Things to do in  Nicaragua

Catarina is a colorful Nicaraguan village overflowing with so many flowers that these friendly florals outnumber the locals. Throughout the town, you’ll find gardens, nurseries, and flower baskets handwoven by Catarina’s skilled artisans. Catarina is a breath of fresh air for travelers looking to escape Nicaragua’s busy cities.

Skip the hike and drive right up to the lava-spitting rim of Masaya Volcano (Volcan Masaya), perched between Managua and Granada. The active volcano’s famous lava shows at the Santiago Crater, combined with ridiculously easy access, have made it one of the most popular attractions in all of Nicaragua.

The Granada Cathedral rises above the city skyline in a vision of red domes and lemon-yellow walls backed by the towering Mombacho volcano. Well recognized for its beauty, the Spanish Renaissance cathedral—whose first stone was laid in 1523 and took 181 years to complete—is a quintessential image of Nicaragua and a popular Granada attraction.

Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro is the youngest, and one of the most active, volcanoes in the country. With its name derived from its black, ashy slopes, the stratovolcano stretches nearly 1,700 feet (518 meters) into the air. Cerro Negro is an accessible volcano near León, with most visitors lured up the rocky pathways to experience the thrill of “volcano boarding.”

Lake Nicaragua (also known as Lake Cocibolca) is Central America’s largest lake and an outdoor activity destination for locals and visitors alike. Nature lovers will enjoy bird watching from the shore, boating to the lake’s islands, or hiking the island’s volcanoes. Plus the cities around Lake Nicaragua offer many archeological sites, historic churches, and local markets to explore.

The city of Masaya showcases Nicaragua's Spanish and Indigenous cultures among its historic plazas and lakeside promenade. Known as the Cradle of National Folklore, Masaya sees the streets taken over by traditional dancers for a “Night of Revelry” (Noche de Verbena) every Thursday. Just beyond the city limits, you’ll find the smoldering Masaya Volcano.

A crystalline lagoon just a short drive from Granada, Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo) is one of the most popular natural attractions in Nicaragua. Get away from the city for a few hours of kid-approved water sports, or hang out and relax all day in a lounge chair poised on the rim of this beautiful crater lake.

Lake Nicaragua, Central America’s largest lake, is home to an archipelago of 365 islands. Formed by the eruption of Mombacho Volcano, the Islets of Granada include uninhabited isles, traditional fishing villages, private residences, and luxurious resorts. Explore as part of a “best of” Nicaragua or Granada tour, or with a private guide.

The largest church in Central America, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed León Cathedral is a must-see while in León, a charming colonial city in Nicaragua’s northwest corner. The cathedral combines a striking blend of architectural styles with religious import and pirate-riddled history, making for a church visit unlike any other.

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage–listed ruins of León Viejo makes it easy to imagine life for the first Spanish settlers in Nicaragua. Located on the slopes of Momotombo volcano and preserved by volcanic ash, the ruins are some of the most complete Spanish colonial ruins in Central America—even though they’re also some of the oldest, dating back to 1524.

A deep and narrow canyon formed by the powerful Rio Coco, Central America’s longest river, Somoto Canyon National Monument offers thrilling excursions for adrenaline junkies and scenic views of northern Nicaragua’s remote territory. The protected area covers 420 acres (170 hectares), including a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of canyon.

There are several churches in Granada to visit, but the Iglesia de la Merced, not far from Parque Central (Central Park), is noted by many as the city's most beautiful. The church on this site dates from the early 16th century, although it has been damaged twice (to the point of nearly-complete destruction once) and rebuilt, most recently in the 1860s.

With an Aztec name that translates to “Steep Mountain,” the Mombacho volcano certainly lives up to its name. Its 4,410-foot (1,344-meter) peak towers over Nicaragua’s colonial city of Granada, creating both a beautiful backdrop and a huge backyard ripe for adventure and exploration.

The Rubén Darío Museum (Museo Rubén Darío) is dedicated to the famous poet, writer, and ambassador who brought modernismo to Spanish literature. A must for poetry fans, this León museum is also a good choice for those curious about Nicaraguan history—the museum offers an intimate look at 19th-century upper-class life in Nicaragua.

A humble exterior conceals an elegant, velvet-swathed concert hall at the Rubén Darío National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío), Nicaragua’s premier exhibition space. The hall is a true homage to Managua’s cosmopolitan roots with Spanish chandeliers, American design inspiration, and the best of Latin American and other cultural performances.