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Home , Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur

Page 1 : A Land of Breathtaking and Unexplored

Nicaragua: A Land of Breathtaking and Unexplored Regions

Nicaragua, a nation of geographical superlatives, is the largest country in . Its diverse landscape covers an area of 129,494 square kilometers with a broad range of climates, regions and topographies for visitors to discover. In a country that remains 80% undeveloped, travelers can enjoy an incredible array of experiences ranging from hiking through rain forests and jungles, discovering deserted beaches, diving untouched reefs, climbing active volcanoes, surfing the perfect wave or just simply exploring the unexplored.

The country known as the “land of and volcanoes” is primarily divided into three regions: the North-Central Mountains, the Pacific Coast and the Atlantic Coast.

The Northern Mountains – A Natural Wonder

The cloud-covered forests of the Nicaraguan North provide a variety of opportunities for eco- and jungle adventures. More than 3,000 ft. above sea level, these mountains offer forests of mahogany, cedar and pines that are covered with orchids and moss, providing an idyllic setting for hiking, bird-watching and horseback riding. Mountain lodges, scenic trails and protected areas are some of the wonders of this naturally rich area.

Chinandega This regional capital is 72 miles north of and a base point for many scenic expeditions. From this agricultural center filled with hundreds of banana, peanut, sorghum and sugar cane plantations, travelers can explore fascinating volcanoes, stunning sceneries and isolated beaches, and meet people strongly rooted in their indigenous past. The beautiful beach town of Jiquilillo Beach is a favorite for surfing, while 20 miles west is the vibrant coastal port town of Corinto. Also 7 miles from Chinandega is the old city of El Viejo, with its famous Basilica, a Mecca for catholic pilgrims.

Estelí Eighty-nine miles north of Managua, this charming city of merchants, artists, ranchers and cigar rollers enjoys cool climates and captivating mountain views. Estelí, a center of commerce in Nicaragua for over a century, has been cultivating some of the world’s most renowned tobacco since the 1950s, when Cuban cigar makers discovered Nicaragua’s rich soil. Travelers can visit local cigar factories and learn the traditions of this exceptional art. Page 2 Nicaragua: A Land of Breathtaking and Unexplored Regions

Selva Negra (Cloud Forest) & Matagalpa The cloud forest of Selva Negra is located 87 miles from Managua, near the city of Matagalpa, at more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Originally a coffee farm called Hammonia by its German settlers, the farm evolved into a protected forest, where today more than 200 species of birds dwell, including the Resplendent Quetzal and other brilliantly plumed Trogons. The Selva Negra Hotel, part of a coffee plantation run by 5th generation German immigrants, has 24 wooden chalets and 11 additional rooms scattered throughout 120 hectares of forest. Fourteen forest trails allows visitors to observe birds, wildlife and a variety of orchids in their spectacular natural habitat.

Finca Esperanza Verde Awarded as the best socially responsible tourism project in 2004 by Smithsonian Magazine, this is a perfect stop in Matagalpa. This working farm showcases environmentally and socially sensitive practices with a butterfly house and breeding project, organic shade-grown coffee cultivation and solar electricity and hot water. The surroundings are breathtaking, with 46 miles of majestic mountain views, waterfalls and a host of flora and fauna. Visitors can experience interpretive hiking trails, over 150 species of birds, numerous orchids and medicinal plants and make jungle treks to see Howler Monkeys and other exotic animals.

Central Pacific – A Colonial Treasure

The central part of Nicaragua boasts a wealth of diverse beauty that ranges from the country’s tallest volcanoes and treasured archaeological ruins, to crafts and folklore and some of ’s most authentic colonial cities. This close-knit region, while filled with contrasts, is easy to access. Most of the region is within just a few hours drive from the nation’s capital of Managua.

León In 1524, Spanish founded this colonial university town at base of the Momotombo . Impressive views of the Momotombo and Momotombito volcanoes surround this unique city characterized by cobblestone streets, more than 18 churches, cafes, small shops and throngs of university students. León’s combination of universities and historic ruins creates a unique setting found nowhere else in Nicaragua. Some of its important sites include the house of Rubén Darío, one of Latin America’s leading literary figures, The Cathedral of León, the largest cathedral in Central America, and the various historic churches. Its museums are considered some of the most eclectic in the region, showcasing the many political, natural and cultural aspects of Nicaraguan history.

Managua Steeped in a history of turmoil, Managua is today a city in transition. With a population of more than 1.5 million, Managua remains the nation’s economic, political, academic and transportation hub. It is also the entry and starting point for visitors discovering the rest of the country. Travelers can easily take day trips to a number of nearby attractions, Page 3 Nicaragua: A Land of Breathtaking and Unexplored Regions including Masaya Volcanic National Park, which offers a breathtaking perspective of the still-active crater; the relaxing beach resort of Montelimar; the 162-hectare private nature reserve of Montibelli; the craft markets of Masaya; and the historic city of Granada. Managua offers several of its own attractions, including the restored Palacio Nacional de la Cultura (National Palace of Culture) and some of the best restaurants in the country.

Granada Granada is the oldest city in Central America to remain on its original site. Just 27 miles from Managua on the shores of Nicaragua, this fascinating and colorful city was founded in 1524 and is now considered a showcase of Nicaragua’s Spanish Colonial treasures. Seventeenth century churches, courtyards filled with flowers, impressive museums, European cuisine and historic buildings converted to boutique hotels distinguish Granada as one of the fastest-growing tourism centers in the country. Travelers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to kayak and explore the nearby “isletas,” a 365- island archipelago formed in when the Volcano erupted 20,000 years ago.

Ometepe Island Rising out of Lake Nicaragua, the second-largest lake in Latin America, this unique island was formed by twin colossal volcanoes that encompass more than 276 square kilometers: "Concepción" and “.” A favorite with volcano climbers, Concepción is active, and has slopes covered by tropical dry forest, while Maderas is dormant, with a deep cloud forest and beautiful lagoon on top of the crater. Island was once considered sacred ground by ancient cultures, and visitors can still find many ceremonial carvings and lingering legends. A visit to Ometepe has been described as a sensory experience filled with sounds of wildlife and views of nature permeated by a mystical presence.

San Juan del Sur On Nicaragua’s central Pacific coast near its border with , is the country’s primary surfing destination. Described as a port town, fishing village, surfing and backpacker’s haven, San Juan del Sur has undeniably become a tourism hot spot that has lured not only travelers, but a good deal of foreign investment as well. Several high-end residential communities are springing up and San Juan del Sur is also a favorite weekend getaway for wealthy . Visitors can choose from a variety of perfect beaches surrounded by towering cliffs and a nearby wildlife refuge with a turtle- nesting beach. Various new restaurants and hotels, such as the Morgan’s Rock Eco- Lodge, accommodate an increasing number of sophisticated visitors. San Juan del Sur is also becoming a port destination for many international cruise ships.

Atlantic Coast – A Region Untouched

Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast is Nirvana for nature lovers. The largest and most unpopulated region of the country, it covers more than 46% of the Nicaragua’s territory and has more than 205 miles of beaches. Culturally, socially and linguistically, it is also worlds apart Page 4 Nicaragua: A Land of Breathtaking and Unexplored Regions from the rest of the country. While most of the inhabitants are indigenous (Misquito, Sumo and Rama Indians), English is widely spoken in this once-British settlement. Nicaragua’s “jungle coast” possesses the largest expanse of tropical rainforest north of the Amazon. Rivers are the primary means of transportation. World-class fishing, scuba diving and eco-tourism are drawing a growing number of travelers to this very special region.

Bluefields Reachable either by land or sea, Bluefields is located on the shores of Nicaragua, 178 miles from Managua. This unique town is dominated not only by wide rivers and small jungle , but also by a unique island culture evidenced in its plentiful seafood, dancing and reggae bars. Bluefields is a rare melting pot of indigenous, African, English, Dutch and Spanish influences. A mixture of white sand, coral reefs, coconut palms, mangroves, jungles and rainforests make this area a favorite for those who appreciate an exotic combination of attractions.

Corn Islands (Big and Little) Located in the , 53 miles from Bluefields, these islands encompass 10 square kilometers of forested hills, mangrove swamps, stretches of white coral beaches and incredible crystal blue waters. For centuries, the Corn Islands were under British domination and served as a refuge for pirates. Although largely mestizo (people of mixed European and Indian ancestry), direct descendents of pirates, English royalty and plantation owners still comprise a significant percentage of the population. This forgotten, tropical paradise offers great snorkeling, diving and sun bathing. A wilder and more pristine version of Big Corn Island is Little Corn Island. This delicate paradise measures three square kilometers and is surrounded by more than four miles of coral reef teeming with sea life.

San Juan Region and River The San Juan region is an area of natural wonders, pristine nature reserves and historical importance. During the 1849 Gold Rush in , the river served as a passageway for American travelers due to its natural inter-oceanic waterway. The river and its surrounding areas are true tropical rainforest with some of the richest biodiversity in the region. The river starts at the southwest corner of Lake Nicaragua and flows for 119 miles to the Caribbean Sea. Along this spectacular river, one can see hundreds of different bird species, including Chestnut Mandibled Toucans, Harpy Eagles, Boat Billed Herons, Great Egrets, Jacanas and Cormorants, as well as various types of caimans, turtles, and monkeys.

References: www.visitanicaragua.com www.selvanegra.com www.morgansrock.com www.fincaesperanzaverde.org www.montibelli.com Page 5 Nicaragua: A Land of Breathtaking and Unexplored Regions

About Nicaragua Central America’s most intriguing new travel destination, Nicaragua offers visitors an authentic experience that puts them in touch with the country’s vast natural beauty and warmth of its people. Travelers can enjoy ecotourism, adventure tourism and simply relaxation against a backdrop of dazzling colonial architecture; spectacular volcanoes, lakes and rainforest; and pristine beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Central America’s largest country and the safest, Nicaragua beckons with a wide variety of travel options at affordable prices. www.visitanicaragua.com

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