MAIN Travel Central America Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and also among its poorest. Although the country is still thought of as a hotspot for civil unrest, today it is relatively safe and inexpensive to travel about the country.

With an almost non-existent train rail system, buses are the modern and comfortable mode of transportation for seeing Nicaragua outside the main cities of Managua, (the capital), Leon and Granada.

Most travelers will begin their journey in the capital city which offers lush, tree-lined streets, cheap and affordable accommodations, a variety of fine international restaurants and a swinging nightlife, along with an extensive lagoon system and nature reserve all within city limits.

Top attractions begin at Plaza of the Revolution, including stops at the Catedral de Santiago (Old Cathedral), the National Theater, and the impressive National Palace of Culture. Also don't miss a stroll around Parque Central (Central Park) featuring historical monuments to Nicaraguan national heroes and poets.

About 1 1/2 hours away from the capital is Leon, the nation's second largest city. While here, don't miss a visit to the Leon Cathedral, the largest in Central America. Leon is rich in Spanish colonial history as well as providing easy access to nearby coastal Pacific beaches and beautiful offshore islands.

To the south, lies Granada located on Central America's largest freshwater lake, Lago Cocibolca (a.k.a. Lake Nicaragua or Lake Granada). The historic colonial settlement is the oldest in the Western hemisphere, today offering a lively city center, colorful markets, and coastal lake boat tours around Volcan Mombacho and the peacefully beautiful Isletas de Granada.

More about Nicaragua tourism around the Web:

Nicaragua.com - The official travel site featuring information and photos of top attractions by city or town with related feature stories on entertainment, culture and historical highlights, blog reports & weather facts, related resources.

Nicaragua Travel Guide and Travel Information - Lonely Planet - Good insider guide to top attractions including looks at Corn Islands, Granada, Managua, Leon and more
with photos & maps, travel safety tips.

Nicaragua Living - Online community of travelers, ex-pats and business people with ties to Nicaragua offering an active online forum, photo galleries, maps, information on top attractions and getting around, related resources.

Experience Nicaragua - Tiptoe through the advertisements for an in-depth look at Nicaragua trip planning, advice on what to do and where to go, related news & feature stories, including a photo gallery, weather facts.