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…
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 Lake Nicaragua up to the impressive northern Cosiguina Volcano, towering over the Gulf of Fonseca. Many of the Nicaraguan volcanoes are dormant. However, since some remain active, it is advisable to hike the volcanoes with a guide or local tour group. Some of the more popular volcanoes include Maderas, Concepcion, Zapatera, Mombacho, and Laguna de Apoyo. Maderas, Concepcion, and Zapatera rise up out of Lake Nicaragua. Zapatera stands alone while Maderas and Concepcion are located on Ometepe Island, popular climbing choices for visitors. Concepcion is an active volcano, but Maderas is dormant. Zapatera is not popular among tourists as it is difficult to reach and the volcano itself is both extinct and relatively small at 2,063 feet (629m). Mombacho Volcano lies on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is thought to be the source of the lake's islands. Mombacho is great for hiking and it's even possible to drive to the top. The beautiful Laguna de Apoyo is a tranquil crater lake popular with hikers and swimmers. The western shore of the lake has an active fumarole emitting steam and gas.
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…
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 and is the closest to the capital city of Managua, where many travellers begin their Nicaraguan visit. The Barcelo Hotel and Resort on the old Somoza Estate is a great option for those wanting an all-inclusive beach resort getaway, featuring a huge pool, said to be the largest in the country, and even a casino overlooking the sea. For those who prefer to avoid package deals and resorts, there are a few other options for accommodation near Montelimar Beach. The most popular activity in Montelimar is simply relaxing on the 1.5-mile (3km) stretch of beach made up of pristine white sand. Visitors can also enjoy the animals at the nearby zoo, or go shopping at the popular curio stalls and shops dotted throughout the area. Other things to do in this Nicaraguan resort town include scuba diving, surfing, and snorkelling. Montelimar Beach is a must for visitors seeking a stress-free holiday filled with relaxation and sun.
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…
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, the two islands are home to howler monkeys, bats, and iguanas. Most of the wildlife is located beneath the waves. The seas and surrounding coral reefs are extremely popular with divers, fishing enthusiasts, and snorkelers, with barracudas, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, green turtles, and even hammerhead sharks cruising the waters. In the 17th century, the islands were a hideaway for pirates and smugglers, and there are still mutterings of sunken treasure and old shipwrecks. Because tourism in the destination is still in its infancy, visitors won't find modern hotels or luxury resorts on Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island. Instead, there's a wealth of unspoilt plant and animal life, with a few sparsely populated villages offering simple, inexpensive accommodation. The Corn Islands are a perfect holiday destination in Nicaragua, a tropical paradise somehow still overlooked by tourists yet offering the expected white sandy beaches and fruit trees.
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 …
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 plant and animal species, and nearly 200,000 types of insect. The area was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997, and is the second largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, second only to the Amazon in Brazil. In fact, the reserve, including buffer zones, takes up about 15 percent of the country's total land area. The forest is still remarkably unexplored and pristine, a dream for true nature lovers. Tourists who make the effort to visit the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve will discover a rich array of animal life, including pumas, jaguars, and one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the Americas, the harpy eagle. The indigenous peoples, the Sumos and the Miskito, still practice subsistence farming within the boundaries of the reserve, much as they have done for centuries. Guided treks through the forest are available from a number of reputable tour operators.
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…
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 and is said to be one of the oldest cities in the New World, a Spanish showpiece that still retains a regal (if dilapidated) charm. Many of the historic buildings have been restored multiple times over the centuries, with residents making an effort to protect their heritage despite pirate invasions and civil wars. The city boasts some lively markets and interesting museums popular with tourists. Granada is home to a vibrant nightlife scene and a number of popular festivals, including the colourful Granada Holy Week festivities. Popular places to visit in Granada include the town's main churches, Parque Central (Central Park), Fuerte La Polvora (an 18th-century fort), Lake Nicaragua, and the Mi Museo (a private museum). Other fun things to do in and around Granada include forest canopy tours, treks around the Masaya Volcano, shopping excursions at the town's local market, and trips to coffee plantations. Granada is the best town for visitors to use as a base while exploring Lake Nicaragua, as well as many of the country's volcanoes and beaches.
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 …
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 size make Lake Nicaragua remarkable, spreading out beneath Mombacho Volcano. It is one of the few freshwater bodies in the world that contains sharks. Bull sharks inhabit the depths of the lake and are a rare sight for even the most devoted spotters. Despite the lake's importance in the region, tourist infrastructure isn't necessarily up to standard. Known locally as Las Isletas, the collection of small islands scattered within the lake are believed to be the result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, which spewed massive rocks out into the water. The lake is also home to the volcanic Ometepe Island with its twin volcanic peaks. Visitors to Lake Nicaragua can hire a boat and tour the islands while taking in the spectacular scenery and diverse bird and aquatic life. The cities of Granada, San Carlos, San Jorge, and San Miguelito are all located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, making it easily accessible for tourists.
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…
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 Revolucion, where the ruined cathedral and a number of other important buildings stand. It houses a fascinating selection of artefacts and a number of displays about Central American history, ancient Central American civilisations, and the pre-Columbus period. The museum's nine rooms contain a selection of modern art. There are also informative exhibitions about the country's turbulent natural history, including information about the numerous Nicaraguan volcanoes and earthquakes that have devastated the country over the years. The museum staff are helpful, informative, and friendly, making it an ideal attraction for any visitor wanting to learn more about Nicaragua.
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…
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 pay a trip to a local coffee farm that is dependent on the fertile slopes to grow fragrant beans. Birds and wildlife will delight nature lovers, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and fishing tours around the island. For those who brave hiking the 5282-foot (1610m) summit of one of the volcanoes, the views are unsurpassed. Visitors could easily spend a few days exploring the numerous natural attractions the islands have to offer. Boats to the islands are available from San Jorge, just outside Rivas, and ferries also depart from San Carlos and Granada. They don't leave every day and are sometimes inactive due to low water levels. The crossing takes roughly 60 minutes and the trip is perfect to take in lake scenery.
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. …
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. Sometimes called the 'Pearl of the North' or even the 'Land of Eternal Spring', Matagalpa is surrounded by beautiful valleys and steep hills. They are home to coffee and cattle farms, traditional Indian villages, volcanoes, and waterfalls. The city has a uniquely German culture due to settlers in the region, but most of the residents speak English. Despite its size, it feels more like a village with a distinct local character and sense of community. Matagalpa is mainly attractive for tourists as a paradise for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding, and it is the city's location rather than its sightseeing attractions that make it worth visiting. Having said that, there are some interesting museums in Matagalpa and a visit to one of the coffee plantations is a must for fanatics as the region produces very high quality coffee.