Nicaragua is packed with marvelous attractions and features that make for a brilliant tourism industry. White sandy beaches, tropical forests, one of the biggest lakes in Latin America and stunning colonial cities all contribute to a great tourism experience. Nicaragua tourism excels because of its amazing diversity. Naturally, warm sea water all year round makes for great beaches holidays in Nicaragua. The stunning architecture of Nicaraguan cities will captivate old and young. Lakes, lagoons, forests and islands make Nicaragua into a paradise for outdoor lovers.
The Great Lake of Nicaragua covers a massive 8000 sq km. This aquatic marvel hosts over 500 tropical inlets and provides shelter for a large variety of birds and other animals. The Great Lake of Nicaragua is a prime tourism spot for watching birds and other wildlife. The Nicaragua tourism destinations that hold the most potential are beyond a doubt Ometepe Island, Padres Ramos Estuary and the Volcanoes Route. Corn Island, just off Nicaragua forms part of the Caribbean Islands and offers sailing, scuba and sport fishing opportunities.
Managua, capital of Nicaragua, is a vibrant city growing and developing very fast. Managua is situated on the south shores of lake Managua and around the stunning Tiscapa Lagoon. If you walk alongside the Bolivar Avenue you will find Managua’s Cultural Center. You may visit the Central Park, La Plaza de la Fe, the old and outstanding ruins of Santiago’s Cathedral to the east, the National Palace of Culture to the south and to the north the new Presidential House, today also known as “People’s House”. You can also visit the National Museum, the national library, the newspaper and magazine library and other cultural institutions.
The Ruben Dario National Theatre named after the greatest poet of Latin America; this modern construction is located between Plaza de la Fe and Lake Managua. Here you can also come across a splendid fountain engraved in marble and decorated with Ruben Dario and Simon Bolivar’s statues, as well as the Peace Park with its imposing obelisk.
The city of Leon is located northeast at 93 Kilometers from Managua. The first place you should visit is, the cathedral, considered as the most important and outstanding colonial building in Central America. At the entrance you will find six engraved lions decorating the atrium and fountain located in the very center of the church plaza. Among them Ruben Dario, the great Nicaraguan Poet and highest exponent of the castellan language. Its tomb is located next to San Pablo’s statue. Afterwards you may visit Dario’s museum, where he lived during his childhood. Later on this house became Alfonso Cortez residency, one of the greatest metaphysic poets in Latin America. Many original artifacts and documents can be seen in this place.
Founded in 1524, Granada enjoys the distinction of being the oldest colonial city in the Americas that still remains in the same place of its foundation. Situated on the edge of Lake Nicaragua and in the shadow of Mombacho volcano, Granada is a romantic city of colorful colonial homes and neoclassical and baroque churches. Walk by Lake Nicaragua or Lake Cocibolca for the cool breeze and views. Just off Granada, in the lake, are Las Isletas, made up of more than 350 islands created when the Mombacho volcano exploded 20,000 years ago. This is a beautiful excursion in a setting of tiny tropical islands richly covered in vegetation and many with private houses. In addition to the interesting flora and fauna of Las Isletas, you will also find one island with the remains of a fort, El Fuerte San Pablo, built in 1748. On the shore of the lake, we have the imposing Mombacho Volcano, with its thick cloud forest, cool climate, well –marked trails, biological station and wonderful views of Granada and Las Isletas.
Next to Rivas is Puerto San Jorge, a small fishermen town where you can take a boat trip to Ometepe Island. This is the largest fresh water island in the world, famous for its two volcanoes, Concepcion 1610 m.a.s.l. and Maderas 1340 m.a.s.l. Maderas Volcano has an evergreen crater lagoon on top of it and also a waterfall. The legend considers that this point or site is the indigenous Olmec’s promised land, History tells you that the Indians from Mexico came looking for the island during the 9th century. Ometepe is a paradise for water sports, fishing, bird watching and nature tours. It is also renowned for its archaeological stones and pre-Columbian statues. As Tahiti, Ometepe has the shape of a number eight.
San Juan del Sur’s setting makes it the premier costal town of Nicaragua. San Juan del Sur is the perfect spot for a sun and sea vacation for those who enjoy mixing up with local community and learn about its way of living. San Juan del Sur houses small and modern hotels offering many activities for travelers. Its deep blue waters harbour a great variety of sword fish and many other species. It is a perfect place for sport fishing.
The Corn Islands made up of little and Big Corn Island have long been known to surfers and backpackers and were once a refuge for pirates. Recent developments – including new hotels and activities – are putting the Corn Islands at the forefront as the next Caribbean destination drawing travelers’ interest. The two islands, located 43 miles off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, are a tropical paradise offering travelers the opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore the relaxed island lifestyle that includes turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, palm trees, stunning reefs and marine life. Not only for relaxing, visitors can also undertake adventurous activities that Nicaragua is known for including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing.