What are some major tourist attractions in Nicaragua?

Question

Also, could you please list some websites I could go to in order to obtain even more information?

Thanks! :~D

Answer 1

It depends on what type of things you want to do. If you stay here in Managua and you're into nature and things of that sort try the Chiltepe peninsula here in Managua. It is located in Lake Managua, Central America's 2nd largest lake. You can do a canopy tour and do a zip line and see the old Managua downtown. Also, you can visit the waterfalls that are located in the Chocoyero Natural Reserve. The water is cold, which is good considering how hot it is here in Managua. The Natural Reserve is one of 78 here, if you're into bird watching you can find many birds whom we call "chocoyeros", they are beautiful and sing. You can also take one of 5 or 6 different trails (i forget how many) and they are all diffrent lengths and difficulty.

If you're into sightseeing, definitely head to one of our Art Galleries here, or museums. You can also head to our old downtown which contains many structures and building which survived the earthquake in 72 tat destroyed 90% of this city. They are all within blocks of each others. Also there is the Plaza de la Revolucion (Plaza of the Revolution) where there is a park (just in front of the old Cathedral and National Palace) where there are many monuments. I was just there on Sunday with my cousin who is visiting. There is a huge fair going on right now. You can also head to the colonial cities of Granada and Leon, they are the oldest colonial cities in mainland Americas, both founded in the early 1500s. Other nice finds would be the house of our most beloved poet, and one of the Spanish Languages' greatest writers, Ruben Dario. The house is very interesting and you can also visit the church in which he is buried in Leon, it is the largest church in Central America. Also, a World Heritage Site (by UNESCO) is in Leon, it is called "Ruinas de Leon Viejo" Runins of Old Leon, it is a wonderful site that i was surprised not many tourists knew about (i work with many tourist-related businesses here in Managua).

If you like just to relax, i suggest you head out to the Corn Islands. They are two islands on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. A plane ride is only about an hour away and $100. Everything there is cheap and the water is a beautiful clear white with dark blue spots. Coral reefs, amazingly beautiful and colorful fish, scuba diving, great Caribbean/Chinese/African influenced food and white soft sand beaches. It is nothing like other Caribbean islands which are infested with 60 story skyscrapers, it is honestly one of the last Caribbean islands with its charm... Hawaii may be beautiful but it is overrun with tourists who don't appreciate its people and culture a they do the beaches and cheap food.

Other places you should visit are the islets of granada, Ometepe island, Lake Cocibolca aka Lake Nicaragua, volcan mombacho, the city of Bluefields and Esteli.

If you want adventurous type things head to the city of Leon. There you will find, what i think, is the only active volcano in which you can ski down. I have been there plenty of times, its an adrenaline rush! The gear and everything only costs about $5 and you have to hike to the top and they provide a board and suit for you to slide down... its an absolute must.

I have heard tourist say over and over that the friendliness of this country's people is what keeps them coming back. I work with many tourist operations and provide city tours and it amazes me how people use to think of Nicaragua before they got here. They think there is still a war gong on.. the war has been over for decades. They also think that Central America is dangerous, while that may true, Nicaragua has been rated the safest country in Central America and statistics put it as th second Safest in Latin America, after Uruguay. Homicide rate in 2007 (as of late November) stood at only 12 per 100,000 compared to 58 per 100,000 in El Salvador

Answer 2

After reading Adyari's comments, I must confess she is the best source for all things Nicaraguan.  I have read several of the comments she has made on other questions and she has shown a friendliness and humanity that makes the people of Nicaragua what they are (Great).

Just do what she said and you can't miss.