The Environmental Botanical Garden is run by UNAN-Leon as both a public garden and a research site. Its trails pass through recreated Nicaraguan forest habitats, with cacao, cinnamon, avocado, mango, coconut, and other useful tropical plants.
Guided visits make the garden more worthwhile, since many of the trees and medicinal plants are easy to miss without explanation. It is a good change of pace from Leon's churches and revolutionary history, especially if you want birds, shade, and a more natural side of the city.