Lonely PlanetOct 13, 2026
10 Experiences You Can Only Have in Nicaragua
Often overlooked by visitors to Central America, Nicaragua is packed with incredible landscapes, fascinating culture, and top-tier beaches. These are some of our favorite experiences in this wild and wonderful nation.
24 things in this story
- San Juan de OrienteNeighborhoodknown for its pottery
- CatarinaNeighborhoodfamed for its flower nurseries
- DiriáNeighborhoodhome to a thriving community of healers
- Elsewhere
- Doña Elba CigarsPlaceGranada, Nicaraguafactory-meets-museum demonstrates cigar making
- Iglesia de la MercedPlace of worshipGranada, Nicaraguabaroque bell tower offers sunset views
- Convento San FranciscoMuseumGranada, Nicaraguahoused inside, offers insight into history
- Las Isletas de GranadaAttractionGranada, Nicaraguakayaking available for day trips
- Parque Nacional Volcán MasayaSightGranada, Nicaraguahome to the 'Mouth of Hell' crater
- Cráter SantiagoSightGranada, Nicaraguawitness its incandescent glow on nighttime tours
- Catedral de LeónPlace of worshipLeón, Nicaraguaclimb to the roof for views
- Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-GurdiánMuseumLeón, Nicaraguadisplays Latin American contemporary artwork
- PoneloyaSightLeón, NicaraguaIt lies within the León Department and borders Las Peñitas, Nicaragua.
- Viejo LeónSightLeón, Nicaraguaruins of the original city
- Flor de Caña Rum DistilleryPlaceLeón, Nicaraguaoffers educational tours and tastings
- Finca Neblina del BosqueHotelMatagalpa, Nicaraguaecolodge in a diverse nature reserve
- Selva NegraHotelMatagalpa, Nicaraguafamily business in the Matagalpa mountains
- Chicha Bruja Doña LoñaRestaurantSan Juan de Oriente, Nicaraguaserves traditional alcoholic corn beverage
- OmetepeNeighborhoodGranada, Nicaraguaisland of twin volcanoes
- Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la AsunciónPlace of worshipGranada, Nicaragua
- ChocoMuseoMuseumGranada, Nicaragua
- ArgencoveRestaurantGranada, Nicaragua
- Laguna de ApoyoSightGranada, Nicaragua
- Lago de NicaraguaSightGranada, Nicaragua
- Las PeñitasSightLeón, Nicaragua