Country guides South & Central America
Things to do in Nicaragua
Known as the 'land of lakes and volcanoes', the sublime natural features of Nicaragua make the country a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. There's probably no better destination for travellers looking for close encounters with volcanoes, both dormant and active.
The massive Lake Nicaragua provides a variety of exciting opportunities to explore on water and land. The largely unexplored and pristine rainforest of the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve dominates about 15 percent of Nicaragua.
Sun and sand enthusiasts also will not be disappointed. Those looking for a tropical getaway as yet unspoiled by crowds, and developed urban growth should holiday on the white beaches of the Corn Islands.
The tourist infrastructure in many of these places is not widely developed, making Nicaragua ideal for adventurous travellers looking for an experience of nature, rather than those wanting luxury and glamour.
However, Nicaragua's cities do offer urban fun, with Managua, Granada, and mountainous Matagalpa providing convenient travel hubs, colonial architecture, and interesting cultural experiences. The warmth of the climate is a pleasant bonus when travelling through Nicaragua.
Nicaragua's Volcanoes
No trip to Nicaragua is complete without a hike up at least one of the country's many volcanoes. Nicaragua is home to a remarkable string running from the southern mountains around…
Montelimar Beach
Montelimar Beach sits on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, offering tourists the perfect Nicaraguan beach resort experience. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country an…
Corn Islands
Adventurous travellers should definitely include the Corn Islands on their list of things to do in Nicaragua. Situated 40 miles (70km) from the mainland near the city of Bluefields…
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve
Situated on both sides of the border between Nicaragua and Honduras, the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers more than 2 million acres (8093,71 square km) and is home to thousands of …
Granada
The colourful city of Granada offers visitors plenty of historical sights and beautiful colonial architecture, some of which dates back to the 1600s. Granada was founded in 1524 an…
Lake Nicaragua
Sometimes referred to as Lake Cocibolca, Lake Nicaragua is Central America's largest lake and 10th largest body of fresh water in the world. A number of attractions apart from its …
National Museum of Nicaragua
The National Museum in Managua is one of Nicaragua's principal tourist attractions and the city's best museum. The museum building sits imposing and attractive on the Plaza de Revo…
Ometepe Island
The twin volcanoes on Lake Nicaragua are highlights for visitors to the scenic country. Visitors to the islands explore volcanoes by hiking through rainforests, while they can also…
Matagalpa
A good starting point for travellers exploring Nicaragua's mountainous regions, Matagalpa is the fourth largest city in Nicaragua and one of the most important commercial centres. …