
#11. Apapuerta de Xinotecalt Park
#12. El Chilamate Aquatic Center
#13. La Brujona Waterfall
#14. Vida-Joven Camp
#15. La Bastilla Ecolodge
#16. RSP Kilimanjaro
#17. Apanas Lake
#18. San Juan Cathedral
#19. San Expedito Cooperative
#20. La Brellera
#El Jaguar Wildlife Reserve
#22. Yali Volcano Hill
#23 San Rafael del Norte Church
#24. La Bastilla Ecolodge in Datanlí Reserve - El Diablo
#25. El Chilamate Aquatic Center at Apanás Lake
#26. Kilimanjaro Private Wildlife Reserve, San Rafael del Norte
#27. Canopy Tour La Brellera, San Rafael del Norte
#28. Rancho Bonito on the shores of Lake Apanás
#29. Natural Park, San Rafael del Norte
#30. Los Nogales Farm
#31. Don Chico Farm
#32. Center of Understanding with Nature
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.21.0" _module_preset="default" text_font_size="16px" text_letter_spacing="1px" text_line_height="1.8em" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
History of the Department of Jinotega
Jinotega is a very peaceful and welcoming region because it is far from the hustle and bustle of the busier departments such as Managua, Leon or Chinandega.
The history that surrounds the department of Jinotega is very rich, since this territory has suffered multiple changes throughout the centuries.
Let's see a little more of the history of Jinotega.
The Department of Jinotega before the Spanish Conquest
The origins of the first settlers of Jinotega is somewhat confusing and even controversial among various historians.
For some, the first inhabitants of Jinotega came from the Sumos or the Chontales; who in turn descended from the Caribicis of the Atlantic region of Nicaragua.
For other historians, the original inhabitants of the department of Jinotega were the Chorotegas.
According to the respected professor Harvey Wells (rtd), Jinotega has roots in the Mexica people, in Tenochtitlan. The professor's hypothesis is based on the fact that multiple caravans departed from Tenochtitlan for commercial and political purposes.
These caravans entered Nicaragua through Jalapa and Teotecacinte; however, once in Nicaraguan territory, the presence of Hernán Cortes made it impossible for them to return - since he had taken Tenochtitlán in 1521.
Due to the occupation of Cortes, these groups that were in Nicaragua wandered until they found a place to settle; and this was at the confluence of the Viejo and Ducualí rivers.
There is another current of thought that contradicts the hypothesis put forward by Professor Wells. Diverse archaeologists maintain that the northern zone of Nicaragua, including the territory of the department of Jinotega was already inhabited by indigenous groups that left Mexico around 800 AD.
In any case, at the beginning of the Spanish colony in 1524, 75% of the indigenous peoples of north-central Nicaragua were populated by these Chontal-Matagalpas.
The settlement of Jinotega took place in the middle of a mountainous valley in the shape of a cauldron. This settlement was governed by a cacique and was advised by a council of elders - a very common structure in indigenous communities of pre-Columbian times.
This settlement was polytheistic; having as main deities the gods of air, thunder, rain and fire.
This indigenous community also stood out for its dedication to agriculture, consisting mainly of the cultivation of corn, beans, cocoa, vegetables and fruits.
The regions of the department of Matagalpa, as well as others that today occupy the territories of the disappeared "corregimiento de Sébaco y Chontales", which included the departments of Jinotega, Boaco, Chontales and the north of the Department of Río San Juan, were never dominated by the Spanish conqueror, until the end of the second century of his domination, that is, at the beginning of the year 1700.
The indigenous people refused to submit. There were towns controlled by the Spaniards and free towns. Jinotega was the largest of the Spanish-controlled towns, but in the end they ended up mixing with Christianity.
The Department of Jinotega during the Spanish Conquest
According to Eddy Kühl it is estimated that the first Spaniards coming from La Segovia began to settle in these small valleys: "Jocomico", "Ocotal Espeso", "Rincón Largo", "El Salto", "El Tanque", "Umure" and "El Naranjo" in the early 1670's, some of them started to move to Jinotega in the early 1700's.
When the Spaniards arrived under the command of Fray Juan de Albuquerque, a Mercedarian religious, he fell in love with the place. He then decided to found "the town of San Juan" giving "San Juan el Bautista" as patron saint. He marked the place of the plaza (central park) and of the cabildo (municipal mayor's office). So this is how the town was known as "San Juan de Jinotega".
At the end of the XVIII century the Spanish Conquest began in the territory, which caused a marked separation of races, since the colonizers settled in the southern part of the town and the natives in the northern part of the region. This situation persisted until the time of independence (1821), when internal conflicts between the inhabitants practically ceased, mainly over land tenure or control of trade, which was in the hands of foreigners, especially of European origin.
Jinotega was incorporated to the Corregimiento de Sébaco y Chontales, which took place between 1570 and 1573. The corregimiento was formed by the vast extension from the region of Nueva Segovia to the San Juan River.
Formation of the Department of Jinotega after Independence
The town of Jinotega was elevated to the category of Valley on April 5, 1851 and on February 11, 1883 it was granted the title of city.
On October 15, 1891 it was declared a Department with four municipalities:
- Jinotega
- San Rafael del Norte
- La Concordia
- San Sebastián de Yalí
Five years lasted the efforts of the Municipality of the city of Jinotega and its most prominent neighbors to obtain from the supreme authorities of the Republic, the erection or creation of the Department of Jinotega (1887-1891).
On October 15, 1891, the respective Law Creating the Department was dictated during the presidential mandate of Dr. Roberto Sacasa, with Dr. Agustín Duarte as Minister of the Interior.
The municipality of Jinotega (of greater territorial extension) included the valley of Santa María de Pantasma; part of Wiwilí; the districts of El Cuá and San José de Bocay.
By law of the National Assembly in 1989, the municipalities of Santa María de Pantasma, Wiwilí, El Cuá and San José de Bocay were created. Since then (1989), the department has 7 municipalities, defining the territorial area of the current department of Jinotega.
The Department of Jinotega Today
Currently, Jinotega is a must-see tourist destination for anyone looking for adventure, tranquility and good weather.
It has exuberant jungles and mountains with viewpoints of singular beauty, waterfalls of crystalline waters, agricultural farms and indigenous people communities, it is included in the Route of the Waterfalls; it is excellent for rural tourism, extreme, sports and others.
Do not hesitate to visit the different towns and municipalities of this northern department of Nicaragua; explore it today.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Footer" _builder_version="4.17.6" background_color_gradient_direction="90deg" background_image="https://www.desdenicaragua.online/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/playa-chacocente-en-carazo.jpg" parallax="on" custom_padding="0px|0px|0px|0px" saved_tabs="all" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" use_custom_gutter="on" gutter_width="1" make_equal="on" admin_label="Footer Row" module_class=" et_pb_row_fullwidth" _builder_version="4.17.6" width="100%" width_tablet="100%" width_phone="" width_last_edited="on|desktop" max_width="100%" max_width_tablet="100%" max_width_phone="" max_width_last_edited="on|desktop" custom_margin="|||" custom_padding="0px|0px|0px|0px" animation_style="fade" make_fullwidth="on" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.17.6" background_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.6)" custom_padding="100px|10%|100px|10%" custom_padding_tablet="" custom_padding_phone="" custom_padding_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Tittle" _builder_version="4.17.6" text_font="Oswald||||" link_font="||||||||" ul_font="||||||||" ol_font="||||||||" quote_font="||||||||" header_font="||||||||" header_2_font="Oswald|||on|||||" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_font_size="40px" header_2_letter_spacing="2px" header_2_line_height="1.5em" background_layout="dark" custom_margin="||4%|" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]
Enjoy Nicaragua
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Texts" _builder_version="4.21.0" text_font="Nunito||||" text_font_size="16px" text_line_height="1.5em" header_font="Oswald|||on|" header_text_color="#DCA57D" header_font_size="16px" header_letter_spacing="2px" header_line_height="1.7em" header_4_font="Oswald|||on|||||" header_4_text_color="#DCA57D" header_4_font_size="16px" header_4_letter_spacing="1px" header_4_line_height="1.5em" background_layout="dark" custom_margin="||6%|" hover_enabled="0" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
Links:
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Texts" _builder_version="4.21.0" text_font="Nunito||||" text_font_size="16px" text_line_height="1.5em" header_font="Oswald|||on|" header_text_color="#DCA57D" header_font_size="16px" header_letter_spacing="2px" header_line_height="1.7em" header_4_font="Oswald|||on|||||" header_4_text_color="#DCA57D" header_4_font_size="16px" header_4_letter_spacing="1px" header_4_line_height="1.5em" background_layout="dark" custom_margin="||6%|" hover_enabled="0" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
Policies
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.17.6" background_color="#000000" custom_padding="100px|10%|100px|10%" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Texts" _builder_version="4.21.0" text_font="Oswald||||" link_font="||||||||" ul_font="||||||||" ol_font="||||||||" quote_font="||||||||" header_font="||||||||" header_2_font="Oswald|||on|||||" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_font_size="40px" header_2_letter_spacing="2px" header_2_line_height="1.5em" background_layout="dark" custom_margin="||4%|" custom_padding="|||" hover_enabled="0" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
Contact Us
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Texts" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Nunito||||" text_font_size="16px" header_font="Oswald|||on|" header_text_color="#DCA57D" header_font_size="16px" header_letter_spacing="2px" header_line_height="1.7em" header_4_font="Oswald|||on|||||" header_4_text_color="#DCA57D" header_4_font_size="16px" header_4_letter_spacing="1px" header_4_line_height="1.5em" background_layout="dark" custom_margin="||6%|" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]
Contacto@desdenicaragua.online
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Texts" _builder_version="4.21.0" text_font="Nunito||||" text_font_size="16px" header_font="Oswald|||on|" header_text_color="#DCA57D" header_font_size="16px" header_letter_spacing="2px" header_line_height="1.7em" header_4_font="Oswald|||on|||||" header_4_text_color="#DCA57D" header_4_font_size="16px" header_4_letter_spacing="1px" header_4_line_height="1.5em" background_layout="dark" custom_margin="||6%|" hover_enabled="0" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]
Support This Project
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]
[paypal-donation]
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]