Nicaragua is one of the largest countries in Central America, but despite its recent growth, it remains one of the least visited. Many travelers believe that the extraordinary landscape with volcanoes, lakes, mountains, and large stretches of rainforest makes this country one of the most amazing. Learn more about the top 8 places to visit in Nicaragua

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Nicaragua is one of the most attractive countries in Central America, because it combines virgin rainforests, sandy beaches, charming colonial cities and bubbling volcanoes, and also maintains the perfect balance between a quiet family vacation and vibrant parties. Unlike its neighbor, Costa Rica, Nicaragua has a smaller flow of tourists. However, the industry is actively developing, in recent years tourism has taken the second step in the country's economy. The majority of travelers visiting Nicaragua are citizens of Mexico, the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.

The low popularity of Nicaragua among tourists will be a plus for those who decide to spend their vacation in the country, because the important places of the country are not oversaturated with visitors.

What to visit in Nicaragua? There is sure to be something interesting for every traveler in Central America's largest country. Guide from Visit World further.

Granada

Granada is one of the most famous cities in Nicaragua, attracting tourists with cobblestone streets, bustling markets, pastel-colored colonial buildings and an amazing variety of gourmet cuisine. The historic center is full of large square houses with lush interior gardens. Located on the western shore of Lake Nicaragua, Granada was effectively the westernmost Caribbean port, thanks to boat traffic across the lake and the San Juan River.

While walking around the city, be sure to stop by the central cathedral and climb to the top for a dollar or two to see one of the best views in the city. Then stroll along the main street of La Calzada

It is worth noting that a large part of the city is a real labyrinth of the local market, where you can buy souvenirs.

From Granada, it is easy to reach many important places of the country: Las Isletas, Lake Nicaragua, Masaya volcano.

- Where to stay? Palacio de Santa Ines, Hotel Casa 1800 Granada and Occidental Granada.

- The most popular restaurants are Margarita Empanadas Argentinas, Antojitos Mexican Food and Aisushi restaurante Arabian.

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur used to be a small fishing village, but now this place is a dream for surfers and nightlife enthusiasts. Every Sunday, the city hosts Sunday Funday, a wild and legendary party with the added bonus of incredible sunsets.

However, you will have to get to the rest of the places of interest by means of transport: taxi, boat, transfer, bicycle or ATV. Head north to Playa Maderas, the best place to learn to surf or improve your skills.

Climb to the Christ of Mercy, which stands on a rather steep hill and enjoy amazing views of San Juan.

- Where to stay? Verdad Nicaragua, Chica Brava Surf Retreat or Rapture Surfcamp Nicaragua - Maderas.

- The most popular restaurants are The Beach House Nicaragua, Simon Says Smoothie Bar, El Timon.

Ometepe Island

Already on the way to the island, tourists will have a fantastic walk - you will see the peaks of the Concepcion and Madera volcanoes, while your ferry will sail from the port of San Jorge across the huge lake of Nicaragua, where freshwater sharks live.

Ometepe Island will be interesting for mountain hikers, because you can climb both volcanoes or go to the waterfall of the same name from the village of San Ramon. Also available here are beach holidays, kayaking in the mangroves of the Isthiam River, holidays on organic farms or simply explore the remote communities on the south coast of the island by mountain bike or horseback.

- Where to stay? Hospedaje Soma, Finca Mystica and Hotel La Omaja.

- The most popular restaurants are El Picante Mexican Restaurant, The Cornerhouse, El Navegante De Ometepe.

Leon

Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after the capital, which is located 20 km from the Pacific Ocean. Like Granada, it is a legacy of Spanish colonization in Nicaragua. León was founded in 1524, but was abandoned in 1610 and moved to its current location. The ruins of the former city of Old León (León Viejo) are now on the World Heritage List. Leon is the educational center of Nicaragua.

Although it doesn't have as many architectural wonders as Granada, for example, León is not to be missed on a trip to Nicaragua, as it is home to the largest cathedral in Central America, and it is fantastic. Be sure to find time to go up to the roof of the cathedral and enjoy the fabulous views. Another attraction is the Historical Museum of the Revolution, dedicated to those who challenged the Somos dictatorship.

- Where to stay? Hotel El Convento, Hotel Mariposa, Hotel Cacique Adiact.

- The most popular restaurants are El Bodegon, El Sesteo and El Desayunazo.

Cerro Negro volcano

The Cerro Negro volcano is relatively small, its height is only 675 m, but it is interesting because it is the youngest and most unpredictable volcano in the Western Hemisphere. As you can understand from its name, Cerro Negro is black as pitch, because it is made of black gravel , hardened black lava flows and massive black sand dunes. A hike along its cone can truly provide a surreal otherworldly experience.

Tourists are also offered volcano boarding here - riding on special boards from the slopes of the volcano.

The volcano is located 45 minutes from León, so you can stop and visit the restaurant in the city.

Corn islands

Two islands in the Caribbean that live mostly on fishing and a bit of tourism. Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island impress with white sandy beaches, and the reefs are washed by crystal clear turquoise water. Despite their small size, they offer a beautiful and peaceful place to relax. There are small family-run hotels here, and the locals are extremely friendly.

On the islands you can explore stunning reefs or go diving. To see the reefs go to the beaches of Little Corn Island, while the diving is best around Big Corn Island. The local cuisine is also worthy of attention.

The best way to get to the Corn Islands is by plane. There aren't that many flights going there every day, so plan your trip in advance.

- Where to stay? Yemaya Reefs Colibri Boutique Hotel, Little Corn Beach and Bungalow, Paraiso Beach Hotel.

- The most popular restaurants are Turned Turtle Bar And Restaurant, Sea Side Grill, Cafe Desideri.

Los Guatuzos Nature Reserve

The 43,750-hectare Los Guatuzos Reserve is one of the best wildlife viewing spots in Nicaragua. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Nicaragua. Ecosystems in this area are very diverse - a mixture of dry tropical forests, wet tropical forests and large wetlands. More than 400 species of birds, three species of monkeys, countless reptiles, amphibians and a healthy population of jaguars - all this you can see in the reserve.

- Where to stay? Rancho Los Guatuzos.

- The most popular restaurants are Comedor Wesley.

Managua

Managua is located along the southern shore of Lake Managua, and because it is completely covered in trees, it is almost invisible from the air. It is a capital without a center, six crater lakes are located within the city limits. Dozens of fault lines also pass here, one of which destroyed the old center in 1972. That is why there are no tall buildings here.

Tourists are advised to visit the ruins of the old center, enjoy the revolutionary places, the cultural palace, the new and the old cathedral, as well as one of the crater lakes, which offers a view of the entire invisible city. Managua is also one of the greenest capitals in the world, with no air pollution and relatively low traffic.

- Where to stay? Hyatt Place Managua, Best Western Las Mercedes Airport, Hilton Princess Managua.

- The most popular restaurants are Los Ranchos, Restaurante Don Candido, Cocina de Doña Haydée.

Nicaragua is not very popular among travelers, but it is a fantastic country that should be visited at least once in a lifetime.

The editors of Visit World recommend using the Tourist Guide for Nicaragua for a comfortable and safe trip.

The guide is a detailed written document that contains basic advice on obtaining a visa, crossing the border, getting a job, citizenship, and much more. More details at the link.

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