Nicaragua travel guide

Luscious, lava and littoral sums up Nicaragua quite neatly. This is no longer a "poor man's Costa Rica", it's a warm and welcoming country with two coasts, paradise islands, 19 active volcanoes - and a fraction of the visitors of its southern neighbour. Take a look at our interactive map to discover Central America's vastest lake, crystalline calderas, howler monkeys and hummingbirds, and the exquisite Pueblos Blancos - filled with skilled artisans.

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Nicaragua travel guide

Nicaragua is on fire right now. For many years it was considered a poor man’s Costa Rica, but it is now firing on all cylinders in terms of tourism, as investment in infrastructure, from hotels to homestays, islands to national parks, make their own unique mark on the Central American map of adventure travel. A fiery country by nature, given its 19 active volcanoes from Masaya to Mombacho, guided hikes of these sizzling peaks by day and night are highlights of any Nicaraguan vacation. And although Nicaragua has a fiery history, these days it’s more about revelations than revolutions.

To sum up Nicaragua, think luscious, lava and littoral and you got it. And loving too – because Nicaraguans have warm, open hearts, homes and boy do they love to party.

Lake Nicaragua has over 300 islands. You can surf off the Pacific coast. It has paradise Pacific Islands called the Corn Islands. And the food? Nicaraguans bring out the banquets for any occasion. And the music, and the rum, Flor de Caña – the best way to toast and taste real Nicaraguan fieriness. Read on in our Nicaragua travel guide.

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Nicaragua is/isn't...

Nicaragua is...

a relative tourism newbie. But it has made a big, colourful entrance.

Nicaragua is/isn't...

a cheap Costa Rica or a budget Belize. It oozes its own special eco cool.

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Nicaragua map & highlights

Nicaragua is natural. Still untouched by tourism, the donkeys and carts in Granada aren’t just for us, they’re for real life. The food, such as in La Plazita de Monimbó market in Masaya, is homegrown and homemade, and banquets are spread out with any excuse for a party. Their love of kids comes naturally too and so, if you are traveling with children, it feels as if you have a constant support system of strangers. Their natural heritage is only now becoming known to the world too, from the eco-eclectic islands of Lake Nicaragua, to the cloud forests of Mombacho. Nicaragua doesn’t need branding. It needs to not go changing.

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1. Apoyo Lagoon
2. Granada
3. Lake Nicaragua & islands
4. Leon
5. Los Pueblos Blancos
6. Masaya National Park

Apoyo Lagoon

1. Apoyo Lagoon

A crystalline caldera lake with tropical environs. A tropical dry ecosystem packed with flora including black rosewood, mahogany and orchids. Sounds of howler monkeys and hummingbirds fill the air, just a few of the species spotted on guided naturalist hikes. Don’t miss out on a paddle off the black sand beaches, be it swimming or kayaking. Do wear eco-friendly sun cream in these rightly protected waters.

Apoyo Lagoon

Granada

2. Granada

Like its Spanish namesake, this is an elegant city, Nicaragua’s oldest colonial one, where shabby chic adds to its charm. The sound of donkeys and carts traipsing over cobblestones is everywhere. The smell of mangoes is too. And the aesthetics are ever teasing to the eye, with multicoloured buildings such as its fine yellow cathedral, blue skies touched by the cloud forested Volcán Mombacho in the distance.

Lake Nicaragua & islands

3. Lake Nicaragua & islands

Aka Cocibolca, this is the largest freshwater lake in Central America. It also has over 300 islands, created by volcanic activity. From tiny ones such as the Solentiname to the vast Ometepe (276km2) meaning "between two hills” as it was formed by two volcanoes. Five hours from shore, it’s another world of wonders, with howler monkeys in the rainforest and freshwater sharks basking around its shores.

Lake Nicaragua & islands

Leon

4. Leon

León is a charming fellow. With colonial architectural prowess; the fiery personality of its overseer, Cerro Negro volcano; artistic, with two of the country’s finest galleries; and adventurous. Be it sandboarding down the volcano, cycling around the city, or swimming in the Pacific, just 30 minutes away. He has spiritual moments too, with churches everywhere, including Central America’s largest cathedral.

Los Pueblos Blancos

5. Los Pueblos Blancos

These ‘white villages’, characterised by white limestone homes, are scattered in the hills surrounding Masaya. Villagers are known for their artisan skills, so take your time walking through them to admire and buy the work of ceramicists, potters and wood carvers. One village, Niquinohomo, is famous for being the birthplace of revolutionary leader, national hero and icon of freedom Augusto Cesar Sandino.

Los Pueblos Blancos

Masaya National Park

6. Masaya National Park

The jewel in the park’s crown is the glittering, gurgling Masaya Volcano, with smaller Volcán Nindiri like a backup generator. The most recent explosion was 2001, but on a normal day you can view the caldera Cruz de Bobadilla viewing platform. If you want to experience active Masaya, head to the eponymous nearby town for the lively El Mercado Viejo market and indigenous food area at La Plazita de Monimbó.

More about Nicaragua

Best time to visit Nicaragua

The best time to visit Nicaragua is during the dry months of November to April - which also provide a welcome escape from the northern winter. But there's nothing to stop you exploring in the quieter, rainier months - the Pacific is a little drier than the Caribbean. The landscapes and nature here are astounding, but don't overlook Nica culture - with many indigenous and Creole communities ready to share their food, folklore and fabulous music.

Written by Catherine Mack

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: LMspencer] [Is/isnt: La Bastilla Ecolodge] [Map intro: Délirante bestiole [la poésie des goupils]] [León: Javier Losa] [Masaya National Park: By: Ken Mayer] [Granada: nickelstar] [Lake Nicaragua & islands: David Amsler] [Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve: Phayne] [Los Pueblos Blancos: Jorge Mejía peralta]

Nicaragua travel guide