central america & caribbean

nicaragua

It is less overrun by tourists than Costa Rica, less frightening than El Salvador and Honduras, yet Nicaragua hasn’t made it onto the mainstream tourist radar. Yet.

How many places do you get to scale an active volcano? As in a steaming, you-can-feel-the-lava’s-heat and see-the-burning-red-rock-and-lava, active. Maybe just don’t mention it to your mother until after you have gotten back. Whether you are a fan of the movie Dante’s Peak or a born volcano enthusiast, you will either be scared or thrilled to camp at the foot of an active volcano. The volcanic activity has created other benefits: hot spring and crater lake swimming holes – who needs a spa when you’ve got the real thing!

Less the geologically-enthralled may kayak, bike, surf and island hop to their heart’s content in top surrounds. The nature inclined will love exploring the plethora of national parks including cloud forests and wildlife refuges or just spotting wildlife such as nesting turtles. Lake Nicaragua is one Central America’s largest lake and boasts the world’s only freshwater sharks.

Nicaragua has all the elements of a top tourist destination, but you didn’t hear it here.