12 km from Matagalpa. This little town is home to once-active La Leonesa and La Reina goldmines which were established along with the town in the 19th century. Guided tours of the mines can be arranged at the hotel Albergue Campestral (772-5003, herma@ibw.ni). A two to three hour tour through the caves involves walking through waist-deep water and the occasional snake is known to have passed through. Geology buffs will appreciate the stalagmites and stalactites on view.

San Ramon is also the site of the Cecocafen, an organization made up of eleven smaller coffee coops. Most of the 1,900 small farmers affiliated with Cecocafen grow organic beans, and social initiatives undertaken by the organization include providing scholarships to children whose parents are in coops and combating soil contamination and deforestation. Interested visitors can drop by their headquarters and ask for a tour.

Direct buses frequently depart from Matagalpa, and most eastbound buses can drop you off along their route. Additionally, some Matagalpan taxi drivers might agree to make the trip.