Attractions of Nicaragua

To help inspire or plan your trip to Nicaragua, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Nicaragua which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Granada
Granada Granada is Nicaragua's oldest and most atmospheric and charming colonial city. Founded in 1524, the city is located on the north-west shore of Lake Nicaragua at the foot of Mombacho volcano. Its historic centre is a compact area centred around the main plaza and the lakefront characterised by colonial and neoclassical architecture, tree-lined streets and horse-drawn carriages riding through the town. The nearby market town of Masaya is famous for its handicrafts where you can buy a range of products including baskets, carvings, masks, marimbas, embroidered clothes and tapestries. It's possible to drive almost to the lip of the crater of the nearby Masaya Volcano in the National Park to see the bubbling lava, smoke and sulphur gases as well as the magnificent views of the region's volcanic landscape.

Granada

Granada

Granada is Nicaragua's oldest and most atmospheric and charming colonial city. Founded in 1524, the city is located on the north-west shore of Lake Nicaragua at the foot of Mombacho volcano. Its historic centre is a compact area centred around the main plaza and the lakefront characterised by colonial and neoclassical architecture, tree-lined streets and horse-drawn carriages riding through the town. The nearby market town of Masaya is famous for its handicrafts where you can buy a range of products including baskets, carvings, masks, marimbas, embroidered clothes and tapestries. It's possible to drive almost to the lip of the crater of the nearby Masaya Volcano in the National Park to see the bubbling lava, smoke and sulphur gases as well as the magnificent views of the region's volcanic landscape.

Ometepe Island
Ometepe Island Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua is the world's largest freshwater island comprising two volcanoes connected by an isthmus, Concepcion Volcano, an almost perfect cone shape at 1610 metres and Madera Volcano at 1340 metres. The island is a beautiful natural spot which has much to explore. There are ancient stone statues and petroglyphs made by the Chorotega people on Volcan Madera, which can be hiked for superb views. The forested island is home to many species of birds and other animals such as howler monkey and green parrot which can be spotted on walks. There are also numerous isolated black sand beaches around the volcanoes to relax on and swim from. Other options include horse riding or relaxing in the coldwater springs at Ojos de Agua.

Ometepe Island

Ometepe Island

Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua is the world's largest freshwater island comprising two volcanoes connected by an isthmus, Concepcion Volcano, an almost perfect cone shape at 1610 metres and Madera Volcano at 1340 metres. The island is a beautiful natural spot which has much to explore. There are ancient stone statues and petroglyphs made by the Chorotega people on Volcan Madera, which can be hiked for superb views. The forested island is home to many species of birds and other animals such as howler monkey and green parrot which can be spotted on walks. There are also numerous isolated black sand beaches around the volcanoes to relax on and swim from. Other options include horse riding or relaxing in the coldwater springs at Ojos de Agua.

León
León León was founded in 1525 and was the colonial capital until 1857. The city is considered the intellectual and progressive centre of Nicaragua. The cathedral here is one of the largest in Central America, designed by Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel which reflects a transition from Baroque to Neoclassical architecture. It is characterised by its abundance of natural light and the rich ornamentation of the Sanctuary's vault. Elsewhere the town's Spanish colonial buildings, narrow streets and arched colonnades lend León an elegant and atmospheric air. Close to León, the Cerro Negro volcano can be hiked. UNESCO World Heritage Site: León Cathedral

León

León was founded in 1525 and was the colonial capital until 1857. The city is considered the intellectual and progressive centre of Nicaragua. The cathedral here is one of the largest in Central America, designed by Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel which reflects a transition from Baroque to Neoclassical architecture. It is characterised by its abundance of natural light and the rich ornamentation of the Sanctuary's vault. Elsewhere the town's Spanish colonial buildings, narrow streets and arched colonnades lend León an elegant and atmospheric air. Close to León, the Cerro Negro volcano can be hiked.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: León Cathedral

Ruins of León Viejo
Ruins of León Viejo León Viejo was one of the first Spanish settlements in the Americas, founded in 1524 on the north-east shore of the Lake of León. The town was laid on a grid pattern around a central plaza with a cathedral, convent and royal foundry. Having reached a peak in 1545 with a population of just 200, it suffered a series of disasters (the eruption of the Momotombo Volcano, high inflation and a severe earthquake) that caused the town to be abandoned by 1610. It's ruins therefore offer great insight to the social and economic conditions of the Spanish Empire of this period. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ruins of León Viejo

Ruins of León Viejo

León Viejo was one of the first Spanish settlements in the Americas, founded in 1524 on the north-east shore of the Lake of León. The town was laid on a grid pattern around a central plaza with a cathedral, convent and royal foundry. Having reached a peak in 1545 with a population of just 200, it suffered a series of disasters (the eruption of the Momotombo Volcano, high inflation and a severe earthquake) that caused the town to be abandoned by 1610. It's ruins therefore offer great insight to the social and economic conditions of the Spanish Empire of this period.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ruins of León Viejo

San Juan River Cruise
The Rio San Juan links the Caribbean with Lake Nicaragua along Nicaragua's border with Costa Rica and a boat trip from San Carlos on the lake's edge to Bartola near the Caribbean coast is a fascinating trip through rarely visited parts of the country, exploring historical ruins and some beautiful natural scenery. The river was an important trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific before the Panama Canal opened and the El Castillo fortress was built by the Spanish to protect the route and deter attacks by pirates. Along the riverbank is virgin rainforest which can be explored in the Indio Maiz Reserve with resident animals including jaguar, mountain lion, tapir and howler monkeys as well as excellent birdwatching opportunities.

San Juan River Cruise

The Rio San Juan links the Caribbean with Lake Nicaragua along Nicaragua's border with Costa Rica and a boat trip from San Carlos on the lake's edge to Bartola near the Caribbean coast is a fascinating trip through rarely visited parts of the country, exploring historical ruins and some beautiful natural scenery. The river was an important trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific before the Panama Canal opened and the El Castillo fortress was built by the Spanish to protect the route and deter attacks by pirates. Along the riverbank is virgin rainforest which can be explored in the Indio Maiz Reserve with resident animals including jaguar, mountain lion, tapir and howler monkeys as well as excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Corn Islands
The Corn Islands on Nicaragua's northern Caribbean coast are an unspoilt and isolated paradise. With an English-speaking Caribbean culture distinct from the rest of the country, the islands offer miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters to explore the coral reef by diving or snorkelling and some excellent seafood amidst a laid back atmosphere. The smaller Little Corn Island, accessible by boat, is even more isolated with no cars and a beautiful palm-fringed beach.

Corn Islands

The Corn Islands on Nicaragua's northern Caribbean coast are an unspoilt and isolated paradise. With an English-speaking Caribbean culture distinct from the rest of the country, the islands offer miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters to explore the coral reef by diving or snorkelling and some excellent seafood amidst a laid back atmosphere. The smaller Little Corn Island, accessible by boat, is even more isolated with no cars and a beautiful palm-fringed beach.