Discovering Nicaragua: Top Destinations for Your Next Adventure

Kicking off 2016, I embarked on my 44th country adventure: Nicaragua. This destination proved to be the ideal escape from winter, where I indulged in delicious papaya, climbed colonial church towers, and trekked up volcanoes. Nicaragua is stepping out of years of political challenges, gradually gaining recognition among travelers. It's still much more affordable and less developed than its neighbor, Costa Rica. Here's hoping it stays under the radar!

Here are the top five must-see locations in Nicaragua:

1. Ometepe

My favorite spot was Isla de Ometepe, a magical island featuring twin volcanoes rising from a freshwater lake. Much of the island remains untouched, with rugged roads perfect for hiking, swimming, and lounging in a hammock. It felt distinctly different and safer compared to other parts of Nicaragua.

Concepción, the larger of Ometepe's volcanoes

I stayed in one of the handcrafted cottages at Finca Mystica, an eco-friendly jungle lodge. The food, accommodations, and natural setting were exceptional—this place ranks in my top three ever! Waking up to howler monkeys was truly unforgettable.

Howler monkeys outside my cabin at Finca Mystica on Ometepe

Other highlights on the island include:

• Café Campestre for a lovely lunch in Balgue
• San Ramon Waterfall (as seen below), a rewarding hike to a charming waterfall
  (Skip the horse rental; trust me, hiking is easier and less painful.)
• Ojo de Agua, a natural spring pool from the Maderas volcano
• Playa Santa Domingo, a stunning 4km black sand beach
• Hiking Maderas (6-8 hours) and Concepción (10 hours) volcanoes

San Ramon Waterfall on Ometepe

This island lies within Lake Nicaragua, rumored to be the site of a proposed canal project that was recently postponed. Transport: Ferries depart regularly from San Jorge to Ometepe. Avoid the smaller ferries due to safety concerns; choose the larger three-deck car ferries instead.

2. Granada

Granada's vibrant colonial streets are among the most photogenic and well-preserved in Nicaragua. Key attractions include the Cathedral de Granada, the city's skyline emblem, and Iglesia San Francisco, Central America's oldest church that features a museum. Don't miss Soy Nica for locally crafted leather goods. For breathtaking views, climb the tower of Iglesia de La Merced during sunset. Where to eat: For lunch, try El Garaje, known for its rotating menu, or The Garden Café, a popular spot with a spacious courtyard.

Sunset view of Granada Cathedral from the tower of Iglesia de La Merced

3. Laguna de Apoyo

This massive crater lake is just a short drive from Granada and boasts the clearest freshwater in Nicaragua. Formed 23,000 years ago, it became a nature reserve in 1991. Several accommodations on the lake offer kayaks and paddleboards. I highly recommend a sunrise kayak adventure.

Sunrise at Hostel Paradiso at Laguna de Apoyo

4. León

The highlight of León was the cathedral roof tour (Basílica de la Asunción), the largest in Central America. The stunning maze-like rooftop offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. Shoes are prohibited since the roof was recently painted bright white.

Roof of Basílica de la Asunción in León

Don't miss the Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián, a premier contemporary art museum showcasing works by Latin American masters like Diego Rivera and Fernando Botero, along with Picasso and Chagall. The $3 entrance fee is a bargain.

The striking yellow façade of the 1786 Iglesia de Recolección in León

Where to eat in León: Start your day with breakfast at Pan & Paz, enjoy ice cream on a waffle cone at Kiss Me, and dine at El Bodegon (my top choice in Nicaragua), run by a Cuban chef with a set menu of giant quesadillas and Spanish tortillas for 180 córdoba ($6).

5. Cerro Negro

Volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, a 728-meter active volcano, was on my bucket list. The volcano gets its name from the volcanic rocks that cover its slopes. (The last eruption occurred in 1999.) Many tour companies like El Perezoso offer day trips for $30 USD from León, providing sleds and safety gear. The hike to the top took under an hour, while the descent was less than two minutes! It wasn't as terrifying as I had imagined. Go early to avoid crowds and party hostels arriving around 9:30 a.m.

Volcano boarding on Cerro Negro near León