Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
European Arrival
Although Columbus stopped briefly on the Caribbean coast in 1502, it was Gil González de
Ávila, sailing north from Panama in 1522, who would really make his mark here. He found
a chieftain, Cacique Nicarao, governing the southern shores of Lago de Nicaragua and the
tribe of the same name. The Spaniards thus named the region Nicaragua.
Nicarao subjected González to hours of inquiry about science, technology and history.
González famously gave Nicarao an ultimatum: convert to Christianity, or else. Nicarao's
people complied, a move that in the end only delayed their massacre at the hands of the
Spanish; other native groups were thus warned.
Six months later González made Cacique Diriangén the same offer; Diriangén went with
'or else.' His troops were outgunned and eventually destroyed but inspired further resist-
ance. After conquering four Pacific tribes - 700,000 Chorotega, Nicarao, Maribios and
Chontal were reduced to 35,000 in 25 years - the nations of the central highlands halted
Spanish expansion at the mountains, with grim losses.
In Situ Pet-
roglyphs
Isla Ometepe
Chagüitillo
Islas Solentiname
Villa Sandino
