Nicaragua’s Northern Highlands Slideshow
Nicaragua’s northern highlands are a bastion of rustic beauty. The rolling green hills conceal pockets of lost in time villages, where the soil and houses blend into a single, earthy, red-brown palette. This was the stage for much of the violent history that has given this country its unfortunate international reputation. From indigenous uprisings in the 16th century to Sandino’s battle against North American marines 500 years later; from the Sandinista revolution and to the US-sponsored Contra war; the north is a cornerstone of Nicaragua’s national identity. Today, life is unhurried and peaceful. Daily activities revolve around the agricultural cycle, with the cultivation of coffee, bananas and cattle as chief economic pursuits. Regional infrastructure can be sparse and you might need a horse – or a robust 4WD – to get around the more remote stretches. These photos were snapped at various locations: Matagalpa, Estelí, Jinotega and the Reserva Miraflor. I was struck by the beauty of the area, the kindness of the population, and the almost unintelligible northern dialect.
Sat, Sep 5, 2009
Animated slideshows, DESTINATIONS, Nicaragua, Northern Highlands