Nicaragua continues to fly under the radar as a Central American travel destination. Which means the country’s scenic lakeshores, Pacific Ocean beaches, volcanic national parks, baseball stadiums and historic colonial towns are refreshingly uncrowded compared to the region’s more popular destinations. It’s time to explore the unknown.

Often called “the land of volcanoes and lakes” because of its main geographical features, Nicaragua is both a stand-alone destination and a place easily combined with neighbors like Costa Rica (directly to the south) and Guatemala.

Nicaragua hosts more than 300 volcanic islands, which were inhabited by Indian cultures in pre-Columbian times. If you want to see proof, check out the life-size stone sculptures in front of the church in Altagracia.

Light and dark sand beaches line the long Pacific shore, setting the scene for world-class surfing and other water sports.

Another highlight is the small colonial town of Granada, at the foot of Mombacho Volcano. Founded in 1524, the lakeside town boasts beautiful colonial architecture and a cathedral regarded as one of the most important colonial buildings in Central America.

Sandy beaches, turquoise sea and Caribbean flair are the allure of the remote, unspoiled Corn Islands about 70 kms off Nicaragua’s east coast. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the main activities, But if long walks along the beach and snoozing in a hammock are more your thing, Travel Pioneers is happy to arrange that too!

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