Country Overview
Overview
It is fair to say Nicaragua is one of Central America's most off-the-beaten tracks destinations, but it is easy to get around, offers a good introduction to colourful Latin life and colonial history, and has a pretty scenery of volcanoes and lakes. Visitors often combine Nicaragua with other countries like Panama, Costa Rica or Guatemala, such as on our Grand Tour of Central America.
What to see
Nicaragua's biggest attraction is Granada, a quaint old colonial town with Spanish churches and cobbled streets. Next to Granada is Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America, which takes up a third of the country. Here you can go on boat tours or stay on one of the lake's islands and see the local way of life. Also worth visiting is Morgan's Rock, a delightful eco-lodge on the southwest coast, an area of stunning beauty.
When to go
Nicaragua's climate is tropical, the country's climate can be divided into three distinct climatic regions: the coast along the Caribbean Sea, the coast along the Pacific Ocean and the northern mountainous region. The heat isn't so bad between December and April. The coast which faces the Pacific ocean has its dry season which runs from December to April, while the rainy season is between May and November, average temperatures for this area of the country are 27°C.
The coast of the Caribbean Sea is more rainy, here the rainy season is 9 months, while the dry season is between March and May, the annual average temperatures are 26°C, in September-October there may be hurricanes.
The mountainous northern region has a cooler climate, with average annual temperatures of 18°C, the rain is concentrated in the months between May and October. The best period for visiting Nicaragua is the dry season from December to April.
Great Experiences
Coffee
The beautiful region around Matagalpa has some of the world's finest coffee plantations, not to mention stunning natural scenery.
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Granada
Located at the foot of the Mombacho volcano on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, the beautiful city of Granada is a top spot for an aimless wander or for marvelling at colonial architecture. The cathedral has been rebuilt in neo-classical style. Other buildings of note are the Churches of La Merced, Jalteva and San Francisco.
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León
Visit the intellectual capital of Nicaragua which is home to the largest cathedral in Central America as well as several other colonial churches. León is a colourful and artistic city steeped in a revolutionary past.
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Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve
Rising above the charming city of Granada is the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. You can see a wide variety of orchids in the cloud forest and, for spectacular views, hike to towards the summit of the volcano.
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Omepete Island
Situated on the waters of Lake Nicaragua, Omepete Island comprises two volcanic cones. This little gem is a great for hiking and provides an ideal backdrop for the photography enthusiast.
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Images
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