Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Nicaragua! Join me as we uncover the
11 top-rated attractions and things to do in this hidden gem of Central America. Trust me, you won't
want to miss a single moment of this epic journey Nicaragua is an incredibly diverse and stunning
destination, untouched by mainstream tourism. It is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders
such as active volcanoes, lush cloud forests, vibrant jungles, serene lakes, and not one,
but two coastlines. There is no shortage of attractions and activities to indulge
in while exploring this hidden gem. For those who love outdoor adventures,
there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy in Nicaragua.
You can go on a hike to discover stunning natural attractions such as crater lakes formed in dormant
volcanoes or experience the thrill of sledding down mountains made of ash using wooden boards.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted to explore the numerous protected reserves in Nicaragua,
where they can encounter a wide range of animals, including jaguars, howler monkeys,
white-faced monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. With its stunning Caribbean and Pacific
Ocean coastlines, there is an abundance of opportunities to indulge in aquatic adventures.
Destinations such as San Juan del Sur, situated on the Pacific Ocean's Emerald Coast near Costa Rica,
are highly recommended for their vibrant architecture and thriving surf culture. On the
other hand, the Corn Islands in the Caribbean Sea are renowned for their tranquil beach atmosphere.
Managua serves as the capital city of Nicaragua, although most people prefer not to spend much
time here unless they are visiting for business purposes. The real attractions lie in the smaller
cities like Leon and Granada, which are famous for their vibrant architecture and churches,
as well as the natural wonders found in places like Lake Nicaragua.
This lake is the largest freshwater lake in Central America and is home to numerous islands,
some of which feature incredible ecolodges. Additionally, Nicaragua boasts a variety of
volcanoes, some of which are dormant while others, like the Masaya Volcano, remain active. up next,
we have compiled a list of the top attractions and activities to experience in Nicaragua.
number 11, Islets of Granada, Lake Nicaragua houses a collection of
365 small islands called Las Isletas or Islets of Granada, situated southeast of the historic city
of Granada. These islets, which have a history of over 25,000 years, were initially formed by
volcanic ash and stones from the Mombacho volcano. While some of the islets are uninhabited, others
have undergone limited development, primarily in the form of ecolodges. Among them, Jicaro Island
Lodge stands out as a truly extraordinary place where visitors can disconnect from the outside
world and reconnect with nature. For those staying at Jicaro, there is the opportunity to explore the
neighboring islets by paddleboard or kayak, using the lodge's dock as a starting point.
The accommodation at Jicaro Island Lodge consists of two-story wooden
treehouses that blend seamlessly with the surrounding jungle environment.
Despite being nestled in nature, these treehouses provide protection from mosquitoes
and other bothersome insects, allowing guests to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.
number 10, Corn Islands, Located approximately 70
kilometers off the eastern coast of Nicaragua in the Caribbean Sea, the Corn Islands offer a
perfect destination for a relaxed vacation. The primary arrival point is Big Corn, which can be
reached by flights from Managua. However, you have the option to stay on either of the two islands.
Contrary to its name, Big Corn is actually quite small and can be easily explored by bike in just
an hour. The island boasts stunning beaches with light-golden sand and clear, turquoise waters
that remain warm throughout the year. To reach Little Corn from Big Corn,
you can take a 40-minute boat ride. Although the island is tiny, it does offer some accommodation
and dining choices, but you won't find any banks or vehicles here. It takes
less than an hour to walk around Little Corn. Both the Corn Islands are renowned for their
exceptional diving opportunities, attracting many visitors interested in exploring the reefs.
number 9, Happy Volcano, Situated within the expansive confines
of the largest national park in the country, the Masaya Volcano stands as a prominent attraction in
Nicaragua. Located just 20 kilometers south of the bustling capital city of Managua,
it offers visitors a truly remarkable experience. What sets this active volcano apart is the
remarkable proximity one can achieve to the edge of its crater, all while comfortably seated in
a private vehicle. Upon arrival, you can simply drive up to the very lip of the crater and park,
albeit in a downward-facing position to ensure swift evacuation in case of an emergency.
Peering down into the depths of the crater, you'll witness a mesmerizing lake of molten lava.
For a truly awe-inspiring sight, consider visiting after nightfall to witness the
captivating glow emanating from the bubbling lava within the pit.
During daylight hours, take advantage of the on-site museum and picnic facilities.
Whether you choose to embark on a day trip from Managua or Granada, exploring this volcano is
an adventure not to be missed. number 8, San Juan del Sur,
Located on the Emerald Coast in southwest Nicaragua, near the Costa Rican border,
San Juan del Sur is a dynamic town known for its thriving expat community and an
impressive surf beach just 20 miles north. The town itself is brimming with vibrant
buildings and captivating murals. A prominent Christ of the Mercy statue sits atop a hill,
offering breathtaking sunset views of the city below, making it a must-visit spot for hikers.
Additionally, Playa Maderas Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand meeting the Pacific Ocean.
It is adorned with small hotels and eco-resorts and is renowned for catching the majority of
the swells that hit Nicaragua. It is best enjoyed during medium to high tide. Moreover,
this beach is famous for its picturesque and mesmerizing sunsets, showcasing a brilliant
array of shifting colors. number 7, Ometepe Island,
Isla Ometepe can be found in Lake Nicaragua, which happens to be the largest freshwater lake
in Central America. This beautiful lake is also home to the Islets of Granada.
What's unique about Isla Ometepe is that it has not one, but two volcanoes that can be hiked.
In the southern part of Ometepe lies the Maderas volcano, which is less active compared to the
Concepcion volcano in the northern part. Hiking to the summit of Maderas will reward you with
breathtaking views of a stunning crater lake. Additionally, at the base of the volcano, there is
an impressive waterfall that gracefully cascades down a sheer rock wall, spanning almost 50 meters.
Apart from volcano climbing, Isla Ometepe offers other exciting activities such as horseback
riding, mountain biking, and kayaking along the Istian River that flows through the island. For
those seeking relaxation, the white sands of Santo Domingo Beach are the perfect spot to
unwind and soak up the sun. number 6, Granada,
Granada, a vibrant city in Nicaragua, offers a captivating experience for an
afternoon stroll. This charming city boasts remarkably well-preserved architecture,
showcasing magnificent Spanish colonial-style buildings and churches.
Among these architectural wonders is the Convento San Francisco, an ancient church that holds the
distinction of being one of the oldest in Central America. Its eye-catching Tiffany blue facade is
impossible to miss. Inside, visitors can explore one of Nicaragua's top museums,
dedicated to the country's pre-Columbian heritage. The main square surrounding the church is a hub of
activity, with delightful restaurants, boutique shops, and cozy coffee houses
offering sidewalk seating. Granada is also an ideal starting point for those interested in
exploring the picturesque islands located in Lake Nicaragua, which lies along its shores.
number 5, Leon, Nicaragua's intellectual hub is renowned for being
home to the National University. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with its cathedral,
art museums, and emerging food culture being major highlights. The grand cathedral, a magnificent
blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, is the largest in Central America. A short distance away
from the cathedral, you'll find the picturesque Iglesia de la Recoleccion, a stunning church built
in Mexican-style Baroque architecture, featuring a striking deep-yellow facade with cream accents.
As you explore the walkable downtown area, keep an eye out for captivating murals and
graffiti that date back to the political conflicts of the 1980s. Additionally,
you have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Leon Viejo, the ruins
of a 16th-century Spanish colonial settlement, located just a quick drive away from Leon.
number 4, Somoto Canyon National Monument, Somoto Canyon National Monument, a protected
gorge in northern Nicaragua, was accidentally discovered in 2004 by two Czech geologists.
Located approximately 2.5 hours away from Leon, this stunningly beautiful destination offers a
thrilling experience for adrenaline enthusiasts. You have the option to book a four- or six-hour
descent through the narrowest part of the gorge. Both trips involve rock scrambles,
floating down rapids in inner tubes, and jumping from high cliffs into deep pools.
The six-hour trip also includes rappelling down cliffs into caves filled with bats.
Whichever trip you choose, be prepared for an adventurous day trip.
Number 3, Lake Nicaragua, When the Spanish colonizers first laid
eyes on Lake Nicaragua, they were astounded by its immense size and initially mistook it for a sea.
In reality, it holds the distinction of being Central America's largest lake, stretching 177
kilometers in length and boasting an average width of 57 kilometers. This stunning body of water is
adorned with over 365 small islets and larger islands, such as Ometepe, which is located at the
center and features two impressive volcanoes. Lake Nicaragua harbors a fascinating
characteristic – it is the sole freshwater lake in the world to host oceanic creatures, including
sharks. It is believed that the lake was once a bay connected to the sea, but a volcanic eruption
occurred, trapping marine life within its confines and transforming it into an inland lake. Over the
course of millennia, these remarkable animals have adapted to thrive in a freshwater environment.
number 2, Mombacho Volcano Nature Preserve, Situated on the calm Mombacho Volcano lies a
fascinating nature sanctuary spanning 2,500 acres. This remarkable preserve boasts a
distinctive cloud forest landscape and offers a mesmerizing view. Positioned southwest of Managua,
it is just a mere 10 kilometers away from the captivating colonial town of Granada
and the magnificent Lake Nicaragua. Surrounded by serene rural farms and
flourishing coffee plantations, the scenery is truly enchanting. The reserve is renowned for
its abundant and vibrant flora, boasting over 800 different plant species thriving in this area.
Mombacho is also home to a diverse array of animal species, including the striking quetzal
bird adorned with red and green feathers, as well as various monkey species such as white-faced
monkeys and howler monkeys. Exploring the preserve is best done by embarking on one of the numerous
hiking trails that traverse the landscape. Additionally, the reserve houses a tourist
center where visitors can obtain a guide to venture through the four volcanic craters.
These craters are covered with a rare type of cloud forest, only found in one other location in
Nicaragua: the Maderas volcano on Ometepe Island. number 1, Support Lagoon Nature Reserve,
Located just a short drive away from Granada, Apoyo Lagoon
Natural Reserve is a massive crater lake formed over 20,000 years ago from
the collapse of a volcano. With a depth of approximately 198 meters, the lake is
large enough to generate windsurfing-worthy waves when the wind picks up. Additionally,
the lake is replenished by volcanic fumaroles, which maintain its warm and slightly salty waters.
Visitors can engage in various activities such as kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving to discover
thermal vents. Alternatively, they can simply unwind and enjoy the beachfront restaurants.