When planning a holiday in Nicaragua, the first thing any visitor should know is that Nicaragua and adventure-filled travel go hand in hand. Whether you are interested in the rich history and authentic culture of the country, lush tropical forests and wildlife reserves, ecological tours and nature treks, friendly and welcoming locals that often refer to themselves as ‘Nicas,’ as well as in the myriad of water sports that are as versatile as the tradition of the country, Nicaragua offers any kind of experience you could ever wish for. In a nutshell, a vacation to Nicaragua will leave you with many stories to tell people back home.
The largest country in Central America, covering a total area of 129,494 sq km, Nicaragua borders Honduras to the north, Costa Rica to the South, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, and is composed of 3 major zones, each uniquely different on the aspects and climate and terrain. These zones are namely Pacific Lowlands, Central Highland and the Caribbean Lowlands, with Managua being the nation’s capital, inhabited by a population of approximately one million.
Corn Islands
Whatever image you may have of Nicaragua, your visit will simply be incomplete without visiting its Caribbean side, where the picturesque Corn Islands, blessed with warm, crystal clear turquoise waters, swaying palms, and English-speaking population, await for adventure lovers and water sports enthusiasts looking for a truly memorable experience.
The two hidden jewels of Corn Islands, Big Corn and Little Corn are both surrounded by white sandy beaches, and are a haven for scuba divers, who come to explore the islands’ incredibly unique and rich biodiversity in a great visibility ranging from 20 to 30 meters underwater. Some great underwater sites that pay to check out ate shipwrecks and the remains of a 400 year old Spanish Galleon around the Big Corn Island, while Little Corn, offers fantastic underwater caves home to various marine creatures.
Bluefields
Apart from Corn Islands, on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua visitors will also find Bluefields, the oldest city on this part of the country, which once was a safe haven for pirates and English traders for break and refuel. Accessible on a one-hour flight from Managua, and although relatively small, Bluefields offers several attractive sites that are worth a visit. They include: the General Moravian Church, the colorful Kings Park, featuring a gazebo, playground and several tall trees, and the barbell-shaped island of Rama Key.
Laguna de Perlas
Continue your adventure in Nicaragua’s largest coastal lagoon, Laguna de Perlas, located in the Southern Autonomous Atlantic Region. The region has yet to be discovered by most tourists; however it does offer many great natural and cultural attractions. While a little offshore visitors will find untouched Caribbean islands and exclusive fishing grounds, inland, there are beautiful rivers, spectacular natural reserves and many traditional villages, where visitors can get an impression of the local culture. Popular activities you should not miss out in Laguna de Perlas, range from boat trips to the stunning Pearl Keys, a group of 18 little islands and scuba diving, to snorkeling and hikes to rainforest reserves, to sport fishing for catfish, barracuda, yellowtail and others.
With all these and more, the dreamscape Nicaragua welcomes you with ‘Brazos Abiertos’ (‘Open Arms’) and is one of the few destinations on Earth that will never make you think twice about visiting it again!