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Known for it’s beautiful beaches on the Pacific Ocean, Nicaragua’s west side is often referred to as the “Pacific Riviera”. Miles of untouched shore line await the long shared development enjoyed by it’s neighbor, Costa Rica. Most well known for it’s surfing activities is the small, but popular tourist town of San Juan del Sur, located close to the southern tip of Nicaragua.
Managua, the largest city in Nicaragua, is the country's capital and the headquarters of it’s government. The government is a unitary multiparty republic with one house, the National Party. President Daniel Ortega is both head of state and head of the government. The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish and all contracts and documents are to be written in Spanish. The second most common language is Miskito, the indigenous tongue.
Lake Cocibolca is one of the largest inland lakes in all of Central America and is one of Nicaragua’s greatest treasures. Lake Cocibolca is just a scant smaller that the island of Puerto Rica and is very deep, up to 60 meters in some spots. Many lagoons around this lake are quickly becoming eco-friendly tourist resorts.
A must see on your visit to Nicaragua is the city of Granada. It is both the oldest city in Nicaragua and one of the most developed tourist spots to visit. A city dotted with colonial homes, this city was made for the walking tour of buildings, parks, cathedrals and museums. A walk south will take you past the homes of Nicaragua’s past and current wealthy residents.
If you are thinking of purchasing property, you will want to explore the west side of Nicaragua, which is sectioned as North, Central and South. The southern section encompasses the San Juan del Sur section and the Riviera beaches. Currently this is the area where the resort properties have been developed or are being developed. The central coast area is the stretch of coast located to the north and south of Managua, which is about an hour’s drive away. Developments are quickly coming on in these areas. The northern region is largely for investors interested in purchasing tracts of land. The infrastructure there is in much need of improvement. This region contains some of Nicaragua’s more beautiful tourist areas. The Cosiguiina Volcano Reserve with it’s crater lake is located here. Scarlet macaws, wild parrots and even a few jaguars have been known to inhabit here too. The eastern Caribbean side is split in two regions and is inhabited by Nicaragua’s indigenous tribes who reside there. This land can not be sold to foreign nationals. Nicaragua’s Law 306 allows tax-free income and no property tax for buyers up to 10 years.
Sometime in the 13th century, the Chorotega and Nicaran people, under pressure from the aggressive Aztecs of Mexico, fled south through the Central American isthmus, led by a vision of a land dominated by a great lake. The Chorotegas settled on the shores of Lake Cocibola and the Nicaraos headed farther south.
And so it remained until July 1502, when Christopher Columbus set eyes on Nicaragua on his fourth and final trip to the Americas. Still searching for a navigable passage through the land mass, Columbus skirted the shore and headed south.
Seventeen years alter, Spain sent conquistadors to establish a Spanish settlement in Nicaragua. Francisco Hernaïndez de Corodoba settled Granada along side the Chorotega on the shores of Lake Cocibola.
Central America gained their independence from Spain in 1821. Believing the Europe would attempt to return the former colonies to Spain by force, the United States to issue the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, declaring the new world off limits to further European colonization and interference.
Nicaragua is the country in Central America that adventurous people go to go see lush tropical rainforests, rumbling active volcanoes, and some of the best fly fishing in the world. There are so many things to do in Nicaragua that you might be tempted to explore the country for an entire month or more. Don’t miss out on the amazing opportunity to see the beautiful volcanoes, Montelimar Beach, and the historic city of Grenada.
Rivas
Rivas is a beautiful town in Nicaragua that is located between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua. One of the main draws of Rivas is the variety of Nicaragua beach resorts in the area where tourists can go swimming, snorkeling, and see other attractions. Fishing is also one of the main activities in Rivas. Organized fishing charters provide the perfect outing for both beginner and intermediate fishers.
Volcanos
Nicaragua has a long historyof volcanic activity. There are dozens of volcanoes worth exploring in Nicaragua. Some are active and some are dormant. Visitors can hike up the sides of the volcanoes of Ometepe Islandand view banana plantations and hundred of different types of animals. Once you get to the top of the volcanoes it’s common to go right up to the rim.
Beaches
Nicaraguan tourism is on the rise today because of the variety of beautiful beaches along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Many of the beaches feature gentle waves that are perfect for a day of swimming and fishing, while other beaches have strong tides that many surfers prefer. Nicaragua travel enthusiasts prefer the country’s beaches because they are relaxing, peaceful, and not very crowded.
Montelimar
Montelimar Beach is an all inclusive resort community on the pristine beaches of the Pacific Coast. Visitors can go to the zoo, go shopping, snorkel, scuba dive, and surf on the beach. Montelimar Beach is one of the best tourist attractions in Nicaragua for people who simply want to relax and prefer not to worry about arranging the details of their vacation.
Corn Islands
These tropical islands feature plenty of things to do such as deep sea fishing, taking a trek through rocky Nicaragua trails, and learning more about the species that inhabit the island, such as howler monkeys. You won’t find any modern hotels or cell phones on these primitive islands. In fact, the Corn Islands haven’t changed much throughout history but are gradually becoming favorite Nicaragua attractions.
National Museum
The National Museum of Nicaragua is one of the most important tourist attractions in Nicaragua. The museum is housed in a historical building in Managua. The museum features the largest range of historical attractions of any museum in Nicaragua. At the National Museum of Nicaragua you can learn about Nicaragua history from well before Columbus discovered Nicaragua to modern times.
The National Museum of Nicaragua, or the National Museum DioclesianoChávez, is also a great place to see ceramics that date to 3,000 years ago. You can inspect evidence of ancient civilization by looking at the museum’s extensive collection of prehistoric artifacts.
Granada
There are many Nicaragua attractions in the historical city of Granada. A Granada vacation is perfect for seeing colorful colonial style churches. There are several other historical buildings in Granada that all the way to the 1600’s. Granada also has an active nightlife season as well as fun events and festivals that occur all year round. The city has some of the best tourist attractions in Nicaragua such as marketplaces and museums.
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