Many travelers head for countries such as Costa Rica or Guatemala instead of Nicaragua when visiting Central America. This may be because it is considered the poorest country in Central America, which has led to reduced tourism, but in recent years, the number of travelers has turned their attention to this scenic country that has at least as much to offer as its neighbors. And with this also comes increased trade, better economy and increased construction. The result in many cases is that people return to everyday life and have instead fallen in love with Nicaragua.
Affordable experiences
Despite its poverty, however, it is one of the safest countries in Central America to stay in, although of course you have to keep an eye on your luggage, your securities and your belongings. There is a lot of fun to see and do and all this at a cheap price – both in the cities and in the countryside. Accommodation and food cost extremely little and the same applies to the well-developed bus network. However, it is best to go with larger private bus companies, as they are considered safer from all perspectives.
Volcanoes and rainforests
Little Nicaragua has a very interesting and varied nature. Try practicing “volcanic boarding” on the night black lava sand at Cerro Negro, which since 1999 has been dormant with a half-open eye. Watch out for the warm squeaks from the crater and the sharp rocks as you surf down the black hill. Although the eruption took place a while ago now, Cerro Negro is still considered an active volcano. It is located outside Léon, Nicaragua’s second largest city. Another volcano not to be missed is Mombacho on Lake Nicaragua. Hiking is immensely popular there. Lake Nicaragua also has its own volcanic island – Isla Ometepe.
Nicaragua also consists largely of rainforest just like its neighbor Costa Rica. The country is therefore home to a large number of animal and plant species and the many nature experiences are adorable. Small, romantic waterfalls replace dense thickets that finally open up to a city in sight. And if you are lucky, you can view, colorful birds, monkeys and captivating insects that you have never experienced before.
Nicaraguan cities
According to allcountrylist, Nicaragua is a relatively small country on the surface and it is easy to get around on the scary but charming buses that in the 50’s were frequently seen in the United States. The country’s capital is Managua and is located in the southwest. However, many prefer Léon, which is the second largest in terms of population. There is a large university and the buildings are taken from a book from the colonial era. The houses are colorful and the intellectual is at its greatest right here.
Other cute cities not to be missed are Darío and Estelí, both of which are located in the northwestern part of the country, a little further inland. Darío was the home of the poet Ruben Darío, and in the city you can also view and visit his house. Estelí is Nicaragua’s third largest city and has a large park in the center. Many people think that the climate here is extra pleasant as the temperature is constantly around 25-30 degrees.
The island group Islas del Maíz
Surfing and swimming is something that Nicaragua can be proud of. On the east side of the Caribbean Sea is a small archipelago, called Islas del Maíz. They have become a real tourist magnet but must be reached by plane from the capital or by boat via the port city of Bluefields on the eastern coastal strip. This is a surfing mecca as the waves are big, the wind is cool and the palm trees and trees next to the beaches throw down coconuts and other goodies that you can feed on during the day.
