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.
Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Wildlife attractions in Nicaragua

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.

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.