Discover Nicaragua
20 days1 December 2012 - Group Tour - Max 12 Persons
In the midst of a renaissance, Nicaragua is a place of peace and tranquility despite a recent history of war, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. The residents of this, the largest and safest Central American nation, are equally resilient.
In an overview of the cities, the sprawling Nicaraguan capital, Managua, was haphazardly rebuilt after a massive 1972 earthquake. More intriguing is León, with a wealth of museums and churches, including the largest cathedral in Central America. Granada is an architectural marvel and easily the most beautiful spot in Nicaragua; the city is also close to some of the country's top attractions, such as the handicraft mecca Masaya and artisan villages, known as Pueblos Blancas.
Volcanoes tower along the Pacific lowlands, the hot, dusty plains that stretch as far as Costa Rica. The north-central region's steep highlands are a picturesque landscape of pine-covered hills. The expansive Lago de Nicaragua is surrounded by volcanic peaks and speckled with hundreds of islands. Beautiful beaches stretch along the southwestern coast are traced by coral reefs amid turquoise Caribbean waters.
Volcán Masaya is the most accessible field of craters and red-hot lava, while Volcán Mombacho boasts great hiking. Among Lago de Nicaragua's hundreds of islands are the cone-shaped twin peaks of Isla de Ometepe, which has a serene, biodiverse jungle with excellent walking and beaches.
From a foodies point of view Nicaragua has fashioned seemingly infinite culinary possibilities out of three staples: corn, beans and rice. While touring try a nacatamale, a soft, flat corn cake steamed in banana leaves and stuffed with rice, potatoes, sweet pepper, and pork or chicken and spiced with garlic, parsley, or paprika. Alternatively try a Gallo pinto, which many claim is the national dish, which is comprised of red beans, fried rice, onions and pepper.
Nicaraguan culture, wildlife and landscapes await your discovery!
