Nicaragua Adventure: 9 Unmissable Things to Do
Nicaragua offers adventurous travelers opportunities to explore the country’s culture and heritage. From colonies of cities to the strip of sandy beaches, this pearl of Central America will meet any traveler’s expectations. From adrenaline junkies to avid history lovers or beach lovers, Nicaragua will always have something special for you to offer. Here are 9 Things to Do in Nicaragua.
1. Admire Granada
Overview
Granada is an enchanting colonial city in Nicaragua, which offers beautiful buildings, narrow streets with stone paving, and warm, cheerful colors. For those interested in history and culture, it is a feast that provides a glimpse of Nicaragua, which has been hidden for some time now. The Granada Cathedral is another proof of the city’s splendid appearance, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting Granada guarantees a combination of attractions, starting from Central Park to local markets, to mention but a few.
Facilities
The next destination on the list is Granada, which offers a variety of hotels, ranging from cheap hostels to luxurious boutique hotels. Food is always an important part of travel, and Nicaraguan food is easily found in restaurants dotted all over the city. There are car rentals, taxis, and bicycle hire services, which will enable tourists to tour the city at their tempo.
My Review
Granada’s tourist attractions include the streets and lively atmosphere in the city’s areas. Walking in the city feels like walking through a historical exhibit, where every turn of the corner unveils a new history. There is a great cathedral called Granada Cathedral, and one can climb to the bell tower for an excellent view of the city. Do not leave without a chance to take a walk along the beaches of Nicaragua’s largest freshwater lake or take a boat ride around the Islets of Granada.
2. Surf in San Juan del Sur
Overview
San Juan del Sur beckons surf enthusiasts with its pristine beaches and world-class waves. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, this coastal town offers something for everyone. From surfing lessons to beachfront relaxation, San Juan del Sur promises an unforgettable experience by the sea.
Facilities
Visitors can stay in many places in San Juan del Sur, ranging from cheap hostels by the beach to luxury hotels. Surf shops can be found on the streets, where beginners can rent equipment and get lessons from professionals. Guests can relax at the coastal eateries and bars, taste delicious seafood, and drink exotic drinks.
My Review
San Juan del Sur is a surfers’ destination with pleasant temperatures, beautiful waves, and a leisurely atmosphere. The beaches are very clean, and one can swim, surf, or even just lie on the sand and sunbathe. Lessons are available on the spot for beginners to learn how to ride on the surfboard effectively. Finally, fishing enthusiasts would recommend that after a full day of boating, one should consider visiting the town’s fun nightlife and delicious food.
3. Visit Ometepe Island
Overview
Located in Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater body in Nicaragua, Ometepe Island is a perfect getaway destination that has not yet been fully discovered. On the island, which has been created by two giant volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, there are numerous exciting outdoor options. This island offers lots of fun and physical activities, which include hiking around the island, kayaking, and watching various wildlife forms.
Facilities
There are several accommodations on Ometepe Island, some of which are eco-lodges and rustic cabins, among others, to enable guests to interact with nature. Local restaurants sell Nicaraguan food, which is prepared with organic produce from the island. There are bikes for hire and guided bike tours that provide flexibility to explore the island on one’s own.
My Review
Ometepe Island offers stunning views of nature and is gifted with various fauna and flora. The fantastic views of the island and even beyond can be viewed while hiking to the summit of Concepción or Maderas. It has some of the serene beaches and rich tropical forests that are home to many wild animals. If you are interested in nature or adventures, visiting Ometepe Island will be truly a fascinating journey.
Read Also: What Is Nicaragua’s Capital City?
4. Visit León
Overview
León is the second largest city in Nicaragua, which is culturally rich, vibrant, and full of history. Beautiful colonial buildings, colorful murals, and rich musical culture are the distinctive features of Rio de Janeiro. From visiting the archeological sites and digging deeper into history to climbing up the volcanoes, León is packed with different adventures for every daredevil.
Facilities
León has numerous hotels, ranging from cheap hostels to exotic, locally owned boutique hotels. The city offers a rich selection of places to eat, including street food stalls and establishments offering authentic Nicaraguan cuisine. Local cabs, buses, and bicycles are available for hire, giving travelers a convenient means of getting to all the places of interest in León.
My Review
León is a lively city with many traditions that have been adapted to the fast pace of the present day. Walking around colonial streets feels like time travel, and every building has something unique to share. The city’s central market is a great attraction, where you can get almost everything, from fruits and vegetables to clothing and handicrafts, among others. One should not fail to visit León Cathedral, where one can climb the tower to get a good view of the city and the neighboring countryside.
5. Go Volcano Boarding
Overview
Cerro Negro, located near León, is home to one of the world’s most unique adventures: such an exciting activity as volcano boarding. This is an exhilarating activity, whereby hikers must trek to the volcano’s peak and ride down the inclined slopes on a wooden log. It is still one of the most thrilling experiences, as it entails joy and fun that most people will always remember.
Facilities
Professional guides offer volcano boarding in León, including the necessary equipment and instructions to avoid safety hazards. In most cases, transportation to Cerro Negro is part of the tour packages, which means it is easy to visit this natural attraction. Tourists are encouraged to wear boots, hats, and sunglasses and bring sunblock in case of volcanic ash.
My Review
Boarding the Cerro Negro volcano is an adventure that every adventure lover should consider a must-do. The trails up to the peak provide a stunning view of the other part of the country, nearby volcanoes, and some mountains far on the horizon. Alpine descent toward the volcano’s slopes would be exhilarating but physically taxing, demanding good balance and dexterity. It is an experience that enthralls you and makes you want to go for more.
6. Escape to the Corn Islands
Overview
The Corn Islands of Nicaragua are a couple of Caribbean islands offering a blissfully calm setting for a beach holiday. Little Corn Island and Big Corn Island are almost isolated from mainland Nicaragua, with turquoise water and swaying palm trees.
Facilities
For anyone interested in Nicaragua, there are various places to stay in the Corn Islands, ranging from beachside bungalows to friendly guesthouses. Traditional cuisines are traditionally prepared in local restaurants including seafood and tropical fruits that guests to the Caribbean can enjoy. To get to the islands, one has to book a boat or small aircraft, which provides a beautiful view of the blue waters.
My Review
The Corn Islands are a tropical paradise. Some have beautiful white sand beaches ideal for swimming and snorkeling. People here go about their activities at a leisurely pace, allowing travelers to familiarize themselves with the beauty of the island. The Corn Islands remain calm and serene no matter whether you decide to spend time on the seashore or explore the jungles.
7. Hike Miraflores
Overview
Miraflores Cloud Forest, situated in the northern part of Nicaragua, remains relatively unknown to most tourists. It therefore houses many plant and animal life forms and attracts many tourists as a natural reserve. There are walks in the forest leading to trails, with the possibility of viewing waterfalls, wild animals, and beautiful world views.
Facilities
Some of the lodges in and around Miraflores Cloud Forest include basic to moderate hotels, eco-lodges, and rustic cabins that are offered to enhance the guests’ experience in nature. For visitors with specific interests, there are guided tours that can allow one to see parts of the forest that are not easily accessible while the guide tells of the existing forest features. It is normally a self-drive trip or by hiring cars from tour operators or car rental companies to Miraflores.
My Review
Walking around the Miraflores Cloud Forest is like being in a fairy tale where, at each turn, you see something magical. Bird songs and sounds of other animals can be heard around the forest, making it calm as well. Do not forget to search for the elusive quetzal, a bird that only dwells in Central American cloud forests. Whether you are a frequent trekker or simply love spending time in nature, the trip to Miraflores will be truly exciting.
8. Discover the Islets of Granada
Overview
The Islets of Granada are an offbeat tourist spot in Lake Nicaragua and provide a beautiful insight into the country. This chain of 365 small volcanic islands has different kinds of monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Visiting the Islets will be an exciting experience to learn Nicaragua’s history and geology.
Facilities
It is also possible to observe the islands from the water by hiring a boat from Granada, where guides can explain the region’s history and geography. Tourists can hike through forests and sample isolated beaches, with a chance to swim, snorkel, and even see several types of wildlife. Getting to the Islands is normally by water using boats readily available from the piers in Granada.
My Review
Discovering the Islets of Granada is like getting into another world of a picturesque place; each island is different. The trees offer a rich canopy that supports the wildlife, with the vervet monkeys climbing from one branch to another and birds flying across the area. Do not forget your camera while touring the Islets so that you can capture the moment and have memories to cherish.
9. Take a River Tour at RÃo San Juan
Overview
RÃo San Juan is a beautiful river situated in Nicaragua, which introduces the guests of this country to its incredible nature and history. The river can be sailed by boat, which offers tourists a wonderful opportunity to witness the country’s natural beauty and get acquainted with local people and the precious flora and fauna.
Facilities
RÃo San Juan boat tours can be commissioned from several of the towns along the river, including San Carlos and El Castillo. Knowledgeable guides will then discuss the ancient legends of pirates, travelers, and tribal people who once inhabited the area. The areas that are accessible to the visitors include the river’s branches and lagoons, which are ideal for fishermen, birdwatchers, and even rainforest hikes.
My Review
Traveling through RÃo San Juan is an exceptional experience that can only be compared to a protected nature excursion, where every turn on the river presents the tourists with a new sight. The region has many dense forests, and the animal and bird sounds in the forests give a feeling of liveliness. During a boat ride to see the El Castillo and San Carlos fortresses, remember to look for crocodiles basking alongside the river.
Read Also: New Orleans Nirvana: Where to Stay
Closing Words
Traveling to Nicaragua will undoubtedly impress you with its stunning landscapes and territories and various activities for every taste. From the old Spanish colonial city of Granada to the daring sport of sliding down an active volcano, Nicaragua just delivers it all. Nicaragua can suit nature lovers, history lovers, and those who need to calm down at the seashore.
