Nicaragua is located in Central America. Nicaragua’s neighbors are Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. In addition, the country also has two water sides. To the west of Nicaragua lies the Pacific Ocean and to the west the Caribbean Sea. Nicaragua is still a relatively unknown holiday destination. In the past, Nicaragua was a dictatorship in which there was a lot of military power. However, since the 1990s Nicaragua has been able to develop better and tourism has also slowly increased. Nicaragua is a destination that is especially suitable for nature and culture lovers. The fertile volcanic landscape, for example, has a lot of biodiversity to offer. Parks such as Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve and Reserve Bosawás are unprecedented in size and diversity and are ideal for adventurous trips through the jungle. And historic cities such as Granada, León Vieja, Chichigalpa and Masaya are very suitable for their archaeological values. Add to that a number of beautiful islands, beautiful beaches and a wonderful climate and you have a fantastic and fascinating holiday destination in Central America. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Nicaragua.
Top 10 places of interest in Nicaragua
#1. Granada
On the shores of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) lies the ancient city of Granada. Granada was founded by the Spaniards around the sixteenth century. The predominantly Moorish appearance of the city of Granada has earned it the nickname ‘La Gran Sultana’. There is a lot of colonial and neo-classical architecture in which Norwegian and Spanish influences can be found. In addition, there are fascinating museums in the city of Nicaragua that regularly focus on the history of the country and the city. Museo del Convento de San Francisco and Museo Casa Natal Sor Maria Romero are excellent examples. The most impressive sights of Granada are: Parque Colón.
#2. Masaya Volcano
The vibrant city of Masaya is a well-known cultural destination in Nicaragua. The city is known for its many festivals, colorful parades and the beautiful old historic center. But the Masaya volcano in the nearby ‘Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya’ is also a much-visited place. You don’t necessarily have to take a long walk to admire the volcano crater up close. You can get quite close by car. Enthusiasts can book different tours that show you the most beautiful places. Part of the tour is a walk through an underground tunnel, which was created by solidified lava. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Nicaragua.
#3. Leon Viejo
León Viejo was once one of the most important cities in Nicaragua. León Viejo was founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba. The city quickly grew into a trading center for wealthy merchants. Unfortunately, however, the city also suffered a lot of damage during the earthquakes of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, which left many buildings in León Vieja under a layer of rubble and ash. About 1967 the ruins of León Viejo were discovered. Restorations took place fairly quickly. León Viejo had three important monasteries in the past, which have been found thanks to the excavations and restorations. Now today most of this city in Nicaragua is part of Unesco’s World Heritage Sites.
#4. Laguna de Apoyo
The crater lake Laguna de Apoyo is located in an impressive mountainous area of Nicaragua. The lake is mostly visited by day trippers. They mainly come to relax, swim, canoe or just enjoy the beautiful view. But you can also stay there for several days. A number of hotels can be found in the immediate vicinity. The access road to the lagoon is located between the cities of Granada and Masaya.
#5. Cerro Negro
The dark figure of the Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua contrasts considerably with the green, hilly surroundings. The Cerro Negro volcano originated in the mid-nineteenth century and had its last eruption just before the twenty-first century. Today, the volcano is especially popular with sand surfers. The black steep walls of the Cerro Negro are ideal for exciting descents. Less than ten kilometers away is the town of Malpaisillo.
#6. León Cathedral
The neoclassical architecture of León Cathedral was adopted around the eighteenth century. The design came from Diego José de Porres y Esquivel. In Spanish the cathedral is wholeheartedly called ‘Insinge y Real Basílica Catedral de la Asunción de la Bienaventurada Virgen María’. The fairly sober interior is somewhat canceled out by the beautiful light and the paintings by Antonio Sarria.
The cathedral of León is also visited for the grave of the Nicaraguan writer Rubén Darío.
#7. Corn Islands
The two tropical islands ‘Las Islas del Maíz’ are also known as Little Corn Island and Big Corn Island of Nicaragua. These former British islands have beautiful beaches and are ideal as a snorkeling or diving destination. Under water you can enjoy colorful coral, a colorful collection of fish, turtles and if you are lucky even the spotted eagle ray. There are several wrecks of wrecked pirate ships on the coast of Big Corn Island. And at Little Corn Island you can practice all kinds of water sports, you can take beautiful routes by horse and there is a lot of peace and quiet.
#8. Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve
In the southeast of Nicaragua lies the protected nature reserve ‘Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve’. This Amazon rainforest has no less than six hundred thousand hectares, a large part of which is still undiscovered. Besides forests, jungles and mountains, Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve also has beaches, mangroves and rivers. And the animal life is just as diverse. You can encounter hundreds of different bird species, but also monkeys, bears, pumas, manatees, poisonous frogs and raccoons. Special parts of the Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve have been opened to tourists. These areas are accessible via the Bartola River and the town of San Juan del Norte.
#9. Isletas de Granada
Thanks to the eruptions of the Mombacho volcano in Nicaragua, many small islands have emerged over the years. The flying fragments of lava and other debris have created fertile islands, some of which are now inhabited. These islands are called the ‘Isletas de Granada’ or ‘Las Isletas’. The island in Lake Nicaragua even has a fortress. The eighteenth century Fort of San Pablo was built to protect the city of Granada against pirate attacks. Today the fort is open to the public.
#10. Isla de Ometepe
Not too far from San Jorge is the island of Isla de Ometepe. You can reach the island via Moyogalpa in Lake Nicaragua. The landscape of Isla de Ometepe was created by the eruptions of two volcanoes, the Concepción and the Maderas volcano. Various petroglyphs from pre-Columbian times show that people lived there centuries ago, who saw the island as the promised land. The nature, the Indian culture, the San Ramon waterfall, the volcanoes and the peace you find there are sometimes overwhelming.
