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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.

Popular Destinations: Granada • Managua • … and more

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» Masaya

If you're looking for handmade jewelry while in Nicaragua, or locally made rocking chairs, hammocks, and traditional blouses, just head to the city of Masaya. Its famous Mercado Artesanías is housed in the old Gothic market building which dates back to the 19th century. As you stroll the market, look out for high-quality hemp weavings and handmade necklaces, as well as just about every other craft you can think of. When in Masaya, it's also popular to take a stroll along the pretty lakeside promenade, discovering the city's historic plazas …

» Masaya Volcano

The Masaya Volcano - just over 12 miles from Managua - is one of the most accessible on earth. In fact, while you can plan hiking day trips on the volcano, you can even drive right up to the volcano's crater to take a peek inside. The Masaya Volcano National Park that surrounds the volcano was Nicaragua's first national park. There is a nearly-constant flow of steam, ash and gases coming from the Masaya Volcano, but that shouldn't stop people from making the trip. Join a day tour from Managua and you'll be treated to glimpses of a rare type of parakeet …

» Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

Managua's new cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral, was built in the early 1990s to replace the Old Cathedral, which had been destroyed in the 1972 earthquake. After years of promising to rebuild the Old Cathedral, officials finally declared it unsafe and built the new cathedral instead. The modern building couldn't be more different in style than the classic Old Cathedral, and consequently it has inspired some interesting nicknames over the years. One of the most common likens the many domes adorning the roof …

» Mombacho Volcano

With an Aztec name that translates to "Steep Mountain," Mombacho Volcano certainly lives up to its name, with its huge crater reaching a lofty peak of 4,400 feet (1,344 meters). The volcano's last eruption, more than 3,000 years ago, was responsible for creating the many islands of Lake Nicaragua and today, the now-dormant Mombacho offers spectacular views over the glittering lake and the Isles of Granada below. The summit of Mombacho is reachable by road, but the most rewarding way to explore the volcano is on foot …

» Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve

Just south of the city of Granada lies the Mombacho Volcano. It's an active volcano, but it hasn't erupted since the 16th century, which means rather than being a source of dread it's a popular spot for visitors who want to explore the great outdoors. Much of the area around the volcano is protected as part of the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve (Reserva Nacional Volcano Mombacho). Hiking through the Mombacho Reserve gets you up close to a huge variety of orchids and wildlife, as well as the volcano's cloud forest and dwarf forest …

» National Palace of Culture

One of the most impressive neoclassical buildings in Nicaragua, Managua's National Palace of Culture is home to the National Museum, the National Archives, and the National Library. In the capital's Plaza de la Revolución, the grand building was commissioned by President Sacasa and was built in 1931. Home to the Nicaraguan parliament for over 50 years, on the night of August 22, 1978, left-wing Sandinista revolutionaries stormed the National Palace and overthrew the Somoza dictatorship, ending the palace's role as the seat of the Nicaraguan parliament almost overnight. …

» Old Cathedral of Managua (Catedral de Managua)

The facade and bell towers of the Old Cathedral of Managua may look impressive, but get closer and you'll see there's almost nothing else left of the structure. The 1972 earthquake all but destroyed the church, and it was left as a ruin, unsafe for visitors to do more than walk around the building. Initially, promises to rebuild the cathedral were made by the government, but locals gave up hope of that happening when a new cathedral was built elsewhere in the 1990s instead. …

» Ometepe Island (Isla de Ometepe)

With its pair of volcanic peaks shrouded in mist and rising up from the waters of Nicaragua Lake, Ometepe Island paints a hauntingly beautiful landscape for those looking out across the lake. A popular choice for a day trip from Managua or Granada, Ometepe is more than just a pretty face - it's also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its sandy beaches, cloud forests and two volcanoes (the mile-high Concepción and 4,400-foot Maderas) are teeming with unique plant and wildlife. Outdoors enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for hiking, cycling and horseback riding …

» Ortiz Gurdian Foundation Art Center

León's Ortiz Gurdián Foundation Art Center showcases a private collection of Nicaraguan and international art to the public. The artworks date from the 15th century to today, and include paintings by the likes of the renowned Nicaraguan painter Armando Morales, as well as works by world-famous artists like Rubens, Miró, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, and Diego Rivera. Housed in four restored colonial buildings in León's historic center, the non-profit was founded in 1996 by local philanthropists Patricia Gurdián de Ortiz and Ramiro Ortiz Mayorga …

» Ruben Dario National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Ruben Dario)

Nicaragua's national theater is named after its most famous poet, the father of Modernismo, Rubén Darío. Built in 1969, the Rubén Darío National Theatre is one of the only major buildings in Managua that survived the capital's devastating 1972 earthquake. Today, the celebrated theater hosts regular performances which range from folklore dances by the national ballet company, to the Miss Nicaragua competition. Based in Managua's historic center by the shores of Lake Managua, the Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío was inspired by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. …

» San Francisco Convent (Iglesia de San Francisco)

As far as identifiable buildings in Granada go, it doesn't get much more noticeable than the baby-blue facade on the Iglesia San Francisco. The church dates back to 1529, making it one of the oldest in Central America, but the original church was destroyed and rebuilt a few times. The building has served many purposes in its life - including housing the military and a university - and today it's a museum. Visitors enter the San Francisco church museum through a door on the left of the facade, and the museum's collection includes a big scale model of Granada …

» San Juan de Oriente

Looking for ceramics while in Nicaragua? Head to the tiny village of San Juan de Oriente, where practically everyone is a potter. As you wander the village's narrow streets, stopping at different workshops along the way, you'll see all kinds of pottery, including handmade necklaces, vases, plates and ceramic animals based on Nicaraguan folklore. Founded in 1585, the pretty village was originally known as San Juan de los Platos (Saint John of the Plates), because village artisans used to create the plates that were used in local religious festivities …

» Somoto Canyon

Reaching depths of up to 525 feet (160 meters) and in parts, as narrow as 30 feet (10 meters), the vast Somoto Canyon is a startling sight, created by the mighty Rio Coco, Central America's longest river, burrowing through a cliff of solid rock. Today, the canyon is a national monument and one of Nicaragua's most impressive natural attractions, stretching for more than 2 miles (3 km) and located right by the Honduran border. The best way to view the canyon is by hiking or horseback riding along the upper ridge, where you can peer down into the vast canyon …

» Tiscapa Historical National Par

The rim of the Tiscapa Lagoon, formed when a volcano blew its top more than 10,000 years ago, is a great spot to get a view overlooking Managua. Perhaps the city's most iconic symbol, a statue of Sandinista founder Sandino, is perched atop the Parque Histórico Nacional Loma de Tiscapa, surveying the city right along with you. This is the highest point in the city, so it's a good place to be when you're getting the lay of the land in Managua. Managua's Tiscapa Lagoon was declared a nature reserve in 1991, and more concerted efforts to clean up the water began in 2005…

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