Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, and surprisingly one of the safest. The country has largely avoided the drug trade and gang violence that has affected some of its northern neighbors, while offering many of the same natural attractions that draw travelers to Costa Rica. Since Nicaragua and Costa Rica are similar in so many ways, this was a special trip for me. Costa Rica was where my first real adventure started nearly 20 years earlier, and traveling through Nicaragua brought back a lot of memories of how my travels first began.
Explore Managua
Nicaragua’s capital is the sprawling city of Managua. Although most travelers do little more than fly in and out of the city, there are still several places worth seeing. These include the old cathedral, which was abandoned after the devastating 1972 earthquake, the modern cathedral, the National Palace and museum, and the Oriental Market.
Explore Granada & Masaya Volcano
Granada is one of the oldest European-founded cities in the continental Americas, established by the Spanish in 1524. With its history, colonial architecture, and small-town charm, Granada is one of the best places to visit in Nicaragua. The city also makes a good base for day trips and outdoor adventures. Nearby is the active Masaya Volcano, where it’s possible to look into the crater and, under the right conditions, see the glow of molten lava below.
Explore Ometepe
Ometepe Island is one of Nicaragua’s natural wonders. Rising out of Lake Nicaragua, the island is dominated by two volcanoes, each offering a completely different environment. Concepción is the higher and more exposed volcano, while Maderas is covered in cloud forest and has a lagoon inside its summit crater. Other activities on the island include camping, mountain biking, kayaking, and sailing.
Explore the Corn Islands
The Corn Islands are located about 40 miles off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast. Both Big Corn and Little Corn have tourist infrastructure, but they offer very different experiences. Big Corn is larger, more developed, and more populated, while Little Corn is known for its lack of motorized vehicles and laid-back atmosphere. Across the islands you’ll find excellent beaches, hiking, and access to some of Nicaragua’s best scuba diving, including the famous Blowing Rock dive site.
