Explore these exciting activities in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a beautiful country with many interesting things to see and do. To a large extent, the country’s potential has not yet been fully tapped by the tourism industry. Those that have seen the country’s vast array of attractions for what they are worth have created many interesting touring opportunities for the intrepid traveler. The following are just a few of the activities you can enjoy in Nicaragua…
Perhaps some of the most popular activities available in this country are those involving water. With a large number of pristine beaches available, visitors and locals and enjoy sun tanning, swimming, surfing, fishing and many other things. Kayaking and boating are also popular. In certain places where the water is clear and there are interesting things to see, scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular. For something different, you can even head up a volcano to enjoy the warmer waters of a crater lagoon.
Nature tours are another popular attraction in this part of the world. The diversity of wildlife and plants is phenomenal and are worth seeing. From more educational tours such as a reforestation tour, to simpler ones such as a dry forest hike or a march through the jungle, you can be sure you’ll find something to suit you. You can walk riverbeds, visit a butterfly farm or even witness the marvel of turtles journeying across the sand to lay their eggs. There are many self guided tours but also some where you will need a guide. Tours can be taken in virtually every part of the country, enabling you to see as much of its natural beauty as possible.
There are a few city tours that might also prove interesting. You can get to know more about the city’s history and the culture of the people by embarking on one of these tours. Guides will usually also show you the way to markets and other places of trade. If you are looking for something special it is best to visit one of the many clusters of artisans and artists located throughout the country.
Horseback riding is another popular activity and is offered at several different locations throughout the country. You can enjoy beach rides or forest treks from the elevated back of a horse in small groups. One of the best things about this is that it enables the rider to get closer to wildlife than they normally would so their chances of spotting something increase quite dramatically.
If horses aren’t really your cup of tea but you have plenty of energy and are reasonably fit, mountain biking is also quite popular. You can hire mountain bikes just about anywhere and use them to tour the towns or head for the hills – the choice is yours.
If you prefer to take things easy, there are plenty of hotels that specialize in luxury and relaxation. They offer, among other things, therapeutic massage, delightful meals and air-conditioned accommodation. Sometimes the hotels are the best places to be.
The Brown Sugar Tour is an informative tour regarding the traditional sugar mills and organic shrimp farming basins in the region. You will find out how locals made ‘moonshine’ and even taste a sample of this unusual liquor made from brown sugar.
There are also quite a few wildlife reserves and protected areas that are worth visiting. They offer the opportunity to see not only the flora and fauna of the region but to learn more about the efforts to preserve these resources in the country. Some of the more popular areas are the Mombacho Natural Reserve, the Masaya National Park, the La Flor Wildlife Refuge and the Maderas Volcano Nature Reserve. The Ometepe Island and its neighboring islands also boast incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, volcano climbing is yet another popular activity in Nicaragua. There are quite a few volcanoes located throughout the country. There are at least nine active volcanoes and plenty more which are dormant. The majority have a perfect cone shape and are quite climbable. Some can even be reached by car for those that don’t quite have what it takes to make it to the top. The view from the top of some of these craters is usually incredible and allows you a vista that stretches for miles.
With so many leisure activities to pursue in Nicaragua, you will likely find yourself struggling to choose which ones you want to do most. Make sure you will be in visiting during the right seasons or staying in the right areas in order to pursue those activities you want to try the most.
User Comments & Reviews
2010-02-22 14:12:35
What part can you mountian bike in Nicaragua?
2010-02-19 02:14:09
Hello, I was a PADI instructor on Maui, Hawaii in 1990-91. Then I went to Europe for a few years. I have allowed my Instructor's license to expire, but would be willing to study and renew. Do you need help? If I were to live in Nicaragua and speak relatively good spanish, are there opportunities to work in the dive industry? I am a professional business owner in the US and preparing to relax for a few years. Please reply
2010-02-13 13:52:06
i did not even know they had horse back riding till now
2010-01-14 22:13:52
XILOA IS A BEAUTIFUL LAGGON RELAXATION,QUIET PLACE, MOUNTAIN. THEY OFFER SEAFOOD, RESTAURANTS VERY BEAUTIFUL. I VERY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE SPECIAL FOR PEOPLE LIKE SWIMMING. I LOVE XILOA.
2010-01-11 18:21:14
LOOKING FOR CONCEPTION VOLCANO, AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT EASIER IF YOU HAD LISTED ALL NICARAGUAS VOLCANOS TO THE SIDE FIRST, SO DIDNT HAVE TO DIG THRU WHOLE ARTICLE
2009-11-19 14:08:24
We are looking to fish the area around Karawala ( near Bluefields). Is anyone doing this as a fish lodge or possibly a houseboat charter? How can we make contact? Any suggestions welcome. Thanks, Joel
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