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

Guadalupe church, GranadaLocal girl, Granada56Granada Granada sits on the shores of the magnificent Lake Nicaragua in the shadow of the imposing Mombacho Volcano. Dating back to 1524, it is considered the longest continually-inhabited city in mainland Central America. Today, Granada is the most visited city in Nicaragua drawing locals and travellers alike with its wonderful colonial and neo-classical architecture, colourful cobbled streets and laid-back, easygoing atmosphere. Just strolling the streets or relaxing in the main square, watching the locals throng around food stalls discussing politics and work with the ever-present traditional music playing in the background, is a wonderful way to pass the time. Alternatively, a guided walking tour of the colonial streets offers a great introduction to the city. Accommodation in GranadaGranada has some of the most delightful and charming colonial properties to be found in Nicaragua and we have hand-picked those that we feel really enhance a stay in this beautiful city. Amongst them are the Hotel Gran Francia and the Plaza Colón. Generally set in converted mansions and similar to a B&B in style, they are all wonderfully welcoming and friendly. A couple even have small pools and restaurants. We favour those that are centred round the main square or are just a stone's throw away. This ensures that you are within easy walking distance of the wide variety of restaurants and bars the city has to offer as well as the main sights of interest.Around GranadaJust offshore from Granada is Las Isletas, an eclectic mix of small islands with some of Nicaragua's most expensive houses standing shoulder to shoulder with abandoned Spanish fortresses. It is now possible to stay on one of the islands at Jicaro Island Ecolodge. One of Nicaragua's most upscale resorts, the lodge is located on a private island and offers just nine beautiful casitas.Granada also makes an excellent base to explore the enormous cloudforest teeming with birdlife and clinging to the side of Mombacho Volcano. Close by are the pueblos blancas, small white stucco villages dating back to before Columbus' arrival in the Americas and home to colourful arts and crafts markets.Plaza Colón, GranadaMarket stall, Granada