Nicaragua – an explorer’s paradise Sebastian Velasquez – March 2023 Before going to Nicaragua, I had no idea what to expect. I only knew what the internet wanted me to know – mainly the negative perspectives. Even though I was mainly reading the bad stuff about Nicaragua, I knew the country had many positives to offer for an explorer like me. Upon arriving to the Nicaraguan border by foot (this experience deserves its own story), I could already tell that I would really enjoy the country and its diverse scenery. The lush vegetation and tropical climate were similar to my home country of Colombia. I immediately felt like I belonged there and was ready to explore the ins and outs. In the next few sections, I will share my experiences in several areas of the country that I was lucky enough to visit. Jinotepe, Carazo View of volcan Concepcion between two palm trees Jinotepe was my home-base for most of my trip. I am grateful to my good friend Nate that gave me a room to crash in and work from during my trip. The climate in this region is cooler than other parts, as it sits atop a hill. During my time there, I really enjoyed the weather and felt extremely comfortable being outdoors most of the time (no a/c when indoors). The town itself is relatively small, with a population of less than 60,000 people. Like most of the small towns in the country, the main plaza was where most of the action was. Cafe Alicia was a nice coffee shop to work from, and Chillhop was a good place for drinks (and I hear the food is a must try). Isla Ometepe Isla Ometepe is located on Lake Nicaragua and is mainly known for its twin volcanoes (volcan Concepcion and Maderas). To get there, we drove to San Jorge in Rivas, and rode the ferry to the island. Once on the island, there is one main road that you can take to reach both volcanoes. You can take this same road to get to El Ojo de Agua, a beautiful, wooded site with a natural swimming hole of volcanic-origin water amid native plants and wildlife. This is a must do if you are visiting Isla Ometepe. León/Cerro Negro volcán On top of Cerro Negro during an extremely windy day By far one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had in my life was visiting Cerro Negro volcan. To get there, we first arrived in Leon. A beautiful city located in western Nicaragua. From Leon, we took a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser to Cerro Negro (about a 45min drive) at 7am. The earlier you go, the better, as shade is quite limited around the volcano (and it tends to get more crowded around late morning/mid-day). We were fortunate to have a guide with us that led us on a hike to the top of the volcano, and then prepared us to go down the side of the volcano on a wooden board (sounds scarier than it is). This was an extraordinary experience that you can’t find anywhere else around our planet (at least that I’m aware of). Granada My time in Granada was limited, as I did not make it my top priority of places to explore. I only spent a day here and felt like I got to know the city pretty well. The colonial-era architecture and walkability of the city make it an attractive place for foreigners from all over the world to make it their homebase during their respective country’s winter months. One highlight of my visit here was Restaurante El Garaje. The food is all freshly prepared daily, and the menu is constantly changing. You won’t be disappointed. Laguna de Apoyo Views from Mirador de Catarina (post beautiful-and steep-45min hike) Another highlight of my trip was my visit to Laguna de Apoyo. It is a nature reserve in a volcano crater located between Masaya and Granada. It is a great place to go and get away from the busy and hectic city life. It is not a far drive from Granada or Masaya, so it is a popular day trip destination for many people. I stayed in San Simian Eco Resort for three nights, and it was my most peaceful exploration in Nicaragua. The calm lagoon stays at a perfect temperature for swimming (never below 28 degrees Celsius, or around 82 degrees Fahrenheit). At San Simian resort, there are kayaks for guests, as well as a full bar and restaurant to enjoy after a dip in the lagoon. If you enjoy hiking, there is a trail near the resort that will take you up to a small town called Catarina. In Catarina, you can visit the “Mirador de Catarina”, where you can expect to be mesmerized by the views of the lagoon and beyond. There are also many artisanal shops in Catarina where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs. San Juan del Sur Views from the Cristo de La Misericordia My final destination in Nicaragua before going back home was San Juan del Sur. I saved this for last, as it was on my way back towards Costa Rica (where I was flying out of). My main goal of visiting this city was to go surfing for the first time. I found a local 2hr surfing lesson online that took place at Remanzo beach. This beach is known to be a bit calmer vs other beaches, and great for beginner surfers. After riding some waves, I hung out at the beach bar while enjoying some Toñas (local Nicaraguan beer) and soaking in the sun. It was truly a beautiful day. Another famous attraction in San Juan del Sur is visiting the Cristo de La Misericordia. It is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ located on an observation deck, where you can capture beautiful views of San Juan del Sur. You can either choose to hike up the steep hill or go by car. Overall, my experience in Nicaragua was eye-opening, memorable, and adventurous. The country itself has a lot to offer for any visitor. Especially those that are looking for some thrilling and uncharted adventures. If you’re having any doubts, do yourself a favor and just go. It will be a trip for the books.