Tropical climate for the perfect summer getaway in the Caribbean?
Beautiful oceans and beaches for said summer getaway?
Gastronomic delights?
Pristine conservation areas for nature enthusiasts?
Historical sites and heritage cities to know more about the culture?
Modern creature comforts?
If you are looking for any – or even all – of the above, then Nicaragua should definitely be on your travel list! The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes welcomes all to soak in the sun’s rays and the natural beauty of Central America’s largest nation.
Unica… Original!
Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua, in addition to the indigenous languages used by the Communities of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. The name is derived from an aboriginal word of Nahuatl root, taken from the cacique who dominated the territory separating Lake Cocibolca from the Pacific Ocean: Nicarao. By extension, the term is also applied to the tribe that occupied the region: Los Nicaraguas or Niquiranos.
A masked performer part of the El Güegüense cast. It is a satirical drama performed during the feast of San Sebastián, patron saint of the city of Diriamba in Nicaragua’s Carazo province. The work was first penned as a protest against colonial rule.Should you visit Nicaragua, be sure to immerse yourself in the local culture. Pictured are the Garifuna people, with a community residing at Laguna de Perlas.The El Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas (Museum of Traditions and Legends) in León features a juxtaposition of papier mâché depicting the myths and legends of Nicaragua, and the murals of tortured prisoners who were formerly housed in this old gaol (The 21).
The Nicaraguans are proud of the natural beauty, cultural variety, history, and especially their hospitality. They promise warmth, smiles, and friendships, with experiences blessed by the ‘golden sun’ – a poetic allusion written by Nicaraguan poet, Rubén Darío in “Allá lejos” (“There far”).
The idyllic town of San Juan Del Sur attracts surfers from all over the world because of its fantastic surfing beaches, some of which are the best in the world. A walk around San Juan Del Sur will show you more Europeans than even Nicaraguans!The magnificent Christ of Mercy statue is 134 metres above sea level in San Juan Del Sur, and is as iconic as the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Under it is a quaint little church that time seems to have forgotten. A hidden treasure.
Exploring the Nicaraguan Way
The Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado is a birdwatcher’s paradise, featuring 140 species of migratory birds. Turtles also come here to nest. Don’t miss out on the wildlife while you enjoy the sandy beaches.Playa Guasacate is considered the most popular surf beach in the Rivas area. Alternatively, visitors can also opt for hiking trails or head to the nearby town of Tola to immerse yourself in more of Nicaragua’s history and culture.
For your first time here, the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity, through the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute, have collaborated to design 12 thematic “Tourist Routes” to take you through the best of what each region has to offer. Depending on where you go, you can enjoy geotourism, rural tourism, ecotourism, nature, adventure, culture, history… you could have it all! Relax in the shadow of the Mombacho Volcano, hike up Mogotón Hill, tour the seventeenth century colonial military fort of El Castillo de la Inmaculada Concepción… the choice is yours.
Of course, you can always opt to explore on your own, experiencing Nicaragua’s rich culture, flavour and history at your own pace. At any one of the 156 municipalities, you could join the locals in celebrating their patron saints, or find replicas of them at the Exhibition of the Patron Saints.
Make your way to the picturesque coastal town of Corinto at Chinandega minicipality to find Playa Paso Caballos. Its pristine gold sands stretch across the azure waters of Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, promising complete tranquility away from the hustle and bustle, with plenty of modern amenities for your comfort.
The beaches of Nicaragua are breath-taking in their pristine cleanliness and intense colours of deep blue and emerald green.Many of these beaches are natural turtle sanctuaries too.Little Corn Island proudly welcomes all visitors to experience the “lifestyle of the chosen few”. Experience the Caribbean as it was 50 years ago, while still enjoying creature comforts after your day out in the sun.Jícaro Island offers luxurious, private lodgings on Lake Nicaragua. Holing up in your casita may be tempting, as you gaze upon Mombacho Volcano. The historic city of Granada is just a short boat ride away, so embrace your adventurous spirit!
Those in search of local food are spoilt for choice from an estimated 1,060 dishes, drinks, desserts and breads you could find – ranging from pre-Columbian times to the Spanish colonial period, and perhaps modern takes on traditional bites.
A woman at the Mondongo Doña Nestor El Antiguo pouring out sopa de mondongo, a soup made from diced tripe slow-cooked with a variety of vegetables.
Gallo Pinto: A simple, traditional meal of rice, scrambled fried beans, pepper and onion.Quesillo: Quesillo, onion pickled in vinegar, fresh cream and salt prepared on a corn tortilla.
If you love nature, you cannot miss out on visiting Nicaragua’s various reserves.
Follow the trail, tube down the river, and keep an eye out for the unique flora and fauna as you travel along the Cañón de Somoto. Expect to take up to 6 hours for an extensive tour of this protected area.Nicaragua is a horse country and you will see horses everywhere, grazing wild alongside walking routes, driving horse buggies on the road and running freely in droves in beautiful pastures.Explore the Bosawás biosphere’s rainforests, and emerge to see gorgeous waterfalls such as these. The Mayagna and Miskito indigenous ethnic groups inhabit these lands.
The Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, Río San Juan Biosphere Reserve, the Isla de Ometepe Biosphere Reserve, and the Nicaraguan Caribbean Biosphere Reserve are some of the world’s most important protected areas, not merely for Nicaragua and the Americas.
Since its last eruption in 1570, Mombacho Volcano has fallen silent, opening up trails and unique ways for visitors to explore one of Nicaragua’s most iconic volcanoes and nature reserves.Looming over the Cerro Negro-Pilas-El Hoyo Volcanic Complex Natural Reserve is the Pilas Volcano, El Hoyo being its active, 1,089-metre crater. Cerro Negro rises to the west of the same land base: at 726 metres, it is the youngest and most active volcano of the country.Cosigüina Volcano last roared in 1859. Today, visitors can opt to visit the summit crater lake, Laguna Cosigüina. A hot spring also lies along the western flank of the volcano.
With 74 identified protected areas covering approximately 7,462,410 hectares, more than 57% of Nicaragua’s territory are safeguarded by legislation to conserve, manage and restore their respective biospheres and biodiversity. 7% of the world’s biodiversity can be found here.
Ometepe is an island formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua, the active Concepción and the dormant Maderas.Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America and is also known for being a freskwater lake that contains bull sharks, tarpon, and swordfish, which are typically found in the ocean.
We cannot forget the country’s heritage cities and sites either. Granada, founded in 1524, is the oldest city in Nicaragua, and one of the oldest in the American continent. Today, it is the country’s capital of tourism. León is notable for having two UNESCO World Heritage sites, in the Ruins of León Viejo and León Cathedral. Granada as a whole also has the potential to be a complete World Heritage site.
The Iglesia San Juan Bautista in Masatepe is one of the municipality’s major attractions. The brightly painted colonial style church looks over a park which hosts the annual Saint celebrations for great festive cheer.
The José de la Cruz Mena Municipal Theater is the first theater building in Nicaragua. The composer it is named after, Mena, has been described as the preeminent Nicaraguan composer of his time, and one of the most important to the country as a whole.The La Capilla Maria Auxiliadora is a 1918 Gothic church in Granada, considered one of – if not the most – beautiful of all the municipality’s churches.
There is a certain magic in Nicaragua. Immerse yourself in the culture. Live side by side with the locals. Get a glimpse into their everyday routine. Experience the beauty of nature and see sights you will not get anywhere else. What will Nicaragua mean to you? It is time to find out. Onward to the land of Sandino and Dario!
