Have you ever wanted to travel to an unusual destination outside of the United States but could only think of the typical, touristy destinations? You’re not alone. Many people desire to travel to different exotic locations but come up short on ideas. Why not try Nicaragua?
Landscape and Climate
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and rich in beautiful landscapes and culture. It has lush island jungles, volcanic lowlands, lively cities, and beautiful beaches. This country offers an abundance of activities suitable for a variety of tastes and budgets, making it a perfect escape for nearly everyone.
Nicaragua rests between Honduras to the north, Costa Rica to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The tropical climate brings two seasons: dry and rainy. The rainy season lasts for about nine months on the Caribbean side. So if you’re planning to visit that side, you should book your vacation between March and May. The highlands are much cooler than the lowlands, and travelers can often experience both with careful planning.
The Atlantic Coast
Besides being an absolutely gorgeous country, Nicaragua has some of the most pristine beaches in the world. The Caribbean and Atlantic coasts are popular for diving and snorkeling, but the best discoveries happen while beach hiking. Off the coasts of the Corn Islands, hikers can interact with the indigenous communities and the Miskito fishermen, sampling a fresh catch of lobster, kingfish, amberjack, and red snapper. The Pearl Lagoon showcases local culture. Visitors can try rondón, a fish stew with coconut milk and vegetables after a long day of shopping in the village.
The Solentiname Islands
The Solentiname Islands offer visitors both wildlife and primitive art. Visitors can hop around the 36 islands via kayak, taking in the splendor of Lake Nicaragua as they travel. These islands boast a small community of artists devoted to creating highly detailed paintings of rain forests and water scenes. Visitors can stay on the waterfront at Albergue Celentimine, one of the first inns built on the islands, where they can enjoy a quite peaceful view of the lagoon and snowy egrets.
Leon
For visitors looking for a party atmosphere and more action, Leon is the place to go in Nicaragua. The city is located in the volcanic lowlands of northwest Nicaragua and has one of the largest Cathedrals in Central America. Visitors can peruse the many shops in the area or eat at one of the many restaurants converted from old homes. There are no formal addresses, city planning, or official parking in the city, giving it a pleasantly chaotic feeling. In certain areas of the city, one can encounter crowds of locals dancing, eating, and drinking until well past midnight.
Western Nicaragua
Western Nicaragua is home to one of the county’s most exciting sports: volcano boarding. Visitors to this area can hop on a board, grab some goggles, and fly down the 1,600-foot ash slope of Cerro Negro. Boards can travel at nearly 50 miles per hour, providing a thrilling ride better than any roller coaster down Central America’s youngest and most active volcano. Not only that, the volcano is within driving distance of Leon, so there will be plenty of opportunities to brag about the conquest with the locals!
Byline
Randy Chester is a freelance writer who focuses on travel and vacationing. As this piece illustrates, Randy is constantly on the lookout for sunny vacation spots; readers looking for the same thing are encourage to check out Del Mar Escapes and their information on villas Del Mar Palmilla.
Image credit goes to oklanica.