Nicaragua

At a Glance

Nicaragua is a Central American country of volcanic lakes, colonial cities, Pacific surf beaches, and Caribbean jungle coast that remains one of the region's most affordable and least visited destinations. Granada and León are beautiful colonial cities with distinct characters, and the countryside of the southwest has a lush, vivid quality. Those who travel independently and engage with local life will find it honest, beautiful, and full of character.

• Second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere after Haiti.
• Largest lake in Central America — Lake Nicaragua — contains freshwater bull sharks.