The Beautiful Country of Nicaragua!

Cerro Negro 

One of the world’s youngest volcanoes, Cerro Negro’s dramatic black cone of gravelly cinder appeared in 1850 and has erupted 23 times since then. The last eruption was in 1999, but it was in 1992 that one of the biggest recent eruptions occurred, with a plume of gas, ash and rocks reaching 7 kilometres (4 miles) into the air. Still active, the volcano is more famous nowadays as an adventure destination. Adrenaline-seekers make the 40-minute trek up its shade less slopes to the smoking crater where they don boiler suits and goggles, mount a wooden board and whizz down a steep incline of black ash to the bottom at speeds of 60–100 kilometres per hour (40–60 miles per hour). It’s one of the most popular activities to do in Nicaragua, and you can’t go far in the country without seeing a backpacker wearing a volcano boarding T-shirt.

This one’s not for the faint of heart — I fell three times and lived to tell the tale — but it’s an adrenaline rush that only Nicaragua can offer. Volcano boarding is something you have to do with a tour; it’s impossible (and unwise!) to do independently. It’s the most popular thing to do in Leon, so be sure to book ahead to reserve a spot.

Somoto Canyon

The stunning river gorge that cuts deep through ancient rocks to create the Cañón de Somoto in northern Nicaragua provides one of the country’s most exciting adventure experiences in some of its most beautiful natural surroundings. A four-hour descent of the narrowest part of the gorge involves scrambling over rocks, floating down rapids, and jumping from very high rocks into deep pools. The more adventurous can opt for a six-hour trip that includes abseiling down cliffs and visits to spooky caves inhabited by bats. The easy route involves a trip upstream in a rowing boat and a gentle float back down in an inner tube.

Somoto Canyon was only “discovered” in 2004, and it’s a well-kept secret (until now – sorry y’all) as few outside of Nicaragua have even heard of it. Those who go will be rewarded with turquoise blue water surrounded by limestone cliffs reaching hundreds of feet high. You can jump off cliffs up to 33 feet high or just swim and float through the peaceful water — no matter how you enjoy it, Somoto is one of the best things to see in Nicaragua, so be sure you make time for it if possible.

Be sure to reapply your sunscreen carefully under your life jacket, so you don’t end up permanently branded with a tramp stamp suntan like I did. Ooops. I suggest you go with a tour like I did; my friends at Two Scots Abroad attempted self-guiding Somoto and ended up with a bit of a miss.

Bosawas Biosphere Reserve

The second-largest area of rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, after the Amazon in Brazil, Bosawas was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997 to protect the incredible biodiversity found in this northern corner of Nicaragua and maintain the free flow of species through Mexico and Central America in what is known as the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Over 600 of Nicaragua’s 790 bird species can be found here, including harpy eagles and resplendent quetzal. While jaguars and Baird’s tapir roam the forest floor, Central American spider monkeys and harpy eagles inhabit the canopy. Those prepared to rough it and visit can expect stunning scenery, unforgettable encounters with wildlife, and a chance to meet Mayangna and Miskito communities. 

The main reason why i decided to go this reserve was to see if quetzals are also living in Nicaragua. The quetzal is the nation bird of Guatemala and i thought they only loved in the Tikal Reserve of Guatemala, i was wrong. The most important thing for me is the opportunity to see some animals. I know seeing wildlife is never guaranteed, but i was able to spot an anteater, a tapir, monkeys and of course the sloth. I understand that there are some cats native to Nicaragua but when i was there i didn’t see any.

Here is a video explaining some of the wildlife within the reserve.

The Corn Islands

Laid back in the way only Caribbean islands can be, Nicaragua’s beautiful Corn Islands offer a change of pace to those lucky enough to visit. Located 70 kilometres (43 miles) from the mainland, Big Corn Island is best reached by plane from Managua. Don’t be fooled by the name; it’s small enough to cycle around in an hour, passing at least seven or eight palm-backed beaches with warm crystal waters and golden sands you can call your own for the day. Little Corn Island is a thrilling 40-minute panga (boat) ride away and has no cars or banks. You can walk around the island in under an hour and part of the fun is finding its hidden coves. The big draw for both islands is the diving, with experienced divers heading for Blowing Rock, a spectacular tower of coral off Little Corn that is teeming with colorful marine life.

 Little Corn is the quieter, more backpacker-oriented island with cheaper guesthouses and fewer resorts. You can fly or take a ferry to Big Corn and then a smaller boat to Little Corn. Big Corn is more developed with larger resorts and more restaurants, and it’s more expensive. Home to around 800 people speaking Creole English and Spanish, this is one the most friendly places you’re likely to find in the country!

Little Corn Island (Below)

 Big Corn Island (Below)

The City of Granada 

Granada is an Instagrammer’s dream and its colonial architecture is one of the top attractions in Nicaragua – houses of every color line the streets. From deep cobalt blues to vibrant yellows and hot pinks, basically every color you can think up has a home here. The doors are no less stunning, and so fun to pose in if you can grab a photo buddy. One of the can’t-miss things to do in Nicaragua without a doubt!

It’s also possible to tour inside the colonial homes of Granada as well if you’re interested in taking a peek inside!

The best view in Granada costs only a buck, and it’s a Nicaragua must see. Climb to the top of Iglesia de la Merced’s bell tower and marvel at the view of the yellow and red postcard-perfect Granada Cathedral. Lake Nicaragua even peeps behind it to make a photobomb appearance so you can really grab the perfect photo. Go around 5 PM for the best light and a sneak glimpse of sunset before the bell tower closes at 5:30.

FOOD!

Gallo pinto – a simple side of rice and beans – will adorn basically every local meal you eat in this country. Have it with pollo asado (grilled chicken), tajadas (super-thin plantain chips), ensalada, and maduros (sweet roasted plantains) for the most Nica of meals. Other things to try include vigerón in Granada, a dish made of yucca, cabbage, and chicharrón, and nacatamales, a Nicaraguan spin on the tamale.

Also, if you like lobster, this is one of the cheapest places in the world to eat it! Get a whole lobster meal for $6-10 in certain parts of the country, particularly the Pacific Coast and Little Corn Island!

MY NEXT BLOG WILL BE ON El SALVADOR!