Nicaragua, dream trip among Volcanoes and Lagoons: 5 must-see attractions

1. Masaya Volcano National Park: Home to an active volcano, Masaya offers the chance to see lava lakes and fumaroles. The park features several hiking trails and stunning viewpoints, making it an excellent spot for adventure and photography.
2. Lago de Nicaragua (Lake Nicaragua): One of the largest lakes in Central America, it is unique for its freshwater sharks. The lake is surrounded by over 300 islands, including Ometepe Island, formed by two volcanoes, Maderas and Concepción.
3. Mombacho Volcano: Known for its rich biodiversity, Mombacho features cloud forests with several hiking trails. Visitors can explore the craters and observe diverse wildlife, as well as enjoy panoramic views of Granada and Lake Nicaragua.
4. Laguna de Apoyo: A picturesque crater lake formed in an extinct volcano, it is popular for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing on the shores. The warm, clean waters are ideal for a tranquil day in nature.
5. Cerro Negro Volcano: Famous for volcanic boarding, visitors can hike up this young volcano and then slide down its slopes on a board. The unique experience attracts thrill-seekers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

A land of volcanoes, lagoons and colonial cities, this is Nicaragua, let’s find out together…

Are you dreaming of a faraway paradise, planning an unprecedented trip for a unique experience? The Nicaragua is definitely one of those lands that are not high on the list of places you would like to visit because it is probably under-appreciated, yet you should know that this land could enter your heart and never leave. Nicaragua is the Central American country capable of surprising you with an adventurous trip where you can encounter volcanic lakes, colonial cities and discover a world of flora and fauna you would have never imagined. In fact, you should know that this country is one of those with the most biodiversity. We have imagined an evocative and fascinating itinerary perfect for capturing its main facets, let’s find out together…

Granada: the wonderful colonial city

The first stop on our tour starts in Granada, the colonial city that has such stunning corners that you will not want to sit idly by without photographing them. It dates back to 1524 and is one of the oldest colonial cities founded by the Spanish conquerors. It is a wonderful interlocking of cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored houses that create a truly magical atmosphere. The discovery of this city should start from Placa de la Catedral, where there is the beautiful yellow building surrounded by trees. Immediately afterwards it is worth going into the streets of the quadrangle where there are really beautiful buildings, the most interesting being alle La Calzada, where you will find some of the most beautiful, pastel-colored buildings with secret gardens and patios. Finally, to intoxicate yourself with the smells of this land made of chocolate, coffee and tobacco, visit the Mercado Municipal. set up in a centuries-old building, frequented by residents who buy fresh produce and spices and treat their hair or hands.

León: the colonial pearl

Another city to visit is León, a city on the banks of the Río Chiquito, which is the cultural center of the country. León, full name Santiago de los Caballeros de León, is one of the oldest cities in Nicaragua as well as a wonderful colonial city. Here to see the Cathedral, the largest in the entire Central America, climbing all the way up allows you to see wonderful views of the city and the volcanoes that surround it, such as the Cerro Negro. The city represents the intellectual center of the nation due to the university founded in 1813 and the fact that it is the birthplace of poet Rubén Darío. Léon is considered the cosmopolitan resort with fabulous art collections, beautiful urban vistas, cosmopolitan restaurants, proud intellectuals, and a vibrant nightlife.

Parque nacional Volcán Mombacho: the park with Nicaragua’s beautiful volcanoes.

One of the special features of this stunning area is the fact that it is full of striking volcanoes. To explore this aspect of Nicaragua, it is absolutely worth taking a tour of the Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho, which is a reserve that can be visited with an ecomobile that allows you to reach slopes that have a 40 percent slope up to 1100 m above sea level. Once you reach the peaks you will feel your soul raptured by a unique atmnosphere. An environment rich in animals will leave you breathless as well as having a lot of fun. Welcoming you are three species of monkeys, 168 species of birds. The beauty and charm of this place is left to the more than 100 kinds of orchids represent only a part of the rich natural heritage. Here you can hike several trails :the Sendero del Cráter, a 1.5-kilometer walk to the blowholes, with splendid views of Granada and Las Isletas; the Sendero la Puma, a steeper 4-kilometer trail that goes around the rim of the crater, with even more impressive views; and the Sendero el Tigrillo, a strenuous two-hour uphill hike that reaches two lookouts.

Mar dulce: the Nicaraguan lake that will enrapture you with beauty

This beautiful lake also called Lake Nicaragua, represents the largest freshwater lake in Central America occupies the southwestern part of Nicaragua, with its southern shores a few kilometers from the border with Costa Rica. It is also known as Cocibolca or Mar Dulce and is located in the volcanic arc of Central America, in an area rich in volcanoes. This lake is so large that within it lies Ometepe the largest island among those in Lake Nicaragua, its shape is quite distinctive and the name itself, which translated means “two mountains.”

Apoyo Lagoon: an open-air spa for a moment of relaxation

Not far from Granada lies this place of peace and relaxation, a true open-air spa that is the Laguna de Apoyo. It was born from the crater of an extinct volcano, and in fact boasts mineral-rich waters and hot springs where you can take a rejuvenating bath.