Managua
Leon
Granada and the Masaya Region
San Juan del Sur
Lake Nicaragua
Corn Islands
MANAGUA
Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, has tolerated a tumultuous past. Witnessing the rise and fall of several political powers and home to two devastating earthquakes, Managua has come out the victor as a bustling Central American city. Remains spot the vicinity, making a wander through the colonial streets intriguing and insightful. Several volcanic crater lagoons scatter the environs of Managua where renting a boat or enjoying a peaceful picnic on the shore can make for a relaxing afternoon. In the evening, Managua comes alive offering an abundance of clubs, bars, restaurants, live music and entertainment.
LEON
Set between the Pacific Ocean and a jagged range of active volcanoes, as well the country’s former capital, Leon is the quintessential city of Nicaragua. A vibrant city that has deep historical roots, Leon is the home to the largest cathedral in Central America, several volcanoes, and just west, pristine beaches. Telica Volcano is active and well known for its bald eroding west face and lightly smoking crater. Cerro Negro Volcano is little and very active, spitting out huge piles of black sand and gravel. Lastly, Momotombo Volcano is one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful with a symmetrical cone that towers over the shores of Lake Managua. Browsing the colonial streets, surfing the waves or trekking up an active volcano to peer down the inside walls of a live, breathing mountain will make your vacation to Nicaragua an unforgettable one.
GRANADA AND MASAYA REGION
Granada or ‘the Great Sultan’ has been rebuilt since set ablaze and now boasts palm plazas and colorful architecture of colonial days for visitors to gaze upon. The closeness in proximity to Las Isletas, a group of 365 islands formed 10,000 years ago by the explosion of Volcan Mombacho, offers an opportunity to swing through a lush canopy and spot foreign species to the average eye.
Just 10 miles north is Masaya, home to the richest craft center in Central America. Although much of the epicenter was destroyed in a major earthquake in 2000, Masaya is in the process of rebuilding. The vast number of artisans work diligently on their hand-made crafts to sell in the open air markets and attract tourists from all over the world back to their quaint village.
SAN JUAN DE SUR
A more remote getaway, San Juan del Sur, is set on a stunning horseshoe-shaped cove framed by dramatic cliffs. This area offers surfing, sailing, fishing or just lounging in a hammock enjoying the breeze with Caribbean rum.
LAKE NICARAGUA
Lago de Nicaragua is Central America’s largest lake with forty-five rivers flowing into it and home to many remarkable aquatic species, including freshwater sawfish, tarpon and rare freshwater bull sharks. In the lake, Isla de Ometepe has emerged from the two volcanoes Concepcion and Maderas, making the geography and ecosystems extremely unique. Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge, supports an abundance of wildlife for visitors to observe. Deer, monkeys, Amazon parrots, sloth, iguanas and rich bird life will leave you awestruck.
CORN ISLANDS
The magic of the Caribbean—turquoise waters, white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms, coral reefs and an unhurried, peaceful pace of life lies just to the east of Nicaragua on the Corn Islands. Every vacation needs a bit of R and R, so catch a boat and head to a remote island to soak up the sun and enjoy the simple things in life.
