Popular Tourist Destinations
Managua
Located along the shore of Lake Managua is Managua itself,
the capital of Nicaragua. Previously, the capital was located in Granada and
Leon but finally moved to Managua in 1852. Because it is a much younger city
compared to others in Nicaragua, Managua does not share all the same colonial
characteristics as Leon and Granada. However, it is today a vibrant city which
still retains a rich history and culture. Managua is home to an impressive
historic sector centered around the Plaza de la Revolución. However, an
earthquake in 1972 left many treasures heavily damaged. Despite this, various
structures survived the disaster such as the beautiful Old Cathedral which is
set to be renovated in the not too distant future. Another popular monument
still used today is the Rubén Diario National Theater, home to both national
and international concerts and performances. One of the most impressive
structures in Managua is the National Palace built in the 1930s. Today the
palace is home to some of Nicaragua’s richest culture split into the National
Archive, the National Library, and the National Museum with its many pre-Columbian
artifacts like statues and ceramics dating back thousands of years.South of Managua’s historical center is the Tiscapa Lagoon,
home to the famous statue of Nicaragua’s national hero, Augusto Sandino, built
atop the wreckage of the country’s pre-revolution presidential mansion. The
lagoon as well as the surrounding area has become a popular tourist attraction
with various restaurants, stores, and even a canopy ride over old downtown. Another
important structure in Managua is the Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library, a
strong promoter of Nicaraguan culture with nearly 70,000 books and a gallery
exhibiting Nicaraguan art. The Museum of Acahualinca is home to many
pre-Columbian artifacts including tools, ceramics, and even fossilized human footprints
dating back 6,000 years.
Ometepe Island
Known as the world’s highest lake island, Ometepe is home to
two large volcanoes, one of which, Concepción, is still considered active
today. Located in the middle of the enormous Lake Nicaragua, Concepción rises
an impressive 1,610 meters and takes the shape of nearly perfect cone. The
second volcano, Maderas, is no longer considered active and is home to a
beautiful rainforest habitat which is today a nature reserve. The two volcanoes
make up two separate parts of the island with a narrow isthmus joining them
together.The island of Ometepe is believed to have been first
inhabited as many as 4,000 years ago. Traces of the ancient civilizations can
still be seen in the many petroglyphs and idols on the Maderas Volcano. A
survey in the late 1990s turned up over 70 different archaeological sites and
included 1,700 petroglyphs and 1,400 carved boulders on the Maderas side of the
island alone.Because of the island’s somewhat secluded feel, many of the
indigenous traditions and celebrations are still observed by its inhabitants.
Today, Ometepe Island is becoming a popular ecotourism destination with lush
landscapes and beautiful wildlife. Visitors access the island by a ferry
service open to the public that arrives at the island’s port town of Moyogalpa.
Along the lake’s coast are various hotels built into the rich vegetation.
Because of the immense size of the lake, a visit to the beach appears much like
a visit to the coast with far reaching water and a gorgeous panorama of the
high reaching volcanoes.
Masaya
Masaya is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the
region and has erupted 19 times since its discovery by the Spanish in 1524. The
town of Masaya rests beside the lake of the same name which acts as a sort of
barrier between the volcano and the town.Masaya is home to various important coffee plantations as
well as an impressive artisan community. Although Nicaraguan artwork and
handicrafts may be found throughout the country, Masaya has an unusually high
amount of creative minds specializing in pottery, leather, paints, and fabrics.
Because of this, Masaya has become home to the best handicraft markets in the
country. Shoppers can find a number of impressive crafts including textiles,
ceramics, art, wood crafts, jewelry, food, and much more all at a very low
price. The markets are also great for their small restaurants where patrons will
enjoy the delicious Nicaraguan cuisine.The Masaya Volcano is one of the region’s most popular
tourist attractions because it is so accessible. Unlike many volcanoes of
Central America, the Masaya Volcano rises to a much lower altitude allowing
vehicles to drive all the way to the top of the active crater. Visitors can
even take pictures from the various viewpoints with the billowing smoke and
sulfurous gasses in the background. The highest viewpoint is home to a replica
wooden cross originally placed by the Spanish in the 1500s. When they first arrived
at the volcano indigenous tribes were seen performing sacrifices by throwing
humans into the active crater. The cross was placed as a declaration to the end
of these human sacrifices. The volcano itself is actually made up of five
distinct craters, only one of which is active, but visitors can walk to
viewpoints overlooking some of the other craters as well.
San Juan del Sur
Located along a horseshoe-shaped bay on the Pacific coast of
Nicaragua is the small fishing village of San Juan del Sur. Because of its
beautiful waters and impressive white sand beaches, San Juan del Sur has become
more than just a fishing village but also a popular tourist destination. The
bay is scattered with both commercial fishing boats and private sailboats and
yachts alike. The smooth waters and rich biodiversity of the bay have made San
Juan del Sur a popular stop for divers, while other beaches provide visitors
with rough waters and great surfing. Likewise, venturing outside of the bay
will also provide visitors with exceptional sport fishing and sailing.Be sure to do some exploring along the three kilometer beach
within the bay. The bay is surrounded by various hills which provide brilliant
views of the beach and adjacent lush vegetation. The southern bluff of the bay
is home to an old lighthouse and the ruined fortress of the infamous William
Walker who attempted in various Latin American countries to overthrow the
government and take the country as his own.Another popular activity for visitors is to enroll in the
nearby Spanish school and spend anywhere from a week to more than a month in
their Spanish immersion programs. Head out on a sailboat tour to see the
abundant wildlife; you may even have a chance to see a migrating whale during
the dry season! San Juan del Sur has also become a popular cruise ship stop as
it provides visitors with some much to enjoy. Whatever your dreams may be, San
Juan del Sur will be the hotspot to make them a reality.
Granada
Located on the shore of Lake Nicaragua is one of the most important and most traveled to cities in Nicaragua. The colonial city of Granada was founded in 1524 and still maintains its centuries-old layout and most of its quaint historic buildings. Granada was once the rival conservative city of León, home to much of the country’s liberal population. The two cities were at times in very strong conflict sometimes turning violent. Finally, in the mid 1800s, a compromise was made to place Nicaragua’s capital in the city of Managua, located halfway between the two rivals.Granada was host to many battles and invasions from English, French, and Dutch pirates as well as the site of an attack by the American William Walker. However, despite these attacks and conflicts, Granada has managed to maintain much of its historic and cultural richness. Today, Granada is considered one of the safest cities in the region with a very low crime rate.Granada is well known for the astounding preservation of its colonial buildings many of which are either still inhabited or have been transformed into lavish hotels or museums. The narrow streets have been maintained just as they originally were before motorized vehicles. For that reason many are one way streets, which can add some confusion during a drive through the city. Though Granada is home to coffee, plantain, and banana plantations, tourism is still its strongest industry which accounts for the extensive preservation and renovation of the many colonial buildings. Visitors will surely enjoy the main cathedral painted in a vibrant yellow as well as the surrounding plaza and park with its many street side cafés. Granada even has a lively nightlife with various nightclubs, delicious restaurants, and bars.
Leon
Widely known as the intellectual center of Nicaragua for its
University established in 1813, León was first established in 1524. However,
after a massive 1610 eruption of the Momotombo Volcano located only a few miles
away, officials decided to move the city twenty miles away to avoid any further
damage. Since then, this new spot has been the principal location of colonial
León while the original location earned the name Old León. In 1960 Old León was
excavated and placed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.León, much like Granada, is home to many colonial buildings
today refurbished and renovated into true historic gems. One well known
landmark is the eighteenth century Cathedral of the Assumption which conducts
guided tours onto the rooftop and up to the bell towers. The panoramic view
from the rooftop is spectacular with vistas of the other surrounding historic
churches as well as the distant volcanoes surrounding the cities. León is also
home to many colonial style houses that have been transformed into beautiful
hotels, restaurants, and even museums showcasing the city’s rich culture.Another very impressive landmark in the city is the Sutiaba
Neighborhood. When the city was moved to its present location in the
seventeenth century, the area was ruled by the Sutiaba tribe and was not easily
taken over by the Spanish. Today, the area still shares many pre-Colonial
traditions and retains a rich culture preserved not only by its residents but
also by the Sutiaba Museum and a 600 year old tamarind tree. One of the most
exciting events in León is the celebration of Holy Week, or Semana Santa,
when all of the city, especially in Sutiaba, celebrates by placing sawdust beds
in the streets in front of the churches.
Isletas
Located in Lake Nicaragua very near Granada is the extensive
archipelago known as Las Islitas. The islands total 365, and many have been
converted into lavish, personal villas complete with houses, yards, and
swimming pools. Though most islands are privately owned, others are protected,
such as San Pablo Island, home to a historic nineteenth century fortress known
for its failed prevention of pirate attack on Granada. Another small island is
inhabited with monkeys once left there years ago.Visitors that wish to visit these islands are in luck; there
are various boat tours conducted through the narrow canals between the islands.
Guides provide a great history lesson about the islands’ volcanic formation
20,000 years ago. If you prefer the quiet song of the marine birds and other
wildlife, you may also tour the islands in a smaller paddle boat without a
noisy motor. Some islands even have places to stop for food and drink, while
other deserted islands may be a comfortable place to be dropped off for the
day. Other tours include an intro to kayaking class which includes instruction
as well as an extensive tour of Las Isletas.
