Scuba Diving Fishing Land Rafting Xtreme Adventures Things 2DO

Nicaragua / CENTRAL AMERICA

Mombacho Volcano:

Rising 1,400 meters above sea level, this long-dormant volcano is blanketed with a dense, verdant cloud forest. Nature abounds. The volcano's ecosystem includes 50 species of mammals, 174 of birds, 30 of reptiles and over 750 different types of flowers. With the proper equipment, you can reach the peak, where there is a small museum and scientific laboratory. There are several trails that lead to the crater's edge, and hiking and trekking are popular activities.

Another breathtaking experience on Mombacho is the canopy tour. Here, visitors will glide 1,500 meters through the treetops in the cloud forest, landing at 15 different platforms ranging from 10 to 18 meters above the forest floor. The abundant wildlife will keep your eyes open as you take part in this adventure. The tour also includes a hanging bridge suspended in the forest canopy, a Tarzan rope jump and a rappel down a rainforest tree at the end.

Ometepe Island:

Beautiful Ometepe island is a Nicaraguan icon. Two perfectly conical volcanoes flank both sides of the island, and the shimmering waters of Lake Nicaragua (also known locally as Lake Cocibolca) surround the island. Nature's hand has crafted these giants over the course of centuries, and the massif's names changed over the years as the volcanoes grew. Both the active Concepción and the inactive Maderas volcanoes are worth visiting, and much of their slopes is covered with a verdant rainforest.

During the course of your visit, you'll notice that many places in Nicaragua still use their native Nahuatl names. One example of this is "Ome," which means two and "Tepelt," meaning mountain. Together they form Ometepe, which means the place of two mountains.

On Ometepe you can enjoy white-sand beaches, the San Ramon waterfalls and many other activities.

San Juan del Sur :

Located 60 km. from Granada and only 24 km. from the Costa Rican border, San Juan del Sur is a picturesque fishing village that has become one of the most frequently visited places on the Nicaraguan Pacific. Here you can enjoy 3 km. of beautiful beaches and wonderful weather year round. You can also surf, snorkel, fish and enjoy other water sports.

At night you can indulge in fresh fish in any of the beachfront restaurants, continuing to explore the local nightlife in bars, discotheques and restaurants. And as if that wasn't enough, just a few km. away lies the La Flor Nature Reserve, where you can observe giant sea turtles laying their eggs during nesting season (from November to January).

León:

Well-preserved colonial architecture, towering church spires and a hip university vibe characterize León. Located in western part Nicaragua, this town was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, in 1552. The old city of León was destroyed in an earthquake in 1609 and nowadays you can visit the ruins, 32 km. from the present town. León was the capital of Nicaragua until 1852, when the title was handed over to Managua.

León has maintained its colonial flavor, and the local denizens have a strong faith that is evidenced in their care for the many ornate churches that survive from colonial times that are scattered around the city. Each church has a special architectural style, reflecting the time in which it was built.

Those are some of the churches and other places of historical and cultural interest that you can enjoy in and around town:

Ermita de San Pedro
Subtiava Church
La Merced Church
La Recolección Church
Calvario Church
Ruben Dario's Mausoleum
House and museum of Ruben Dario
Ortiz Guardian Art Foundation
Jose de la Cruz Mena Municipal Theater
Universidad Rectora
Entomologic museum
Poneloya Beach and Las Penitas
Juan Venado Island Natural Reserve
Telica Volcano
San Jacinto Bubbling Mud Pots
San Jacinto Hot Springs
Cathedral of León

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