Nicaragua: Lakes and Volcanoes

Nicaragua, Central America's largest country by area, features two massive lakes, volcanic landscapes, Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and colonial cities. Political turmoil and authoritarian governance have hindered development of significant tourism potential.

Granada, one of the Americas' oldest colonial cities, features colorful Spanish architecture. Leon has baroque churches and nearby volcanoes. Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca) contains freshwater sharks and hundreds of volcanic islands. Ometepe Island, with twin volcanic peaks, sits in the lake. Both Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer beaches.

Nicaragua's Sandinista revolution (1979) and Contra War (1980s) brought international attention and US involvement. Daniel Ortega has ruled since 2007, with increasingly authoritarian governance and 2018 protests violently suppressed. Despite political problems, Nicaraguans maintain cultural traditions. Coffee, beef, and gold are exports. The country's natural beauty and low prices attract some tourism despite political instability.