For those who long to unwind or seek fresh adventures, Nicaragua is one of the world’s best kept travel secrets. This emerging Central American destination has a bevy of off the grid diversions that allow you to unplug and enjoy. I am giving you a few suggestions for exploring this country in comfort, no matter what your pace.
Taking it easy. It is untouched and beautiful, and offers an incredible cultural mix with Spanish, British, and Caribbean influences found in local music, dance, and cuisine. I have culled some of the finest ways to enjoy unhurried exploration.
Embark on a two hour boat tour to Lake Nicaragua, the largest in Central America to admire the birdlife and fauna on the islets of Granada, 365 small islands formed by the eruption of the Mombacho Volcano 20,000 years ago.
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Take a 30 minutes horse drawn carriage ride, followed by a cup of local coffee for an interesting perspective of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Granada both are traditional pastimes not to be missed.
Your travel specialist may also suggest that you indulge in an ancient healing tradition and holistic experience with a signature spa treatment in one of the six private casitas at the brand new Mukul Beach Golf and Spa resort located on the Emerald Coast. Then retreat to your bohia, individual tree house like accommodation tucked into a hillside, step out onto your veranda and slip into your private pool, cocktail in hand.
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Arrange for a local guide to give you an insider tour of the plazas, cathedrals, and nearby Acahualinca Museum where ancient footprints, fossilized in volcanic ash are exhibited because signs are far and few between in the capital city of Managua. Have dinner at Los Ranchos.
Peruse beautiful handmade ceramics, leather goods, and paintings found at Masaya Marketplace in the artisan village of San Juan de Oriente. Hamacas Vincente Suazo, a family owned shop is said to create some of the finest hammocks in all of Central America.
Active Exploration. Nicaragua has the largest expanse of tropical rainforest north of the Amazon, laced with countless rivers, enormous crater lakes, and 40 volcanos towering on the horizon. Hike to the Masaya Lagoon lookout at the foot of still active Masaya Volcano. Sail to Pearl Cays, a group of 18 pristine and absolutely dazzling islands located about 22 miles off the coast. Your travel agent can arrange a snorkeling excursion in the turquoise waters where you can see fish in open ocean and freshwater alike for blue, black and striped marlin. Sport fishing fanatics will enjoy reeling in giant tarpons in both the San Juan River and Lake Nicaragua. Paddle the Istiam River crossing Ometepe Island during a guided kayaking adventure. Catch a wave along the golden beaches of San Juan del Sur, where you can sign up for a surf lesson or charter a boat to seek out the best breaks such as the ones flanking the shore at Popoyo Beach and Manzanillo Beach.
Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.