We traveled to the tiny town of Estelí, Nicaragua to visit Drew Estate Cigar Co. to take the coolest cigar factory tour in the world. On our way we found some unexpected street art and graffiti that was as vivid, varied, and vocal as any we’ve seen. Turns out, Estelí has a long history of using mural art to express political dissent and social commentary. Eat your heart out Banksy.

The street art of Estelí , Nicaragua

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Street art in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Estelí travel tip

Estelí doesn’t see a lot of tourists and hotel options in town are a bit slim. We were hard pressed to find decent budget accommodation with parking. There’s a budget hostel but they don’t have parking, there’s an over-priced seen-better-days hotel with a parking lot that just felt like a rip off and then there’s Hotel Los Arcos. Rooms start at US$45 but they’re big, clean and include breakfast and there’s a secure parking lot.

Here’s more about travel in Nicaragua