Discovering Nicaragua: From Volcanoes to Beaches and Everything In Between

 

 

Surfing is not the only activity that Los Clavos has to offer. There are many popular destinations nearby that are worth exploring. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of them is Cerro Negro, a small but fierce volcano that is the newest in the western hemisphere. Its solidified black lava flows, black gravel, and massive sand dunes make for a surreal otherworldly experience. NASA even used Cerro Negro to understand rocks found on Mars! Visitors can also enjoy the thrill of volcano boarding down the west face of the volcano, which is a unique activity that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a taste of the Caribbean, head to the Corn Islands. These relaxed islands are mainly sustained by fishing and a bit of tourism, and offer a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the crystal clear turquoise waters. Both Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island are lined with spectacular white sandy beaches, with better reefs found off the beaches of Little Corn Island and better diving around Big Corn Island.

 

 

 

 

 

If you're interested in history and architecture, El Castillo is a must-visit destination. Built around a fortress in 1675, El Castillo was one of the biggest fortresses in the Americas and was very effective at repelling pirates and the British Navy. Visitors can still see the fortress today, and use the town as a base for exploring the Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve and the San Juan River.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estelí is the tobacco capital of Nicaragua and is famous for its superior tobacco-growing soils that have attracted Cuban ex-pats from both Miami and Cuba. The city is also home to Tisey Nature Reserve, which features tropical pine forests and cloud forest, as well as the Estanzuela Cascade and the Miraflor Nature Reserve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No trip to Nicaragua would be complete without a visit to Granada, the country's most famous destination. This historic city is full of spacious and brightly painted Spanish colonial homes, and was a key commercial center during Spanish rule. Today, Granada is a popular tourist destination with numerous good restaurants and boutique hotels, and is a great base from which to explore nearby attractions such as the Isletas Archipelago, Mombacho and Masaya Volcano, Apoyo Crater Lake, and Los Pueblos Blancos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a unique swimming experience, visit Laguna de Apoyo, a massive crater lake that is about 20,000 years old. The lake is fed by volcanic fumaroles, which warm the slightly salty waters and create waves that are perfect for windsurfing. Visitors can rent kayaks, swim, or explore the thermal vents and endemic fish that live here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

León is a city with a rich history, having been at the forefront of the Sandinista revolution in the 1980s. Today, it boasts a vibrant arts scene, cosmopolitan dining options and a lively nightlife, making it an alluring destination for travelers. One of the standout attractions in León is the Museo Histórico de la Revolución, which is dedicated to the heroes of the revolution and offers visitors a chance to be shown around by former revolutionaries who participated in the conflict.

 

 

 

 

 

Isla de Ometepe is a beautiful island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, and it's dominated by the twin peaks of the Concepción and Madera volcanoes. Visitors can climb both volcanoes, go on hikes to waterfalls, explore ancient petroglyphs, kayak in the mangroves, or simply relax on the beach. The island also offers plenty of opportunities to experience the local culture, such as visiting organic farms and ecolodges or exploring remote communities by mountain bike or on horseback.

 

 

   

 

 

Masaya Volcano is another must-visit destination in Nicaragua. This active volcano offers hiking trails along its slopes during the day and a breathtaking view of molten magma at night. Visitors can also take a refreshing dip in nearby Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake located close by. For an unforgettable experience, visitors should consider taking a night tour to see the glowing lake of molten magma and otherworldly sulfurous columns of gas rising from the crater.

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Juan del Sur is a former surfer party town that has become popular with tourists from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy a laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, excellent restaurants and bars, and world-class surfing at nearby Playa Maderas, Playa Remanso, and Playa Hermosa. The town is also a great starting point for exploring the Rio San Juan, a ribbon of water that winds through dense jungle and offers visitors a chance to stay in jungle lodges and go in search of jaguars, macaws, and alligators.