Central American Nicaragua offers a wonderful destination for an unforgettable vacation. Because of its numerous active volcanoes, the country is also known as the “Land of a Thousand Volcanoes”. Nicaragua is suitable for both a relaxing wellness holiday and a lively active holiday. A wealth of leisure activities is available for visitors. In addition, the cities of the country as well as numerous sights invite you to visit.
Geographical aspects of Nicaragua
Nicaragua is located in Central America and is located between Honduras in the north and Costa Rica in the south. The country is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. On the Pacific coast, some active volcanoes run through the country. The most important centers of Nicaragua are also located there. In the south and east, on the other hand, there is only sparse settlement. The highest mountain in the country is Pico Mogoton, which rises to 2438 meters above sea level. In terms of area, Nicaragua is even the largest country in Central America.
Best time to visit Nicaragua
Nicaragua is easy to travel all year round. The climate is tropical and temperatures reach a constant 30 degrees Celsius. The cheapest time to visit the country is considered to be the months of December to May. During this period, the dry season prevails on the Pacific coast. In April it will be warmest with temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees. The sun shines for 8 to 9 hours during the dry season, so blue skies are guaranteed.
The rainy season begins in July and ends in November. The temperatures then average 30 to 32 degrees Celsius and it is often humid. On the Caribbean coast in the east, on the other hand, there is a constantly humid climate. The rainy season there runs from February to April.
Getting to Nicaragua
The best way to reach Nicaragua is via the only international airport, Augusto C. Sandino International Airport. It is located in Nicaragua’s capital Managua. However, no direct flights are possible from Germany , so you have to change planes at least once.
It is considered advantageous to first enter Costa Rica by plane and then continue to Nicaragua by land.
Within Nicaragua, there are bus connections between the larger cities. Among other things, you will drive on the famous Panamericana highway. Taxis are also on the road within the cities. To get to the remote areas in the east, however, a plane or boat must be used. In the countryside, the impression often arises as if time has stopped.
Explore Nicaragua’s volcanoes
The land of a thousand volcanoes is of course rich in volcanoes worth seeing. One of the biggest attractions is the Masaya volcano, which the locals call the “burning mountain” (Popogatepe). At the open crater of Masaya, also known as the “Hell’s Mouth”, liquid lava can be seen.
Day trips are offered to several volcanoes. The view from the peaks is considered unforgettable. Challenging hikes are also possible. Particularly worth seeing are the Cerro Negro Volcano in León, the Mombache Volcano in Granada and the Volcano Concepción on the Isla de Ometepe.
A visit to the largest inland lake in Central America
Worth a detour is the Lago de Nicaragua in the southwest of the country. It forms the largest inland lake in Central America.
There is a tragic legend about the lake. Two lovers from hostile tribes are said to have taken their own lives there to escape the anger of their relatives by cutting their wrists. From their blood formed the lake, which is 300 kilometers long. The two volcanoes Concepcion and Maderas on the island of Ometepe are said to represent the breasts of the woman rising from the water.
Admire Nicaragua’s nature
The nature of Nicaragua is well worth seeing. It has an impressive number of animal and plant species. The east of Nicaragua is crisscrossed by constantly green rainforests. In the still uninhabited areas, trees such as oaks and cedars, the precious wood mahogany and many other tropical plants can be found.
In addition, Nicaragua’s nature is home to many animals such as jaguars, pumas, deer, monkeys, snakes and alligators. The numerous bird species such as parrots, pelicans, hummingbirds and woodpeckers present themselves in particular splendour.
A visit to the Miraflor nature reserve in Esteli is also recommended. On a hike, you can get to know the landscape and nature, which include waterfalls, rivers and farms. If you want to relax, the Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake on the Apoyo volcano, is the place to be. Hammocks are a wonderful place to rest.
Beach holidays in Nicaragua
Fans of beach holidays are in the right place on the Corn Islands on the Caribbean coast. There you can relax on the beach and sunbathe. There are also opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The special thing about the Corn Islands is that they still present themselves as the Caribbean was 50 years ago .
If you like to get on a surfboard, you will find excellent surf spots on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. One of the most beautiful is San Juan del Sur. There are also lively beach parties in this place.
Nicaragua’s Cities
The metropolises of Nicaragua such as the capital Managua are also worth seeing. With around two million inhabitants, Managua is the largest city in the country. The historic old town with the cathedral and the volcanic hill Loma de Tiscapa are worth seeing.
Before Managua, Leon was the capital of the country. The city is the intellectual center of Nicaragua. Particularly recommended are the churches worth seeing, such as the Cathedral of Leon, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the city’s museums, which include the Revolution Museum.
Southwest of Leon is the military fort El Fortin, another attraction, which offers a comprehensive panoramic view.
Lovers of the colonial style will get a lot to see in Granada, Nicaragua’s third-largest metropolis. The enchanting city scores with a lush blaze of colour. The old town and the church Iglesia de la Merced are particularly impressive. The center of Granada is the Parque Central. It is surrounded by the cathedral, many colonial houses and a gold-decorated fountain. At this point, the life of the city pulsates.
Culinary specialties
Nicaragua offers its visitors some tasty delicacies. These include, above all, the corn flatbread Quesillo with soft cheese, herbs and onions and the coleslaw Vigoron with tomatoes, pork and cassava, which is wrapped in a banana leaf.
Also highly recommended are the Rondon fish stew, the Indio Viejo stew with meat and vegetables, and the Bunuelos pastry, which is similar to quark balls. To wash it down, there is a fresh fruit juice with ice cubes.
