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

Concepción Volcano, Ometepe IslandYoung boy with bread, Solentiname IslandsConvent and church of San Francisco, GranadaTurquoise-browed motmot, Indio Maíz Biological ReserveBeach, Corn Islandswww.audleytravel.com/nicaragua l 01993 838 680 l Nicaragua 57Lake NicaraguaThe largest freshwater lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua's sheer expanse means that most visitors will end up here at some stage in their trip. Whether exploring it as a day trip from Granada or staying on Ometepe or the Solentiname Islands, it offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the country's busy cities.Ometepe IslandAs you gaze across to its shores, the two near perfect conical volcanoes that form Ometepe Island rise proudly from the waters of Lake Nicaragua. On a clear day the views are simply spectacular. Unspoiled forest frequented by monkeys, armadillo, opossum and deer cover the island and petroglyphs dating from 300 BC dot its shores. Although it is possible to visit the island in one day, spending a couple of days here horse riding or walking is a great way to explore this fascinating place. Ometepe is reached by boat from the port town of San Jorge, an hour south of Granada, and despite the sometimes choppy crossing, it is well worth the effort to get to.Solentiname IslandsThis idyllic archipelago in the southern part of Lake Nicaragua is made up of four large islands covered in luxuriant tropical vegetation and a scattering of small uninhabited islets which are a haven for birdlife. Best reached by a short flight from Managua to San Carlos and then a motorboat trip out onto the lake, the islands are well known for their small, tightly-knit community of talented artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations. The beauty of the islands is captivating and makes a wonderful backdrop for some good birdwatching. Spending a couple of nights here is a great way to relax in peace and quiet if you really want to get away from it all.Indio Maíz Biological ReserveThe Indio Maíz Biological Reserve is the ultimate destination for adventurous travellers looking to explore one of Nicaragua's least-known and least-visited regions. Over 600 species of tropical bird and 200 species of mammal have been recorded in the reserve, which covers over 10,000 square kilometres of land on the banks of the San Juan River in the southeast of the country. Accessed via a flight to San Carlos, the pretty frontier town of El Castillo makes a good base for exploring the area. An impressive 17th century fortress, strategically located on a sharp curve in the river, dominates the town. From its lofty position above the fast-flowing river, it offers magnificent views of the jungle canopy downstream and the town's colourful wooden buildings sitting on stilts above the rapids.Corn IslandsLocated off Nicaragua's Caribbean coast the undeveloped Corn Islands are two small getaways ringed by palm trees and white-sand beaches. Peaceful, incredibly laid-back and English speaking, here the Caribbean casts its lilt on Nicaragua's own culture. There are just a few simple accommodation options and little infrastructure, but intrepid travellers are rewarded by some of the country's best diving and snorkelling.El Castillo, San Juan River