My 15 favorite things to do in Nicaragua

My 15 favorite things to do in Nicaragua -

Nicaragua used to be a secret. "Pshhh, you have been to Nicaragua? That's where you want really , by" travelers would say. It was the land of hikers and intrepid travelers. Tourists waved instead to Costa Rica as Nicaragua rough past plagued his image.

But over the years, travelers looking for a fun, cheap and adventurous target here as an alternative came to "tourist" Costa Rica and Panama as soon as they realized contras were still not roam the jungle.

So out the secret of Nicaragua and is a hot destination for families, retirees and backpack the cheap beer, hiking enjoys, and good surfing. After the visit in December, I understand completely the appeal. Nicaragua is filled with amazing natural beauty and extremely warm people. I went with high expectations and was not disappointed.

Although the country was "found" there are still many ways to get the beaten path to migrate out to ask the interaction with the local people, with nature into contact, and avoid the hordes of travelers, where they to get a burger. Here are my recommendations for the top things to see and do:

Admire Granada

Granada has some of the best preserved architecture in Nicaragua. It was the first major Spanish settlement in the country, and many of the buildings and churches in the Spanish colonial style are beautifully preserved (and a variety of colors painted). Besides around gawking at the architecture, you can take a kayak trip to nearby islands, enjoy hikes to Mombacho volcano, or visit the nearby markets in Masaya. While you're in town, you should at one of the kiosks to eat on the square serving vigorón , a delicious local pork and cabbage dish (for only $ 2). Kathy's Waffles and the Garden Café serve good Western food.

Surf in San Juan del Sur

A hit with surfers and backpackers, San Juan del Sur is the most popular seaside resort in Nicaragua. All beaches are lapped beautifully and with warm water. Here you will find great surfing (expect to pay per day $ USD 9 per board rental and $ 25 per hour for lessons), the second largest statue of Jesus in the world (behind Christ the Redeemer in Brazil) and many cheap bars. If you're looking to party, this city is. The two best hostels in the city are The Naked Tiger and Pachamama (to throw a wild Sunday Pool Party).

visit Ometepe Island

This extraordinary island is located on the Lago de Nicaragua and is formed by two connected volcanoes Concepcion and Maderas. Hiking, kayaking, biking and healthy food are the main draws island. Volcanoes Hiking is as hard as it seems: you are really early or midday heat you need to start slow significantly (I learned this lesson the hard way). The volcano hikes will cost around $ 20 USD, if you are part of a group or up to $ 40 when you yourself are (hike with lead as he is rather uncertain due to poorly maintained trails). Keep an eye out for monkeys - Spotting it was as the walk more interesting

Visit the city capital of Nicaragua was "new" Leon

until! 1857 until today, it is the intellectual capital of the country and is home to the National University. Remnants of the political war between the Somozas and Sandinistas can be seen around the city in the graffiti and murals. There are many churches here, many art museums, and a growing food movement. Make sure you visit the Museum of the Revolution, an interesting museum about the Sandinista movement. The $ 2 tickets includes a guide. León is also where people rely for excursions to the nearby volcanoes. This town was one of the highlights of my trip.

Visit "old" Leon

The ruins of León Viejo are from the 16th century and are a short drive from León. The site is Nicaragua the only bid for World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas. While this is not something wasteful's ruins, it's really the only place to see, and the colonial past in the country founding.

learn to volcano boarding

Cerro Negro, a young and active volcano, is where the tourists (mostly backpackers) board down the gravelly slopes on a of the many organized tours to the mountain. They migrate to the tip, which takes about an hour, sitting on a piece of wood, and then side of the volcano fly down. leave Tours of León in the morning and afternoon. It is the main reason why many travelers visit Leon, not my cup of tea, is extremely popular. I could not visit anywhere in the country without anyone to see it, wearing a "I went volcano boarding" T-shirt.

Escape to the Corn Islands

The hotel is located on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands a beautiful place for a holiday retreat. Most people on the islands come for snorkeling, diving, fishing, enjoy the sun and relax with a good book. There are two islands: Little Corn and Big Corn. Little Corn is the quieter, backpacker-oriented island with cheaper inns and resorts less. You can fly by ferry to Big Corn or take and then a smaller boat to Little Corn. Big Corn is more developed with larger resorts and restaurants, and it is more expensive.

hike Miraflores

Located in Esteli in northern Nicaragua, this National Park was the highlight of my entire trip. You get through a beautiful cloud forest to hike small businesses and over rivers and waterfalls. You will not run into other tourists - it's like you have all the jungle on their own. You can all day or multiday trips in the park (the multiday excursions allow you to stay with local host families in small communities). There are also programs that you here to help on the farm or teach, learn. I have a one-day hike ($ 15 USD for two meals and a mandatory guide), started and completed at 16.00 at 7am the. Bonus:. All the money from the tours goes back to the community and supporting farmers

Visit was the Steinmann

Alberto Gutiérrez carving animals and symbols in the stones outside Esteli decades. He had a vision of angels who told him carve, and in an effort to end his alcoholism, started every time he longed carving a drink. It is not easy to achieve, but if you find him, Alberto will welcome in his house, type of fresh fruit, and show you all his sculptures made of stone, which he was inspired by God says. He does not speak English, so if you Spanish, only nod not talk and enjoy the carvings. He is not asking for money, but donations are welcome. This is a really great "off-the-beaten-path destination." Special thanks to Rodney McDonald, director of ERSLA (a great profit that the fire departments set up in the country), take there for me and introducing me!

skip Managua - There's nothing to see here. Move along.

some volcanoes hike

There are many volcanoes in the country, and she is walking a popular activity. It was the main reason why I headed to Nicaragua, and I ended up walking three. The two volcanoes on Ometepe are popular day hikes. They are much more difficult then you will be led to believe, but it's worth it (look out for monkeys!). León is probably the best place to do some hiking, though, as there are many volcanoes. If you are looking to get your hiking fix, this is where to do it! The most popular volcanoes Cerro Negro (volcano boarding), Telica (where to go for sunset walks), San Cristóbal (the longest and hardest) and Momotombo (second hardest).

binge on g allo Schecke

I'll be honest: I found Nicaraguan food quite bland. Be prepared to eat a lot gallo pinto (rice and beans), meat and fried bananas. It's not the most exciting food, but it was delicious (and super economical). But after they eat for three days straight, I broke down and went to a Western restaurant. A person can only eat so much rice and beans before he needs something else.

you a Spanish host family / learning
Want to stay longer? Take part in a host family. There are many ways to stay longer, volunteer, learn Spanish, and farm. If this interests you, hostels and tourist offices in every major city can to organize this for you. Esteli, Ometepe and Leon were popular destinations for these.

visit Apoyo Lagoon

Although many people visit Lake Nicaragua (the largest and where Ometepe is this lagoon near Managua), is a beautiful place to relax. You can sail on the lake fish and wander around. It's a beautiful part of the country

Relax -. Nicaragua is a great country, only in slopes on the beach Sit down with a good book to relax in the jungle, you stay on. Farm, surfing, or in the hammock. The pace of life here is slow and relaxed, so slowly, to enjoy down and some lazy, beautiful days.

Nicaragua is quickly the new Costa Rica ever in terms of tourism, and I recommend a visit to this country before it is "too touristy" and expensive. I see the writing on the wall: This place is about to explode with tourists even more than it already has. Nicaragua is a nature lover's dream: volcanoes, rainforests, mangroves and beaches abound. Add in some adventurous activities, friendly locals and reasonable prices, and you will see why everyone raves about this country.

I loved it so much that I plan already there again to go this spring.

More about Nicaragua:

• A day in León, Nicaragua
• of stone carving Hermit of Nicaragua
• My detailed Guidelines for a trip to Nicaragua planning

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