The country’s main rivers are the San Juan, the lower reaches of which form the border with Costa Rica, and the Rio Grande. The Corn Islands (Islas del Maiz) in the Caribbean are two small beautiful islands fringed with white coral and palms. They are very popular as holiday resorts with both Nicaraguans and tourists. The majority of Nicaragua’s population lives and works in the lowland between the Pacific and western shores of Lake Nicaragua, the southwestern shore of Lake Managua and the southwestern sides of the range of volcanoes. It is only in recent years that settlers have taken to coffee growing and cattle farming in the highlands around Matagalpa and Jinotega.

Where to go in Nicaragua

Nicaragua has three main eco-regions: Pacific, Central and Atlantic; the Pacific region is home to volcanoes, lakes, tropical forests, beaches and mangrove systems; the Central region is home to mountains, rivers and agricultural areas; and the Atlantic region contains rainforests, marine lagoons, mangrove systems and coral reefs. Tourists are well catered for in these areas.

Managua
The center of the capital was completely destroyed by an earthquake in December 1972 and there was further severe damage during the civil wars of 1978-1979. In the old center of Managua, the National Palace and the Cathedral are excellent examples of colonial architecture. There are several museums of note in Managua, one of the most interesting of which is Las Huellas de Acahualinca which houses the site where 9000-year-old footprints were found – testimony to Nicaragua’s pre-historic past. There are several volcanic crater lagoons in the environs of Managua – centers of watersports and residential development with boating, fishing and picnicking facilities. Laguna de Xiloa is the most popular of these lagoons. Boats can be hired on the shores of Lake Managua for visiting the still-smoking Momotombo volcano and the shore villages. A canopy tour above Tiscapa Lagoon flies visitors across the crater from platforms connected by zip lines.

León
This is the intellectual capital of Nicaragua, with a university, religious colleges, the largest cathedral in Central America and several colonial churches. Discover the history of poet Ruben Dario at his childhood home, the Ruben Dario Museum. North of León are the Hervideros de San Jacinto, natural sulphuric hot springs fed by an underground river which is heated by the Telica volcano.

Granada
Located at the foot of the Mombacho volcano, Granada has many beautiful buildings and has faithfully preserved its Castilian traditions. The cathedral has been rebuilt in neo-classical style. Also of interest are the Church of La Merced, the Church of Jalteva and the fortress-church of San Francisco.

Resorts
One hour’s drive from Managua are Masachapa and Pochomil beaches. Montelimar Beach Resort is the largest of its kind in Central America. A visit to the El Velero beach is recommended. On the Caribbean coast, there are a number of small ports, the most important of which is Bluefields. From here, one can get a boat to the beautiful, coral-fringed Corn Islands (Islas del Maiz), the larger of which is a popular Nicaraguan holiday resort with surfing and bathing facilities that make it ideal for tourists. The Pacific coast has a number of fine beaches, including El Coco, Marsella, Ocotal, San Juan del Sur and many others which are located in the south of Nicaragua in the department of Rivas. These beaches are distinguished by their unique and beautiful surroundings, and a number of tourist developments are underway in this region.

Activities.

Watersports
Beaches on the Pacific coast offer safe swimming as do those on the Caribbean, including the popular Corn Islands. Often the better beaches have a small entrance charge. Many of the better hotels have pools open to non-residents. In the volcanic crater lagoons, there is also safe swimming. Bathing in Lake Managua should be avoided due to contamination, although steps to clean up the lake are being taken. Bathing is possible in the Laguna de Tiscapa. El Velero beach or Pochomil on the Pacific coast are ideal for surfing as are a number of other beaches along the west coast.

Other
There are a number of good fishing spots along the country’s waterways and seashores. Baseball is the national game. Hiking in the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve is a wonderful experience. It is possible to see a wide variety of orchids in the cloud forest. Climbing the volcano itself leads to spectacular panoramic views. Kayaking in Ometepe Island offers a good chance of spotting monkeys hanging from the trees. Take to the skies onboard a hot air balloon for the best aerial view of volcanic craters.