If you love active travel, a wonderful destination is Central America. It's easily accessible from the USA and Canada, is relatively cheap and offers an astonishing variety of things to do, from treks through the jungle to spectacular scuba diving. If you've always wanted to try volcano hiking Nicaragua has everything you need.
The largest country in Central America, Nicaragua is also one of the most interesting to visit. Decades of exploitation by an oppressive regime and then a revolution and drawn-out civil war have left the country poor and underdeveloped. However, Nicaraguans, or Nicas as they call themselves, are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They understand how tourism can help their economy and are trying to find ways to develop this sector in a sustainable way.
Travelers who prefer staying off the beaten track choose the largest country in Central America rather than its southern neighbor, Costa Rica. Costa Rica has long been the destination of choice for ecotourism but it has become quite expensive. In addition, in the more touristy areas there isn't much left of the local character. Its neighbor to the north not only offers the same level of natural beauty at a fraction of the cost but also has unique attractions such as Lake Nicaragua and the Corn Islands.
Central America sees many earthquakes and has plenty of volcanoes, many of which are still active. This is because the isthmus lies where a number of tectonic plates come together. The Nicaraguan landscape features a large number of volcanoes, both active and dormant, and the country is a pioneer in the extreme sport known as volcano-boarding.
Mombacho and Masaya are the two most popular Nicaraguan volcanoes among visitors. This is partly because it's so easy to get to them. Mombacho lies near Granada while Masaya is about an hour's bus ride from this charming colonial city, which has everything a visitor may need, including a beautiful lakeside setting. Mombacho is dormant and Masaya is active.
Two volcanoes not to miss are Madera and Concepcion. They are the twin volcanoes that form the island known as Ometepe, located in Lake Nicaragua. Apart from incredible views and the chance to wander through coffee plantations, hikes up these volcanoes can include visits to ancient petroglyphs. The island also offers beaches and plenty of affordable accommodation options.
The climate in the country is tropical. This means that it's hot throughout the year. In summer, humidity levels are very high, so if you're planning on hiking, it's best to come during the drier and cooler winter months. Bring sturdy boots, enough water, sunscreen and also a good insect repellent. You shouldn't be completely out of shape either because the hikes are challenging, especially on the way up.
It's best to do your hike in the company of a knowledgeable guide. There are many travel agencies in Granada that can arrange a guided tour of some of the region's volcanoes. Accommodation establishments on Ometepe Island will also be able to offer you the services of a reputable guide. It will help if you can speak a little Spanish but some guides are able to speak some English too.
The largest country in Central America, Nicaragua is also one of the most interesting to visit. Decades of exploitation by an oppressive regime and then a revolution and drawn-out civil war have left the country poor and underdeveloped. However, Nicaraguans, or Nicas as they call themselves, are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They understand how tourism can help their economy and are trying to find ways to develop this sector in a sustainable way.
Travelers who prefer staying off the beaten track choose the largest country in Central America rather than its southern neighbor, Costa Rica. Costa Rica has long been the destination of choice for ecotourism but it has become quite expensive. In addition, in the more touristy areas there isn't much left of the local character. Its neighbor to the north not only offers the same level of natural beauty at a fraction of the cost but also has unique attractions such as Lake Nicaragua and the Corn Islands.
Central America sees many earthquakes and has plenty of volcanoes, many of which are still active. This is because the isthmus lies where a number of tectonic plates come together. The Nicaraguan landscape features a large number of volcanoes, both active and dormant, and the country is a pioneer in the extreme sport known as volcano-boarding.
Mombacho and Masaya are the two most popular Nicaraguan volcanoes among visitors. This is partly because it's so easy to get to them. Mombacho lies near Granada while Masaya is about an hour's bus ride from this charming colonial city, which has everything a visitor may need, including a beautiful lakeside setting. Mombacho is dormant and Masaya is active.
Two volcanoes not to miss are Madera and Concepcion. They are the twin volcanoes that form the island known as Ometepe, located in Lake Nicaragua. Apart from incredible views and the chance to wander through coffee plantations, hikes up these volcanoes can include visits to ancient petroglyphs. The island also offers beaches and plenty of affordable accommodation options.
The climate in the country is tropical. This means that it's hot throughout the year. In summer, humidity levels are very high, so if you're planning on hiking, it's best to come during the drier and cooler winter months. Bring sturdy boots, enough water, sunscreen and also a good insect repellent. You shouldn't be completely out of shape either because the hikes are challenging, especially on the way up.
It's best to do your hike in the company of a knowledgeable guide. There are many travel agencies in Granada that can arrange a guided tour of some of the region's volcanoes. Accommodation establishments on Ometepe Island will also be able to offer you the services of a reputable guide. It will help if you can speak a little Spanish but some guides are able to speak some English too.
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