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The Mysterious Case Of Doctor Paguaga

Doctor Abraham Paguaga Book

Rare Copy of Abraham Paguaga’s Biography

Leon, Nicaragua

In the city of León, everyone over the age of 40 has heard of Dr. Abraham Paguaga. Trained doctor, scientist, physicist, astronomer, and.. wizard with supernatural powers?

I stumbled upon the impressive story of Doctor Abraham Paguaga while out eating street food one night in the city of León, Nicaragua. It was late, around 10pm, and after I ordered my giant chicken empenada with rice & beans, I sat down by myself to eat.

There was one other customer eating at that hour, and he soon invited me over to join him. “No one should eat alone” he said in English.

Local Legends In Nicaragua

Rudy is a Nicaraguan expat, currently living in Luxembourg. He has spent time living in Miami & Wisconsin as well. Now in his late 40’s, he was on vacation visiting family in Leon.

After talking for a bit, I asked him what I should see in his city. He had quite a story to tell me.

Even with all the rich history of armed revolution in León, you know what his top recommendation was? A plain little house with a plaque out front. “A famous doctor lived there once” he said.

In fact, he offered to show it to me when we were finished eating.

My New Friend Rudy

My New Nicaraguan Friend Rudy

Doctor Of Magic?

On the walk over to the doctor’s old home, Rudy told me about the history behind him. Abraham Paguaga was born in 1872. He was professionally trained as a physician, and worked treating patients in the city. He was a brilliant man, and began teaching himself science, chemistry, physics, and astronomy too.

He soon built up a reputation for incredible healing abilities. Citizens who visited Dr. Paguaga were always cured of seemingly in-curable ailments.

But he had another reputation as well. He frequently experimented with natural, herbal, and mystical healing practices. Using crystals, talking to spirits, and applying plant medicines to cure when contemporary methods didn’t work.

His combination of modern medicine along with natural & supernatural techniques was creating quite a stir in early 20th century Nicaragua. But his methods were working…

Doctor Paguaga Patients

Former Patients of Abraham Paguaga

Meeting Former Patients

As an experiment, Rudy wanted to prove to me that everyone in this city knew about the good Doctor. We walked away from the house and saw an old lady standing by her doorway. Rudy asked if she knew the doctor who had lived a few doors down. Her eyes suddenly lit-up with excitement!

Not only did she know him, she had been TREATED by him as a little girl!

The woman quickly invited us into her home so she could tell us the story. She roused her two elderly sisters, and they joined in the conversation as well. Soon a framed photo of Doctor Paguaga was brought out, and an old book with his name on it.

The three Borge-Salgado sisters had all been treated by the Doctor when they were girls, and all three believe it was due to his influence that they were still alive today.

Doctor Paguaga’s reputation had become so great, that the Church had started to get worried. The Doctor was not a religious person, and his growing influence and reputation for miracles was not in their best interest.

Rumors of witchcraft & wizardry were soon spread. It mattered little though, his following of hundreds of satisfied patients was proof enough for most people that he was the real deal.

Doctor Paguaga Grave

Doctor Paguaga’s Grave

The Mystery Continues…

But if all that wasn’t enough, the Doctor’s death was even more perplexing! At the ripe old age of 84, the incredible Abraham Paguaga finally passed away… on January 20th, 1956.

That very same day, January 20th 1956, his elderly mother of 102 passed away as well!

Bernabela Paguaga died on the same exact day (and year) as her son. About 12 hours later.

These days, the legend of Doctor Paguaga’s miracles live on. People still visit his grave often, and pray for his healing powers to cure them & their loved ones. Many believe his spirit still roams the streets of León. ★

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Packing Guide

Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.

Book Your Flight

Book cheap flights on Skyscanner, my favorite airline search engine to find deals. Also read my tips for how I find the cheapest flights.

Rent A Car

Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

Book Accommodation

Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent local apartments on Airbnb ($35 discount!). Read my post for tips on booking cheap hotels.

Protect Your Trip

Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.
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READ MORE NICARAGUA TRAVEL TIPS

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Do you believe in supernatural healing powers?

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