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

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nicaragua

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

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