PuertoCabezasBluefieldsEl RamaEl Castillo Peñas BlancasSan CarlosSan Juan del SurGranadaLeónChichigalpaEstelíJinotegaMatagalpaSarapiquiSan JorgeMANAGUANICARAGUACOSTA RICAHONDURASConcepciónVolcanoMasayaVolcanoCerro NegroVolcanoSan CristobalVolcanoRío San JuanLakeNicaraguaLake ManaguaPacific OceanCaribbean SeaSolentinameArchipelagoLittle CornIslandGreat CornIslandOmetepeIslandIndio MaízBiologicalReserveIsla Juan VenadoNatural Reserve040 miles064 kilometresNicaragua541 Granada Wonderful colonial and neo-classical architecture, colourful cobbled streets and a laid-back atmosphere.2 León A thriving university city with narrow colonial streets, red-tiled buildings and interesting museums.3 Lake NicaraguaThe largest freshwater lake in Central America. The shores of its volcanic islands offer wonderful walking opportunities and provide a peaceful location for a few days relaxation.4 Matagalpa The city of 'eternal spring'. The temperate climate makes the surrounding countryside perfect for growing excellent coffee.5 Indio Maíz Biological ReserveWith more than 600 species of bird and 200 species of mammal, this off-the-beaten-track reserve offers Nicaragua's best wildlife viewing. Volcanoes Several of Nicaragua's volcanoes remain active, spewing gas and ash into the air, while others cradle spectacular crater lakes. They not only provide a stunning and distinctive landscape but are also havens for wildlife.12345Nicaragua has emerged from years of political instability as one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries in Central America. This turbulent past also makes it one of the least visited, which has helped preserve its authenticity and adds to its fascination and charm. Committed to welcoming visitors, the Nicaraguans are proud of their country and rightly so. There are some fantastic places to visit including traditional indigenous villages, Spanish colonial cities, fertile hills, secluded beaches and a whole string of active volcanoes and deep crater lakes. Add to the mix a Caribbean rainforest region, mangroves, coral reefs and the amazing inland sea of Lake Nicaragua, home to Ometepe, one of the world's largest lake islands, and it soon becomes apparent that there is much more to this country than meets the eye. Girl with grandfather, MatagalpaLa Merced church, León

Nicaragua 55Find out more For suggested itineraries and practical information about travel in Nicaragua, please see page 59.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries, accommodation, climate information and articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Nicaragua specialists 01993 838 680%Audley in NicaraguaNicaragua is Central America's hidden gem, and although it is learning how to develop a visitor infrastructure from its neighbour Costa Rica, progress is pleasantly slow. This is all part of the country's charm and a good reason to visit now, before things change. Our specialists have travelled extensively to the colonial cities but also to some of the remote islands on Lake Nicaragua and beyond to the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve and the Corn Islands. We have also hand-picked some excellent guides whose knowledge will more than enhance your trip. Although most definitely a destination in its own right, Nicaragua combines excellently with Costa Rica and we are happy to advise on the best land and air routes between the two.Accommodation Nicaragua offers some lovely converted colonial mansions in the cities of Granada and León, but elsewhere in the country - with the occasional exception, such as Morgan's Rock, Aqua Wellness Resort and Jicaro Island Ecolodge - hotels are generally simpler in style. A trip to Nicaragua is more about the destination than the accommodation that is on offer. Our specialists have inspected all the hotels, so can provide sound advice on the options available.ManaguaRavaged by decades of war, fire, earthquakes and hurricanes, it is a credit to the Nicaraguan people that Managua still stands today. In its current incarnation the capital consists of a vast conurbation whose identity is buried under a low-rise sprawl. For most travellers Managua is the springboard for the rest of the country, but it does house a few points of interest: some good museums, crumbling churches and reportedly the world's oldest human footprints. A city of contrasts, there are few places left in the world where you would see a horse and cart pulling up next to a lorry at the traffic lights in the capital city. Accommodation in ManaguaManagua doesn't offer the most memorable accommodation in the country but the charming Los Robles Hotel is a simple, characterful property with just 14 rooms located around a pretty courtyard. Alternatively there are a couple of international chain hotels, including the InterContinental, that are ideal for a night or two.Masaya Volcano National ParkLying between Managua and Granada, Masaya Volcano National Park is a fascinating place to visit, either en route between the two cities or as a day trip from either one. The main attraction is the huge Santiago Crater which has formed between the Nindirí and Masaya volcanoes. Throughout the 1900s there were frequent eruptions until, in 1985, the craters collapsed. Even now sulphurous gases still bellow forth and you can hear the lava thundering past below ground. Surrounding the national park are some fascinating little market and craft towns well worth exploring.Statue of revolutionary soldier, ManaguaSantiago cathedral, ManaguaLocal craft store, near Masaya Volcano National ParkSantiago Crater, Masaya Volcano National Park