Nicaragua is a fascinating country full of colonial cities and with a natural environment of volcanic origin that blends perfectly with the jungle landscape of the area. To make a route through Nicaragua you will need at least 10 days. Visiting the Masaya volcano, the natural parks, its colonial cities or some of its islands, are some of the essential places to see in Nicaragua.
In this post I talk about the 15 essential places to see in Nicaragua. I add some travel tips and how much time you need to get to know each place.
15 BEST PLACES TO SEE IN NICARAGUA
1. Granada, one of the most beautiful cities to see in Nicaragua
One of the most beautiful cities in Nicaragua is Granada. On the banks of the Mombacho volcano, (declared a nature reserve and an ideal place for nature lovers), the city was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba in the 16th century.
Its cathedral, in red and ocher tones, is the most emblematic building in the city. The entire city is full of beautiful colonial buildings with warm colors, parks and colorful houses. The city is located on the shores of Lake Cocibolca and is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment.
2. The city of León and its impressive basilica
The city of León has witnessed rebellions and the muse of great poets. It is an essential stop on any trip knowing Nicaragua.
Nicaragua is a culturally very rich city. For many years it was the residence of some of the best-known poets and artists in the country.
It stands out mainly for its impressive basilica, the largest cathedral in Central America and one of the oldest. It dates from the beginning of the 19th century and has an electic style. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its structure has endured over time enduring wars, eruptions and earthquakes.
Do not forget to visit the Rubén Dario house-museum, the old León, the museum of the revolution and the museum of legends. You cannot leave León without visiting the Cerro Negro Volcano.
3. The Cerro Negro Volcano
The Cerro Negro Volcano is one of the essential places to see in Nicaragua. It is located 25 km from the city of León. It is the youngest volcano in Central America with 167 years old. It is an impressive cone formed by ash and black sand. Its last eruption dates back to 1999.
4. Managua, an essential thing to see in Nicaragua
The capital of Nicaragua, Managua, is one of the most important cities in the country with a great historical and cultural legacy.
The city is located between lakes, volcanoes and natural parks where you can do hiking trails and many other activities in the middle of nature. In the historic center of the city you will find the beautiful Plaza de la Revolución, the Cathedral of Santiago de Managua, the National Museum of Managua and the Archaeological Museum, the Chocoyero National Park and the Masaya volcano, among many other places.
5. The Masaya Volcano
Just 22km from Managua is the Masaya volcano, one of the 7 still active volcanoes in the country. And one of the most essential places to see in Nicaragua.
Its crater is located 635 meters high and inside there is a constant lava lake that emits gases such as sulfur dioxide. The park where the volcano is located has an area of 54 square km where you can see two volcanoes, five craters and a volcanological museum. At the foot of the Masaya volcano there is a lagoon that receives the same name and creates a curious contrast with the mountain. You can get there by car, there is even a road that takes you to one of the craters.
A great way to visit the volcano and also the surroundings is to take an excursion with hotel pick-up, transportation and a guide:
If you want to know more about the Masaya Volcano, its eruptions, the treks you can do to reach the crater and much more, I will tell you in the post:
6. San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is one of the main tourist places in Nicaragua, both international tourism and local tourism. There are hotels of all kinds, on the seashore and on beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Nicaragua are found in San Juan del Sur; Popoyo, Majagual and Maderas, ideal for surfing.
7. Visit the Island of Ometepe and its freshwater sharks
In Lake Nicaragua or Lake Cocibolca also called "the freshwater sea" is the island of Ometepe. Ometepe has 276 square km declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and has two impressive volcanoes linked by an isthmus.
On the Island of Ometepe you can also enjoy its quiet beaches and its natural environment. One of the most curious things is that freshwater sharks live in this freshwater lake, almost extinct, and they can see easily.
8. Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve
The Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, better known as Laguna de Apoyo, is a protected area in Nicaragua recognized as a nature reserve since 1991 by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources. It is a natural park of volcanic origin with an area of 19.44 km2. There are many trails for trekking, mountain biking, picnics... The area surrounding the lake is incredible, it is a very beautiful natural environment.
9. The turtles of Playa La Flor
In San Juan del Sur you will find La Flor beach, a beautiful protected beach where thousands of turtles spawn in the months of July and August. During the visit you will also be able to see numerous poultry species. To access you have to pay an entrance fee and they have a space for camping with limited places.
10. Corn Islands
Islas del Maíz (Corn Islands) are two beautiful Caribbean islands full of coconut and palm trees, transparent blue water and white sand. You can dive or snorkel, have fun with water activities, sunbathe and enjoy a rest. It is the perfect stop to end a trip touring Nicaragua.
11. The coffee route
Nicaragua is known for its excellent coffee, thanks to its climate and rainfall. More than 75% of the national production is produced in the departments of Jinotega and Matagalpa. If you want to add a more rural experience to your trip, you can add the coffee route to your itinerary and visit the departments of Jinotega and Matagalpa.
12. The Juan Venado Reserve
Very close to León you will have the opportunity to see a great diversity of fauna and flora in the Juan Venado Nature Reserve, located on the island of the same name. On the island you will find varieties of birds, crocodiles, alligators, iguanas and, in season, sea turtles. From August to December, it is the turtle spawning season in this part of Nicaragua.
13. Somoto Canyon
In the north of the country you will find one of the most striking landscapes to see in Nicaragua. The Somoto canyon presents a landscape surrounded by an admirable natural environment. There you can practice adventure sports at a good price. A good part of the canyon can be explored by boat, although there are many activities such as canyoning, hiking...
14. The San Ramón Waterfall and the natural pools of Ojo del Agua and Charco verde
This beautiful waterfall is located on the Maderas volcano. The trekking to get there is almost 2 hours and the hike is worth it. Once you arrive, you can have a picnic and take a bath. The water is quite cold but after two hours walking in the humidity of Nicaragua, I assure you that you will appreciate it.
Take advantage and also come to visit the natural pools Ojo del Agua and Charco verde. Both natural pools charge to enter and enjoy a bath (about $5 per person).
15. Jiquilillo beach
The largest beach in the Pacific, Jiquilillo, is one of the quietest and most welcoming beaches in Nicaragua. Here you can quietly enjoy a day at the beach and sun or do water activities. There is usually a good swell for surfing fans.
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I hope you enjoy your trip to Nicaragua a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!