Off the Beaten Path: Nicaragua

So the secret’s out, and Nicaragua is a hot destination spot for families, retirees, and backpackers relishing the cheap beer, hiking, and good surf.  Nicaragua is filled with amazing natural beauty and extremely warm people.

Though the country has been “found,” there are still many opportunities to wander off the beaten path, interact with locals, get in touch with nature, and avoid the hordes of travelers asking where they can get a burger. Here are some recommendations for the top things to see and do:

Surf in San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is the most popular travel and vacation destination on Nicaragua's Pacific coast and offers a lively mix of local culture and tourist amenities. Direct access to a wide variety of activities such as surfing and fishing along with beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife makes San Juan del Sur the ideal location for your Nicaragua vacation. And with numerous hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, shops, and restaurants, you're sure to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Visit this lovely beach town and experience for yourself the natural beauty, friendly people, and local style that make it so unique. All the beaches are beautiful and lapped by warm water. Here you’ll find great surfing, the second-largest statue of Jesus in the world (behind Christ the Redeemer in Brazil), and lots of cheap bars. If you’re looking to party, this town is it.

Ometepe Island
This extraordinary island is located on Lago de Nicaragua and is formed by two joined volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas. Ometepe never fails to impress. Its twin volcanic peaks, rising up out of Lago de Nicaragua, have captured the imagination of everyone. The island’s fertile volcanic soil, clean waters, wide beaches, wildlife population, archaeological sites and dramatic profile are quickly propelling it up traveler tick lists. Hiking, kayaking, cycling, and healthy food are the island’s main draws. 

One of Ometepe's classic hikes is to San Ramón waterfall. This excellent four-hour trek follows a steep, clearly marked trail to the mossy,131ft waterfall.

León
León is a land of volcanoes, hot weather and interesting cities. Here, visitors will find the ruins of one of the first Spanish colonial cities that were built in the continent, which are preserved thanks to the volcanic sand that buried the place after an eruption. The ruins of León Viejo date back to

the 16th century and are a short trip from León. The site is Nicaragua’s only UNESCO World Heritage listing.  The elegant city of León preserves its attractive historical center and colonial buildings. Also, there are many natural attractions as well as little known and remote rural areas.Leon is one of the most important cities in the country. The center itself is an attractive destination due to its museums, art galleries, colorful colonial architecture, an imposing cathedral, and the facades of its churches. The city also has hotels, restaurants, local tour operators, bars and clubs. It is also a good starting point to explore the region.

Corn Islands
Located off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands are a gorgeous place for a vacation retreat. Most people come to the islands to snorkel, scuba dive, fish, soak up the sun, and relax with a good book. There are two islands: Little Corn and Big Corn.

Big Corn is larger and peopled by a Creole population that lives in colorful wooden houses, many of which are sprinkled along the main road that encircles the island. And though tourism is the second-largest industry, behind lobster fishing, you won’t see mega-developments here.

Little Corn, a tiny, jungled, car-less jewel, actually attracts more tourists, with most visitors heading for funky, creative beachside cabañas. The dive sites are more diverse on Little Corn, the jungle is thick and the food is outrageously good, which explains why so many ignore the larger island and indulge in car-free tranquility.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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