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Discover Magical Nicaragua
Nicaragua, divided into three regions, is the largest country in Central America. Known as 'the land of Lakes and Volcanoes,' there is plenty to explore no matter where you are in the country. Much of its land is comprised of nature, biological reserves and national parks that can easily charm visitors with its magnificent scenic landscapes has a dark history of colonial rule, Herero genocide and oppressive apartheid. But after nearly 30 years of independence the second-least-densely populated country in the world is coming into its own.
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Popular Destinations: Granada • Managua • … and more |
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» Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve (Laguna de Apoyo)
Believed to have been created more than 20,000 years ago after the cone of the Apoyo Volcano imploded, the Laguna de Apoyo got its start as subterranean rivers and rainwater filled and drowned the crater. It is located between two other Nicaraguan volcanoes: Masaya to the north and Mombacho to the south. Part of a nature reserve, the lagoon is regarded as the cleanest swimming spot in Nicaragua. The surrounding area is part of a tropical dry forest ecosystem with a diverse wildlife population …
» Calle La Calzada
Granada's Calle La Calzada leads from the ferry terminal on the lake into the heart of the town. Anyone looking to feel the pulse of Granada should plan to spend some time strolling this street. A somewhat quiet pedestrian zone by day, Calle La Calzada truly comes alive at night, when bars and restaurants set up tables on the pavement, street performers entertain and local artists sell their creations along the side of the road …
» Catarina
From bougainvillea to orchids, dahlias and jasmine, the little town of Catarina overflows with flowers and herbs which tumble from the nurseries, gardens, and flower baskets dotted around town. On weekends especially, you'll see daytrippers from Managua, Masaya and Granada come to smell the flowers and purchase some blossoms for their homes. Home to more flowers than people, Catarina is also known for its skilled basket weavers and woodcarvers, You can buy locally-made crafts at the Villa de Artesanías, …
» Cerro Negro Volcano
Ever wanted to sandboard down the youngest volcano in Central America? Just head to Nicaragua's Cerro Negro Volcano. Looming over the village of Malpaisillo and the surrounding jungle, Cerro Negro pierces the clouds and spurts ash from its black crater. Part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, Cerro Negro is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Hiking the stratovolcano is a tough but rewarding 1.5-hour hike that takes you a mile up to the crater. From the top, enjoy 360-degree views of Telica and San Cristobal volcanoes …
» Convent and Museum of San Francisco
Ever wanted to sandboard down the youngest volcano in Central America? Just head to Nicaragua's Cerro Negro Volcano. Looming over the village of Malpaisillo and the surrounding jungle, Cerro Negro pierces the clouds and spurts ash from its black crater. Part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, Cerro Negro is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Hiking the stratovolcano is a tough but rewarding 1.5-hour hike that takes you a mile up to the crater. From the top, enjoy 360-degree views of Telica and San Cristobal volcanoes …
» Granada
Built in in 1524, Nicaragua's Granada was the first European city to be built in the New World. Named after conquistador Francisco Cordoba's hometown in Spain, Granada is famous for its Moorish and Andalusian architectural influences. Connected to the ocean by Nicaragua Lake, Granada quickly became a trading hub known for its trade in timber, silver and gold. This in turn attracted invading pirates from as far afield as England and France, and the crazed American filibuster William Walker, who burnt much of the city to the ground …
» Granada Cathedral
Dominating the city skyline of pastel-colored houses, Nicaragua's Granada Cathedral sits on the eastern side of the main plaza, Parque Colón, in a vision of red domes and lemon yellow walls with Mombacho Volcano rising behind it. The cathedral was originally built in 1583, and is one of Granada's most famous buildings. However, in 1856, the crazed American filibuster William Walker decided that if he couldn't have Granada for himself, no-one could have it, and so, tragically, he burned both cathedral and city to the ground …
» Hacienda El Progreso
On the forested flanks of Mombacho Volcano, high above the cobbled streets of the colonial city of Granada, the family-run Hacienda El Progreso is where Nicaraguan coffee is born. On a tour of this aromatic coffee compound, learn the steps that go into making the perfect cup of coffee - from choosing the soil to plant the trees and methods of roasting the beans, to the best way to grind the coffee and retain the original freshness. The Palazio family has been brewing coffee here since the late 19th century, and as a testament to their love for the land …
» Iglesia de la Merced
There are several churches in Granada to visit, but the Iglesia de la Merced (not far from Central Park) is noted by many as the city's most beautiful. The church on this site dates from the early 16th century, although it has been damaged twice (to the point of nearly-complete destruction once) and rebuilt, most recently in the 1860s. The present look of the interior is from the most recent reconstruction, while the Baroque facade was added in the 1780s. Anyone can enjoy a stroll through La Merced church, …
» Islets of Granada (Las Isletas de Granada)
The city of Granada sits on Lake Nicaragua, which is an understandably popular draw for both locals and tourists. One of the most interesting things to do during a visit to Lake Nicaragua is to explore the lake's series of small islands, known as "Las Isletas de Granada," or the Islets of Granada. There are 365 islets in the lake, and they were formed more than 20,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption. The islets vary quite a bit in size, and many are large enough to have people living on them. Some of Granada's islets are privately owned …
» Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán)
In most cases, a city right on a lake - as Managua is right on Lake Managua - would be a city embracing its waterfront. In Managua's case, for many years the lake was used as a dumping ground for sewage, so it's only more recently that the waterfront and the lake itself are becoming more pleasant places to spend some time. Lake Managua (or Lake Xolotlán, as it's also known) is still too polluted for swimming (although some locals do actually fish in these waters), but the Malecón (waterfront) area was dredged and cleaned up in 2007, so progress is being made …
» Lake Nicaragua (Lake Cocibolca)
Nicaragua's largest lake goes by many names: Lake Nicaragua, Lake Cocibolca, Lake Granada and even 'Mar Dulce,' or 'Sweet Sea.' The official name is Lake Nicaragua, but since it's right next to the city of Granada you can see how 'Lake Granada' might also seem appropriate. The lake is a major source of activities in the area, both for visitors and residents, and its sheer size means that there's plenty of room for everyone who wants to get on or in the water. You can take boat or kayak tours on Lake Nicaragua to explore Las Isletas …
» León
One of the charms of a visit to Nicaragua is exploring the pretty colonial cities. There is a historic rivalry between Granada and León, which is one of the reasons Managua (located right between the two) was chosen as the country's capital city. Rather than play favorites, why not visit both and compare them for yourself? León is roughly 66 miles from Managua, and the second-largest city in Nicaragua. The colonial architecture of Granada is widely regarded as being better preserved, but León's is impressive as well …
» León Cathedral
The largest church in Central America, Nicaragua's León Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site that's well-known for its eclectic design. Mixing Baroque with Neoclassical, Gothic with Mudejar, the famous cathedral was built between 1747 and 1814 and was designed by Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel. Covering a whole city block, the quirky cathedral has a set of narrow stairs leading up to its domed roof. Here, you can check out the cannons which were put up during the 1824 siege of the city …
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