Made up of several little charming towns with strong pre-Columbian roots and traditions, the name “Pueblos Blancos” (or White Towns in English) comes from the colonial times when people from this region used to paint the little adobe houses with quicklime. Most of these villages, Catarina, Niquinohomo, Diria, Masatepe, San Juan de Oriente, San Marcos and others are located about ½ an hour away either from the capital city of Managua or Granada. Each one of them is dedicated to interesting craft making activities such as hammocks, furniture, ceramics, stone carvings, leather work, ornamental plants and more. Some of these villages enjoy superb views over the blue waters of Lake Apoyo and others are famous for their delicious homemade “cajetas” or sweets.