Nicaragua — Attractions
Rivas
The quaint town of Rivas is situated on an isthmus midway between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua. This colonial town boasts a beautiful collection of churches and Spanish-colonial feel. Rivas is situated close to a number of other great Nicaragua tourist attractions such as Granada and the volcanic island of Ometepe. Rivas is a great jumping off point for visitors who want to take part in activities focussed on sea and beachfront interests such as snorkeling, swimming, tanning or chartering a fishing trip.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Montelimar Beach
Montelimar Beach is situated on the Pacific Coast and offers tourists the perfect Nicaraguan beach resort experience. Visitors can take part in sightseeing activities at the nearby zoo or they can go shopping at any number of the popular curio stalls and shops dotted throughout the area. The most popular and attractive activity in Montelimar is to simply relax on the 1.5 mile (3km) stretch of beach made up of pristine white sand. Other things to do in this Nicaraguan resort town include SCUBA diving, surfing and snorkeling. Montelimar Beach is a must for visitors wanting a stress-free holiday filled with relaxation and fun in the sun.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Corn Islands
Adventurous travelers to Nicaragua should definitely include the Corn Island on their list of things to do. Situated 40 miles (70km) from the mainland, these two islands are home to howler monkeys, while the seas and coral reefs surrounding the islands are popular with divers wishing to see barracudas, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays and green turtles. Tourists visiting the islands won't find modern hotels or resorts on the islands; instead there are a few sparsely populated villages and a wealth of unspoiled plant and animal life. The Corn Islands are a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination in Nicaragua.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve
Situated on both sides of the border between Nicaragua and Honduras, the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers more than 2 million acres (20 000 km²) and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. The area was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and is the second largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Visiting the reserve is one of the many things to do in Nicaragua. Tourists who make the effort to visit the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve will discover untouched rainforests and a rich array of animal life.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Granada
The colorful city of Granada is packed with historical sights and beautiful colonial-style architecture, some of which dates back to the 1600s. The city's markets and museums offer visitors some of the most popular tourist attractions and activities in Nicaragua. Granada is home to a vibrant nightlife scene and a number of popular festivals including the colorful Granada Holy Week festivities. Popular places to visit in Granada include the town's six main churches, Parque Centrale (central park), Fuerte La Polvora (an 18th century fort), Lake Nicaragua and the Mi Museo (a private museum). Among the many favorite things to do in and around Granada are zip-lining forest canopy tours, treks around the Massaya Volcano, shopping excursions at the town's local market and trips to coffee farms in the area. Granada is the best town for visitors to use as a base while exploring Lake Nicaragua, as well as many of the country's volcanoes and beaches.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Lake Nicaragua
Lake Nicaragua (sometimes referred to as Lake Cocibolca) is Central America's largest lake and the 10th largest body of fresh water in the world. A number of attractions set Lake Nicaragua above other lakes around the world. Lake Nicaragua is one of the only freshwater bodies of water with sharks. The Nicaragua Sharks, or Bull Sharks inhabit the depths of the lake and are a rare sight for the devoted tourist. Mombacho Volcano towers over this body of water and the collection of small islands known locally as Las Isletas scattered within the lake are believed to have been the result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The eruption spewed massive rocks out into the lake, which later became 'Las Isletas'. Visitors to Lake Nicaragua can hire a boat and tour the islands while taking in the spectacular scenery and multitude of bird and aquatic life. The lake is also home to the volcanic Ometepe Island with its twin volcanic peaks.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
National Museum of Nicaragua
The National Museum in Managua is one of Nicaragua's principal tourist attractions. The museum houses a fascinating selection of artifacts and a number of displays of Central American history, ancient Central American civilizations and the Columbus period. The museum's nine rooms house a selection of modern art and informative exhibitions about the country's turbulent natural history including information about the numerous Nicaraguan volcanoes and earthquakes that have devastated the country throughout history. The museum staff are helpful, informative and friendly, making it an ideal attraction for any visitor wanting to learn more about Nicaragua.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
- Hours
- 8am to 5pm from monday to Friday
- Admission
- US$3 (includes a 30 min museum tour)
Ometepe Island
The twin volcanoes on Lake Nicaragua should be on every visitor's list of things to do in Nicaragua. The islands are situated midway between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Visitors to the islands can explore the volcanoes; hike though rain forests or bargain with local coffee farmers who use the fertile Volcanic slopes to grow the fragrant beans. The birds and wildlife on the islands will delight nature lovers, while sports enthusiasts can take part in kayaking and fishing tours around the island. For those who brave the hike up the 3300 feet (1500m) summit of one of the volcanoes, the views are unsurpassed. Visitors should set aside a few days to explore the numerous natural attractions the islands have to offer.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
- Transport
- Visitors can take a boat to the islands for US$3 from San Jorge just outside of Rivas. Ferries depart for the islands from San Carlos and Granada. The ferries cost between US$1.50 and US$2.50, however they do not leave every day. The ferry ride takes between six and 12 hours depending on point of departure.
Rivas
The quaint town of Rivas is situated on an isthmus midway between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua. This colonial town boasts a beautiful collection of churches and Spanish-colonial feel. Rivas is situated close to a number of other great Nicaragua tourist attractions such as Granada and the volcanic island of Ometepe. Rivas is a great jumping off point for visitors who want to take part in activities focussed on sea and beachfront interests such as snorkeling, swimming, tanning or chartering a fishing trip.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Montelimar Beach
Montelimar Beach is situated on the Pacific Coast and offers tourists the perfect Nicaraguan beach resort experience. Visitors can take part in sightseeing activities at the nearby zoo or they can go shopping at any number of the popular curio stalls and shops dotted throughout the area. The most popular and attractive activity in Montelimar is to simply relax on the 1.5 mile (3km) stretch of beach made up of pristine white sand. Other things to do in this Nicaraguan resort town include SCUBA diving, surfing and snorkeling. Montelimar Beach is a must for visitors wanting a stress-free holiday filled with relaxation and fun in the sun.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Corn Islands
Adventurous travelers to Nicaragua should definitely include the Corn Island on their list of things to do. Situated 40 miles (70km) from the mainland, these two islands are home to howler monkeys, while the seas and coral reefs surrounding the islands are popular with divers wishing to see barracudas, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays and green turtles. Tourists visiting the islands won't find modern hotels or resorts on the islands; instead there are a few sparsely populated villages and a wealth of unspoiled plant and animal life. The Corn Islands are a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination in Nicaragua.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve
Situated on both sides of the border between Nicaragua and Honduras, the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers more than 2 million acres (20 000 km²) and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. The area was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and is the second largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Visiting the reserve is one of the many things to do in Nicaragua. Tourists who make the effort to visit the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve will discover untouched rainforests and a rich array of animal life.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Granada
The colorful city of Granada is packed with historical sights and beautiful colonial-style architecture, some of which dates back to the 1600s. The city's markets and museums offer visitors some of the most popular tourist attractions and activities in Nicaragua. Granada is home to a vibrant nightlife scene and a number of popular festivals including the colorful Granada Holy Week festivities. Popular places to visit in Granada include the town's six main churches, Parque Centrale (central park), Fuerte La Polvora (an 18th century fort), Lake Nicaragua and the Mi Museo (a private museum). Among the many favorite things to do in and around Granada are zip-lining forest canopy tours, treks around the Massaya Volcano, shopping excursions at the town's local market and trips to coffee farms in the area. Granada is the best town for visitors to use as a base while exploring Lake Nicaragua, as well as many of the country's volcanoes and beaches.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Lake Nicaragua
Lake Nicaragua (sometimes referred to as Lake Cocibolca) is Central America's largest lake and the 10th largest body of fresh water in the world. A number of attractions set Lake Nicaragua above other lakes around the world. Lake Nicaragua is one of the only freshwater bodies of water with sharks. The Nicaragua Sharks, or Bull Sharks inhabit the depths of the lake and are a rare sight for the devoted tourist. Mombacho Volcano towers over this body of water and the collection of small islands known locally as Las Isletas scattered within the lake are believed to have been the result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The eruption spewed massive rocks out into the lake, which later became 'Las Isletas'. Visitors to Lake Nicaragua can hire a boat and tour the islands while taking in the spectacular scenery and multitude of bird and aquatic life. The lake is also home to the volcanic Ometepe Island with its twin volcanic peaks.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
National Museum of Nicaragua
The National Museum in Managua is one of Nicaragua's principal tourist attractions. The museum houses a fascinating selection of artifacts and a number of displays of Central American history, ancient Central American civilizations and the Columbus period. The museum's nine rooms house a selection of modern art and informative exhibitions about the country's turbulent natural history including information about the numerous Nicaraguan volcanoes and earthquakes that have devastated the country throughout history. The museum staff are helpful, informative and friendly, making it an ideal attraction for any visitor wanting to learn more about Nicaragua.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
- Hours
- 8am to 5pm from monday to Friday
- Admission
- US$3 (includes a 30 min museum tour)
Ometepe Island
The twin volcanoes on Lake Nicaragua should be on every visitor's list of things to do in Nicaragua. The islands are situated midway between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Visitors to the islands can explore the volcanoes; hike though rain forests or bargain with local coffee farmers who use the fertile Volcanic slopes to grow the fragrant beans. The birds and wildlife on the islands will delight nature lovers, while sports enthusiasts can take part in kayaking and fishing tours around the island. For those who brave the hike up the 3300 feet (1500m) summit of one of the volcanoes, the views are unsurpassed. Visitors should set aside a few days to explore the numerous natural attractions the islands have to offer.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
- Transport
- Visitors can take a boat to the islands for US$3 from San Jorge just outside of Rivas. Ferries depart for the islands from San Carlos and Granada. The ferries cost between US$1.50 and US$2.50, however they do not leave every day. The ferry ride takes between six and 12 hours depending on point of departure.
Rivas
The quaint town of Rivas is situated on an isthmus midway between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua. This colonial town boasts a beautiful collection of churches and Spanish-colonial feel. Rivas is situated close to a number of other great Nicaragua tourist attractions such as Granada and the volcanic island of Ometepe. Rivas is a great jumping off point for visitors who want to take part in activities focussed on sea and beachfront interests such as snorkeling, swimming, tanning or chartering a fishing trip.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Montelimar Beach
Montelimar Beach is situated on the Pacific Coast and offers tourists the perfect Nicaraguan beach resort experience. Visitors can take part in sightseeing activities at the nearby zoo or they can go shopping at any number of the popular curio stalls and shops dotted throughout the area. The most popular and attractive activity in Montelimar is to simply relax on the 1.5 mile (3km) stretch of beach made up of pristine white sand. Other things to do in this Nicaraguan resort town include SCUBA diving, surfing and snorkeling. Montelimar Beach is a must for visitors wanting a stress-free holiday filled with relaxation and fun in the sun.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Corn Islands
Adventurous travelers to Nicaragua should definitely include the Corn Island on their list of things to do. Situated 40 miles (70km) from the mainland, these two islands are home to howler monkeys, while the seas and coral reefs surrounding the islands are popular with divers wishing to see barracudas, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays and green turtles. Tourists visiting the islands won't find modern hotels or resorts on the islands; instead there are a few sparsely populated villages and a wealth of unspoiled plant and animal life. The Corn Islands are a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination in Nicaragua.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve
Situated on both sides of the border between Nicaragua and Honduras, the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers more than 2 million acres (20 000 km²) and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. The area was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and is the second largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Visiting the reserve is one of the many things to do in Nicaragua. Tourists who make the effort to visit the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve will discover untouched rainforests and a rich array of animal life.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Granada
The colorful city of Granada is packed with historical sights and beautiful colonial-style architecture, some of which dates back to the 1600s. The city's markets and museums offer visitors some of the most popular tourist attractions and activities in Nicaragua. Granada is home to a vibrant nightlife scene and a number of popular festivals including the colorful Granada Holy Week festivities. Popular places to visit in Granada include the town's six main churches, Parque Centrale (central park), Fuerte La Polvora (an 18th century fort), Lake Nicaragua and the Mi Museo (a private museum). Among the many favorite things to do in and around Granada are zip-lining forest canopy tours, treks around the Massaya Volcano, shopping excursions at the town's local market and trips to coffee farms in the area. Granada is the best town for visitors to use as a base while exploring Lake Nicaragua, as well as many of the country's volcanoes and beaches.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Lake Nicaragua
Lake Nicaragua (sometimes referred to as Lake Cocibolca) is Central America's largest lake and the 10th largest body of fresh water in the world. A number of attractions set Lake Nicaragua above other lakes around the world. Lake Nicaragua is one of the only freshwater bodies of water with sharks. The Nicaragua Sharks, or Bull Sharks inhabit the depths of the lake and are a rare sight for the devoted tourist. Mombacho Volcano towers over this body of water and the collection of small islands known locally as Las Isletas scattered within the lake are believed to have been the result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The eruption spewed massive rocks out into the lake, which later became 'Las Isletas'. Visitors to Lake Nicaragua can hire a boat and tour the islands while taking in the spectacular scenery and multitude of bird and aquatic life. The lake is also home to the volcanic Ometepe Island with its twin volcanic peaks.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
National Museum of Nicaragua
The National Museum in Managua is one of Nicaragua's principal tourist attractions. The museum houses a fascinating selection of artifacts and a number of displays of Central American history, ancient Central American civilizations and the Columbus period. The museum's nine rooms house a selection of modern art and informative exhibitions about the country's turbulent natural history including information about the numerous Nicaraguan volcanoes and earthquakes that have devastated the country throughout history. The museum staff are helpful, informative and friendly, making it an ideal attraction for any visitor wanting to learn more about Nicaragua.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
- Hours
- 8am to 5pm from monday to Friday
- Admission
- US$3 (includes a 30 min museum tour)
Ometepe Island
The twin volcanoes on Lake Nicaragua should be on every visitor's list of things to do in Nicaragua. The islands are situated midway between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Visitors to the islands can explore the volcanoes; hike though rain forests or bargain with local coffee farmers who use the fertile Volcanic slopes to grow the fragrant beans. The birds and wildlife on the islands will delight nature lovers, while sports enthusiasts can take part in kayaking and fishing tours around the island. For those who brave the hike up the 3300 feet (1500m) summit of one of the volcanoes, the views are unsurpassed. Visitors should set aside a few days to explore the numerous natural attractions the islands have to offer.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
- Transport
- Visitors can take a boat to the islands for US$3 from San Jorge just outside of Rivas. Ferries depart for the islands from San Carlos and Granada. The ferries cost between US$1.50 and US$2.50, however they do not leave every day. The ferry ride takes between six and 12 hours depending on point of departure.
Rivas
The quaint town of Rivas is situated on an isthmus midway between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua. This colonial town boasts a beautiful collection of churches and Spanish-colonial feel. Rivas is situated close to a number of other great Nicaragua tourist attractions such as Granada and the volcanic island of Ometepe. Rivas is a great jumping off point for visitors who want to take part in activities focussed on sea and beachfront interests such as snorkeling, swimming, tanning or chartering a fishing trip.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Montelimar Beach
Montelimar Beach is situated on the Pacific Coast and offers tourists the perfect Nicaraguan beach resort experience. Visitors can take part in sightseeing activities at the nearby zoo or they can go shopping at any number of the popular curio stalls and shops dotted throughout the area. The most popular and attractive activity in Montelimar is to simply relax on the 1.5 mile (3km) stretch of beach made up of pristine white sand. Other things to do in this Nicaraguan resort town include SCUBA diving, surfing and snorkeling. Montelimar Beach is a must for visitors wanting a stress-free holiday filled with relaxation and fun in the sun.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Corn Islands
Adventurous travelers to Nicaragua should definitely include the Corn Island on their list of things to do. Situated 40 miles (70km) from the mainland, these two islands are home to howler monkeys, while the seas and coral reefs surrounding the islands are popular with divers wishing to see barracudas, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays and green turtles. Tourists visiting the islands won't find modern hotels or resorts on the islands; instead there are a few sparsely populated villages and a wealth of unspoiled plant and animal life. The Corn Islands are a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination in Nicaragua.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve
Situated on both sides of the border between Nicaragua and Honduras, the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers more than 2 million acres (20 000 km²) and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. The area was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and is the second largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Visiting the reserve is one of the many things to do in Nicaragua. Tourists who make the effort to visit the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve will discover untouched rainforests and a rich array of animal life.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Granada
The colorful city of Granada is packed with historical sights and beautiful colonial-style architecture, some of which dates back to the 1600s. The city's markets and museums offer visitors some of the most popular tourist attractions and activities in Nicaragua. Granada is home to a vibrant nightlife scene and a number of popular festivals including the colorful Granada Holy Week festivities. Popular places to visit in Granada include the town's six main churches, Parque Centrale (central park), Fuerte La Polvora (an 18th century fort), Lake Nicaragua and the Mi Museo (a private museum). Among the many favorite things to do in and around Granada are zip-lining forest canopy tours, treks around the Massaya Volcano, shopping excursions at the town's local market and trips to coffee farms in the area. Granada is the best town for visitors to use as a base while exploring Lake Nicaragua, as well as many of the country's volcanoes and beaches.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
Lake Nicaragua
Lake Nicaragua (sometimes referred to as Lake Cocibolca) is Central America's largest lake and the 10th largest body of fresh water in the world. A number of attractions set Lake Nicaragua above other lakes around the world. Lake Nicaragua is one of the only freshwater bodies of water with sharks. The Nicaragua Sharks, or Bull Sharks inhabit the depths of the lake and are a rare sight for the devoted tourist. Mombacho Volcano towers over this body of water and the collection of small islands known locally as Las Isletas scattered within the lake are believed to have been the result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The eruption spewed massive rocks out into the lake, which later became 'Las Isletas'. Visitors to Lake Nicaragua can hire a boat and tour the islands while taking in the spectacular scenery and multitude of bird and aquatic life. The lake is also home to the volcanic Ometepe Island with its twin volcanic peaks.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
National Museum of Nicaragua
The National Museum in Managua is one of Nicaragua's principal tourist attractions. The museum houses a fascinating selection of artifacts and a number of displays of Central American history, ancient Central American civilizations and the Columbus period. The museum's nine rooms house a selection of modern art and informative exhibitions about the country's turbulent natural history including information about the numerous Nicaraguan volcanoes and earthquakes that have devastated the country throughout history. The museum staff are helpful, informative and friendly, making it an ideal attraction for any visitor wanting to learn more about Nicaragua.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
- Hours
- 8am to 5pm from monday to Friday
- Admission
- US$3 (includes a 30 min museum tour)
Ometepe Island
The twin volcanoes on Lake Nicaragua should be on every visitor's list of things to do in Nicaragua. The islands are situated midway between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Visitors to the islands can explore the volcanoes; hike though rain forests or bargain with local coffee farmers who use the fertile Volcanic slopes to grow the fragrant beans. The birds and wildlife on the islands will delight nature lovers, while sports enthusiasts can take part in kayaking and fishing tours around the island. For those who brave the hike up the 3300 feet (1500m) summit of one of the volcanoes, the views are unsurpassed. Visitors should set aside a few days to explore the numerous natural attractions the islands have to offer.
- Region/City Name
- Managua
- Transport
- Visitors can take a boat to the islands for US$3 from San Jorge just outside of Rivas. Ferries depart for the islands from San Carlos and Granada. The ferries cost between US$1.50 and US$2.50, however they do not leave every day. The ferry ride takes between six and 12 hours depending on point of departure.
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