Somoto Canyon
Somoto Canyon Reaching depths of up to 525 feet (160 meters) and in parts, as narrow as 30 feet (10 meters), the vast Somoto Canyon is a startling sight, created by the mighty Rio Coco, Central America’s longest river, burrowing through a cliff of solid rock. Today, the canyon is a national monume
Ruben Dario National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Ruben Dario)
Ruben Dario National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Ruben Dario) Nicaragua’s national theater is named after its most famous poet, the father of Modernismo, Rubén Darío. Built in 1969, the Rubén Darío National Theatre is one of the only major buildings in Managua that survived the capital’s devastating
Mombacho Volcano
Mombacho Volcano With an Aztec name that translates to Steep Mountain, Mombacho Volcano certainly lives up to its name, with its huge crater reaching a lofty peak of 4,400 feet (1,344 meters). The volcano’s last eruption, more than 3,000 years ago, was responsible for creating the many islands of
Hacienda El Progreso
Hacienda El Progreso On the forested flanks of Mombacho Volcano, high above the cobbled streets of the colonial city of Granada, the family-run Hacienda El Progreso is where Nicaraguan coffee is born. On a tour of this aromatic coffee compound, learn the steps that go into making the perfect cup o
Calle La Calzada
Calle La Calzada Granada’s Calle La Calzada leads from the ferry terminal on the lake into the heart of the town. Anyone looking to feel the pulse of Granada should plan to spend some time strolling this street. A somewhat quiet pedestrian zone by day, Calle La Calzada truly comes alive at night,
San Francisco Convent (Iglesia de San Francisco)
San Francisco Convent (Iglesia de San Francisco) As far as identifiable buildings in Granada go, it doesnt get much more noticeable than the baby-blue facade on the Iglesia San Francisco. The church dates back to 1529, making it one of the oldest in Central America, but the original church was des
Ortiz Gurdian Foundation Art Center
Ortiz Gurdian Foundation Art Center León’s Ortiz Gurdián Foundation Art Center showcases a private collection of Nicaraguan and international art to the public. The artworks date from the 15th century to today, and include paintings by the likes of the renowned Nicaraguan painter Armando Morales,
Granada Cathedral
Granada Cathedral Dominating the city skyline of pastel-colored houses, Nicaragua’s Granada Cathedral sits on the eastern side of the main plaza, Parque Colón, in a vision of red domes and lemon yellow walls with Mombacho Volcano rising behind it.The cathedral was originally built in 1583, and is
Casa de los Tres Mundos
Casa de los Tres Mundos If you’re interested in cultural events while in Nicaragua’s Granada, make Casa de los Tres Mundos part of your itinerary. This non-profit arts and cultural center shows temporary collections by local and international artists, and the works on show are often for sale.Locat
National Palace of Culture
National Palace of Culture One of the most impressive neoclassical buildings in Nicaragua, Managua’s National Palace of Culture is home to the National Museum, the National Archives, and the National Library. In the capital’s Plaza de la Revolución, the grand building was commissioned by President
Rubén Darío Museum
Rubén Darío Museum One of the most popular spots to visit in León, the Rubén Darío Museum is dedicated to the famous poet, writer, and ambassador who brought modernismo to Spanish literature. Housed in Dario’s childhood home, the museum was opened in 1964.On a visit, you can stroll the inner court
Ometepe Island (Isla de Ometepe)
Ometepe Island (Isla de Ometepe) With its pair of volcanic peaks shrouded in mist and rising up from the waters of Nicaragua Lake, Ometepe Island paints a hauntingly beautiful landscape for those looking out across the lake. A popular choice for a day trip from Managua or Granada, Ometepe is more
León Cathedral
León Cathedral The largest church in Central America, Nicaragua’s León Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s well-known for its eclectic design. Mixing Baroque with Neoclassical, Gothic with Mudejar, the famous cathedral was built between 1747 and 1814 and was designed by Guatemalan arc
Tiscapa Historical National Park
Tiscapa Historical National Park The rim of the Tiscapa Lagoon, formed when a volcano blew its top more than 10,000 years ago, is a great spot to get a view overlooking Managua. Perhaps the city’s most iconic symbol, a statue of Sandinista founder Sandino, is perched atop the Parque Histórico Naci
Old Cathedral of Managua (Catedral de Managua)
Old Cathedral of Managua (Catedral de Managua) The facade and bell towers of the Old Cathedral of Managua may look impressive, but get closer and you’ll see there’s almost nothing else left of the structure. The 1972 earthquake all but destroyed the church, and it was left as a ruin, unsafe for vi
Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) Managua’s new cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral, was built in the early 1990s to replace the Old Cathedral, which had been destroyed in the 1972 earthquake. After years of promising to rebuild the Old Cathedral, officials finally declared it unsa
Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve (Laguna de Apoyo)
Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve (Laguna de Apoyo) Believed to have been created more than 20,000 years ago after the cone of the Apoyo Volcano imploded, the Laguna de Apoyo got its start as subterranean rivers and rainwater filled and drowned the crater. It is located between two other Nicaraguan vol
Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán)
Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán) In most cases, a city right on a lake - as Managua is right on Lake Managua - would be a city embracing its waterfront. In Managua’s case, for many years the lake was used as a dumping ground for sewage, so it’s only more recently that the waterfront and the lake itsel
Masaya Volcano
Masaya Volcano The Masaya Volcano - just over 12 miles from Managua - is one of the most accessible on earth. In fact, while you can plan hiking day trips on the volcano, you can even drive right up to the volcano’s crater to take a peek inside. The Masaya Volcano National Park that surrounds the
Lake Nicaragua (Lake Cocibolca)
Lake Nicaragua (Lake Cocibolca) Nicaragua’s largest lake goes by many names: Lake Nicaragua, Lake Cocibolca, Lake Granada and even “Mar Dulce,” or “Sweet Sea.” The official name is Lake Nicaragua, but since it’s right next to the city of Granada you can see how “Lake Granada” might also seem appro
