Certainly the most adventurous time to visit is during the coffee season - December through February. You'll see trucks barelling in and out of the city on the north side, men hauling coffee in on their backs in a frantic scurry. Compared to cities such as Managua and Chinandega, which can be exceedingly hot all year round, Jinotega's climate is relatively pleasant due to its higher elevation.
Note: some prices quoted here are outdated. The cordoba depreciates fairly rapidly against the dollar. From Managua there are direct buses several times a day. If taking a taxi, ask for bus terminal Mayoreo or simply for the terminal from where the Jinotega buses leave.
At the Mayoreo terminal there are several counters where you can purchase your tickets to Jinotega, depending on what time you are departing. If you look like a foreign traveler, men working will ask your destination. Simply state "Jinotega" and they will almost always direct you to the correct window for the next available departure usually ever hour or hour and a half between a. The expressos are nice because they make fewer stops and you don't have to swing over to drop people off in Matagalpa before heading to Jinotega.
Also you can arrive from other towns in the north such as Matagalpa or Esteli via Matagalpa or via a northern route. Its best to agree a price before you get in the cab, Jinotegans love to change their mind. But on the whole they are a very friendly bunch. It is very safe to walk around Jinotega even through some of the shabbier looking areas, don't be scared just give a big smile out, you'll be fine. Jinotega is a great place to explore. It was built to generate electricity with hydroelectric plant "Central" in the region of El Cacao.
Both lakes are separated by the dam of Asturias, located 25 km from the city. There are several entrances whose banks are used as spas by domestic and foreign tourists.
