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7 Things You Can Strike Off Your Bucket List By Visiting Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s rich cultural heritage, warm tropical climate, breathtaking rainforests, and active volcanoes make it one of the world’s most interesting countries to visit. What’s more, it’s also the cheapest vacation destination in North America.

Here are just 7 things you can cross off your bucket list by visiting Nicaragua.

#1. Climb an active volcano

There are many volcanoes in Nicaragua, but one of the most interesting to visit is Momotombo near León. Not only is this stratovolcano symmetrical and iconic, but it is also the site of one of Nicaragua’s fascinating geothermal power plants.

Nicaragua is determined to achieve a goal of 90% renewable energy production within 2020, and so has established many energy schemes that produce electricity without burning fossil fuels. The Momotombo Geothermal Plant is located on the southern flank of the volcano, and you pass through the geothermal plant on your way to climb the mountain.

Another popular volcano near León is Cerro Negro. However, the reason it’s so popular is peculiar. The slopes of Cerro Negro are where backpackers come to try out the new sport of volcano boarding. It takes an hour to hike to the summit of Cerro Negro, and then you can sit atop a board and fly down the side. And it’s an activity where you can honestly say you did the dead and bought the T-shirt.

#2. Kayak in a volcanic caldera

There are lots of great places to enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Nicaragua, but the active volcanic caldera at Laguna de Apoyo is probably the most interesting. It’s conveniently located between the capital city and Granada. Geothermal energy keeps the 574-feet deep pool warm!

Another great kayaking destination is the mangroves of Isla Juan Venado, which is a nature reserve on Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline near Las Peñitas. Here you can see turtles laying eggs, tropical birds, and other exotic wildlife.

#3. Learn about biological diversity

With the second-largest rainforest in the Americas, Nicaragua is a great location for learning about nature and the environment. There are lots of popular destinations for ecotourists to go hiking and explore the forests.

Miraflores National Park boasts a superb cloud forest. There are rivers, waterfalls, small farms, and jungle paths to explore. It’s also possible to stay with local host families within the park and immerse yourself in the local culture.

#4. Go cliff diving

If you’re feeling brave, why not jump off a cliff? Somoto Canyon National Monument is a protected area in the Madriz Department with a deep canyon, tall limestone cliffs, and deep turquoise water. Where the cliffs are up to 33 feet above the water, you can take the plunge.

The pristine water flowing through the canyon is peaceful, so you can swim or float through the canyon, too. Nicaragua’s answer to the Grand Canyon was formed between 13 and 5 million years ago during the Miocene.

#5. Worship chocolate

Are you a dedicated chocoholic? In Matagalpa in Nicaragua’s northern highlands, you can visit El Castillo de Cacao. This small factory uses cocoa grown in nearby farms to produce the freshest chocolate in the world. The building is literally shaped like a castle, and the chocolate tastes beyond your wildest dreams.

And if that isn’t enough of a chocolate-fix, head on down to the Mansion de Chocolate in Granada. This colonial-era hotel and spa offers the rather unusual service of a chocolate massage. You’ll be coated in warm chocolate, have it scraped off, then experience a luxurious massage. The hotel also features a chocolate museum and organizes chocolate-themed tours.

#6. Go surfing on the Pacific Coast

When people think about surfing, they usually have Hawaii or maybe Southern California in mind. However, Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is a fantastic surfing destination.

Las Peñitas is only a 30-minute “chicken bus” ride from León, toward the northern end of the west coast, and you can find all the surfing facilities you need. There are affordable surfing lessons on the beach, a beautiful town, sublime sunsets, and the “chicken bus” ride is another cultural experience to tick off your bucket list along the way.

However, the most popular surfing destination in Nicaragua is San Juan del Sur on the southern Pacific coastline. The town is famous for the world’s second-largest Jesus statue (a little smaller than the one in Rio de Janeiro) and its beautiful beach. However, you’ll find that San Juan del Sur is rather more expensive than Las Peñitas when it comes to surfing lessons, board hire, and food.

You can enjoy surf camps at both locations, along with other fun beach activities, such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and sunbathing.

#7. Admire beautiful Spanish colonial architecture

Nicaragua boasts some fantastic Spanish colonial architecture. Most tourists head to Granada to admire the beautifully preserved colonial mansions, all painted in bright colors ranging from vibrant yellows to cobalt blues.

León is another historic city worth visiting. Until 1857, it served as Nicaragua’s capital. The Museum of the Revolution is found here, where you can learn about the Sandinista movement and its role in the foundation of modern Nicaragua. The original campus of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (NAUN) founded in 1812 is also in León. NAUN is the oldest and largest university in Nicaragua, though its main campus is now found in Managua, the capital city.

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