If you love traveling with a good dose of adventure and action, you can't go wrong with Central America. The region has plenty to offer the active traveler and in general is still off the beaten path. Moreover, it's not too far to travel here if you live in the USA or even in Canada and you don't need a ton of money. Where to go depends on what you want to do. If you want to try volcano hiking Nicaragua should be your destination of choice.
The largest country in Central America, Nicaragua is also one of the most interesting to visit. Decades of exploitation by an oppressive regime and then a revolution and drawn-out civil war have left the country poor and underdeveloped. However, Nicaraguans, or Nicas as they call themselves, are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They understand how tourism can help their economy and are trying to find ways to develop this sector in a sustainable way.
Those in the know bypass ecotourism paradise Costa Rica for its northern neighbor. The reason is that Costa Rica has become a little too touristy and expensive and has lost a bit of its unique local flavor. You can find unspoiled slices of paradise to the north of the Rio San Juan at much lower costs and without the crowds. Besides, Costa Rica cannot offer you the wonders of Lake Nicaragua, the magic of the Corn Islands or the fascinating history of the Sandinista era.
Central America is located where a number of tectonic plates meet and sees a lot of seismic and volcanic activity. The Nicaraguan flag and coat of arms both feature a series of volcanoes. This isn't surprising, with volcanoes such an integral part of the landscape here. There are many to choose from if you want to take a closer look. Some are active, some feature crater lakes and some even offer the unique activity of volcano-boarding.
One of the best cities to base yourself in is Granada. It's a pleasant place with stunning colonial architecture and cobbled streets. There are many establishments that cater to tourists. Most importantly, from here it's easy to get two the country's two most popular volcanoes. Mombacho is dormant and is located near the city. Masaya is about an hour or so away and is active.
Two other volcanoes that are easy to climb are Madera and its twin Concepcion. Together they form Ometepe Island, a stunning piece of paradise in Lake Nicaragua. Allow at least three days on the island so that you can explore the beaches and coffee plantations and have time to climb each volcano. The hikes are strenuous but you'll be rewarded with stunning views and fascinating petroglyphs.
The Nicaraguan climate is tropical. In summer it's hot and humid and almost every day sees an afternoon shower. However, in winter it's dry season, which means that conditions are more comfortable and you'll be blessed with clear skies. You'll still need plenty of sunscreen and water though, as well as insect repellent and a good pair of hiking boots. It's a good idea to be in reasonable shape too.
It's best to do your hike in the company of a knowledgeable guide. There are many travel agencies in Granada that can arrange a guided tour of some of the region's volcanoes. Accommodation establishments on Ometepe Island will also be able to offer you the services of a reputable guide. It will help if you can speak a little Spanish but some guides are able to speak some English too.
The largest country in Central America, Nicaragua is also one of the most interesting to visit. Decades of exploitation by an oppressive regime and then a revolution and drawn-out civil war have left the country poor and underdeveloped. However, Nicaraguans, or Nicas as they call themselves, are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They understand how tourism can help their economy and are trying to find ways to develop this sector in a sustainable way.
Those in the know bypass ecotourism paradise Costa Rica for its northern neighbor. The reason is that Costa Rica has become a little too touristy and expensive and has lost a bit of its unique local flavor. You can find unspoiled slices of paradise to the north of the Rio San Juan at much lower costs and without the crowds. Besides, Costa Rica cannot offer you the wonders of Lake Nicaragua, the magic of the Corn Islands or the fascinating history of the Sandinista era.
Central America is located where a number of tectonic plates meet and sees a lot of seismic and volcanic activity. The Nicaraguan flag and coat of arms both feature a series of volcanoes. This isn't surprising, with volcanoes such an integral part of the landscape here. There are many to choose from if you want to take a closer look. Some are active, some feature crater lakes and some even offer the unique activity of volcano-boarding.
One of the best cities to base yourself in is Granada. It's a pleasant place with stunning colonial architecture and cobbled streets. There are many establishments that cater to tourists. Most importantly, from here it's easy to get two the country's two most popular volcanoes. Mombacho is dormant and is located near the city. Masaya is about an hour or so away and is active.
Two other volcanoes that are easy to climb are Madera and its twin Concepcion. Together they form Ometepe Island, a stunning piece of paradise in Lake Nicaragua. Allow at least three days on the island so that you can explore the beaches and coffee plantations and have time to climb each volcano. The hikes are strenuous but you'll be rewarded with stunning views and fascinating petroglyphs.
The Nicaraguan climate is tropical. In summer it's hot and humid and almost every day sees an afternoon shower. However, in winter it's dry season, which means that conditions are more comfortable and you'll be blessed with clear skies. You'll still need plenty of sunscreen and water though, as well as insect repellent and a good pair of hiking boots. It's a good idea to be in reasonable shape too.
It's best to do your hike in the company of a knowledgeable guide. There are many travel agencies in Granada that can arrange a guided tour of some of the region's volcanoes. Accommodation establishments on Ometepe Island will also be able to offer you the services of a reputable guide. It will help if you can speak a little Spanish but some guides are able to speak some English too.
About the Author:
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