Are you dreaming of outstanding scenery, picture-perfect beaches, vibrant colonial cities, wildlife rich rainforests and breathtaking volcanoes? Then Nicaragua is your go-to destination. Political unrest is over and tourism is on the rise, so it’s time to take advantage of the biggest and boldest country in Central America. Discover the stunning secrets of Nicaragua below….
Nicaragua has wild landscapes that attract thrill-seekers from all over the globe. Visitors can go hiking, kayaking, biking, and wild swimming in the country’s crater lakes. You can ride some of the world’s biggest waves, zip-line above the jungle or even scuba dive in shelves of iridescent coral.
If that sounds too adventurous, then escape to the twin peaks of Omepete Island (which overlook the beautiful Lake Nicaragua), catch a relaxing boat ride to the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, or simply soak up the sun on the many beautiful beaches the country has to offer.
Below Kreol takes you through the most exhilarating and breathtaking sights that Nicaragua has to offer.
1. Take a hike to Miraflor
Spend your day wandering through a beautiful cloud forest, over rivers, shimmering waterfalls and amongst small farms. You’ll feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself, with limited tourists. You can spend a full day here, or even opt for a multi-day trek within the park. The great thing about visiting Miraflor is that all the money you pay goes towards supporting the local community.
2. Hike up a volcano
This is something not to be missed when visiting amazing Nicaragua. How many people can say they’ve hiked up a volcano? Well, you could be one of them! There are many volcanoes to choose from, but the two volcanoes on Ometepe are popular day hikes.
Also, visiting León is a good option as there are lots of volcanoes located there too. The most popular volcanoes are Telica (for the ultimate sunset hike), Cerro Negro, for those who want to try the thrilling volcano boarding (yes you’ll be sliding down a volcano!), and San Cristóbal, the longest and hardest volcano in the country.
3. Learn to surf
If you want to take on the waves, then Nicaragua is the perfect place to do so. It’s a huge pastime here due to the warm water and the year-round waves. There are a variety of surf schools that offer tuition and equipment hire around the towns of San Juan del Sur and Rivas. It’s around $10 USD per day for board rental and around $20 USD for an hour of lessons.
4. Explore the Masaya markets
Masaya is a wonderful city and its main attractions are its two craft markets, the Mercado de Artesanias and the Mercado Municipal. Thursday nights are thrilling at the Mercado de Artesanias with a “Night of Revelry” which features local food, music and of course, folkloric dancing. A local experience of delights!
5. Explore stunning Granada
Granada is one of the most popular places to visit in Nicaragua, and it’s no surprise why: it’s a colonial dream! Granada has some of the best preserved colonial architecture in all of Nicaragua. Take in the stunning buildings in the Plaza de Independencia, then afterwards take a kayak trip to the nearby islet. There’s also a host of fantastic restaurants to try, including local cuisine from food stalls, so get ready for a culinary feast.
6. Visit the Corn Islands
The Corn Islands are located on the breathtaking Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, and it’s the perfect spot for relaxation, sun and sea. Lots of people come here to fish, scuba dive, snorkel, and of course, relax! Small boats take you between the different islands. If you want something a little less crowded than the most popular beach spot in the country (San Juan del Sur), then this is a perfect choice.
7. Explore intriguing Leon
Up until 1957, this city was Nicaragua’s capital. But, to this very day, León remains the country’s “intellectual” capital and it’s where the National University is located. You can discover fascinating remnants of the political war between the Sandinistas and Somozas via intriguing murals and graffiti located around the city.
There are many cathedrals in this city and once you’ve experienced your fair share of those, then take a trip to the Museum of the Revolution. It’s an interesting take on the Sandinista movement.
8. Hang out at Lake Apoyo
Lake Apoyo is a 48-square mile lake that is situated on the Apoyo volcano crater. It’s a stunning setting with crystal clear water for swimming. You can rent a kayak, catch some fish (or try!), sail, or even head on a hike. This is a great place to escape to for a relaxing getaway for a couple of days.
When is the best time to visit Nicaragua?
Now that you have an amazing list of things to do in Nicaragua, you’re probably wondering when is the best time to visit. Well, the great news is, it’s always warm in Nicaragua (perhaps too warm for some).
The best time to visit Nicaragua is during the dry season, which falls from November to March/April. The rainy season begins at the end of March, and you’ll see the country at its greenest. Hurricane season falls between September and November which can make the weather unpredictable, but of course, prices will be even cheaper.
Regardless of when you decide to go, you can guarantee you will have a fantastic time visiting Nicaragua. Since it’s on the rise as a tourist destination, now is the best time to go and take advantage of all the amazing sights and things to do before everyone else starts to visit too. Don’t worry about your safety, Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in all of Central America, so you’ll be absolutely fine!
Kreol has provided some of the reasons why everyone is flocking to Nicaragua, so don’t miss out and start planning your adventure to Nicaragua, today.