Nicaragua, the Central American country that is bordered by Honduras in the north and Nicaragua in the south is one of the most naturally endowed countries in the world. Apart from having a coastline with two of the greatest water bodies in the world - the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea - it is also home to two of the largest lakes in Central America, Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. It is therefore no wonder that it is one of the most visited countries in the Americas. Below are the top 10 activities that you can do in the country.
Nicaragua, the Central American country that is bordered by Honduras in the north and Nicaragua in the south is one of the most naturally endowed countries in the world. Apart from having a coastline with two of the greatest water bodies in the world - the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea - it is also home to two of the largest lakes in Central America, Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. It is therefore no wonder that it is one of the most visited countries in the Americas. Below are the top 10 activities that you can do in the country.
1. Exploring the colonial town of Leon - You can spend your first day exploring the city square, Recoleccion Cathedral, baroque theater, street markets and sidewalk cafes. While at it, ensure you sample some Mojito in the street pubs as well as live music.
2. Volcano Boarding - This is slightly similar to iceboarding, only the medium in this case is the volcanic ash and not ice. It is done at Cerro Negro.
3. Explore Grenada - This is the oldest town in Central America and its grand museums and 17th century museums and churches are awe-inspiring.
4. Fishing the salt - This is a Nicaraguan unique experience. You get to do this at the mouths of Rio Indio and Rio San Juan.
5. Take pictures at San Ramon Waterfall - This spectacular waterfall is located about half an hour bike-ride from Hacienda Merida.
6. Marvel at natural wonders at Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve - There is so much you can see in this reserve, but the Laguna de Apoyo, a beautiful deep and blue lake trapped in the crater of Volcan Apoyo runs away with the prize. The lake measures 48-square kilometers in area and about 700 feet deep.
7. Sample the Nicaraguan cuisines - You will have so much choice cuisines that you will wonder what to taste first. I would advise you sample Nacatamal first. The cuisine is made of moist tamale filled with pork, chicken, veggies or other toppings and wrapped in a banana leaf to cook.
8. Hiking a volcano - Nicaragua is home to 25 volcanoes. Make sure you hike at least 2 of them. Note that 9 of these volcanoes are still active and thus unsafe for hiking. Try Masaya and Granada - they are the most popular.
9. Visit La Isla Ometepe - This is a charming island in Nicaragua. While there, make sure you hike the volcanoes and tea plantations, and kayak the bird-filled Rio Istan.
10. Little Corn Island - This is not the easiest place to access, but once there, you will be delighted you tried. It is a 10 square kilometers island that features sand beaches, palm trees and coral reef. While there, you can snorkel, as well as learn how to scuba dive.
This list can be longer, but my space does not allow me to continue. You better head to Nicaragua and actually experience these things in real live.