Jinotega, Nicaragua

Capital City

With a population of just 99,382, Jinotega is a remote Nicaraguan outpost, far from the glitz of the Pacific coast. The city produces 80% of Nicaragua's coffee, but the cool, misty climate and high altitude can be a persistent headache. Bureaucracy is another challenge, with electricity and public lighting lacking in many rural areas. For those undaunted by the realities of life in this rugged, mountainous region, Jinotega offers an authentic slice of Nicaraguan life, but it's certainly not for the faint of heart.