20 Photos (Shared By Tourists) That Show What Nicaragua Is Really Like

It doesn’t take a professional to show off Nicaragua’s beauty. That’s all natural. Tourists do tend to catch some of the things that the experts would rather leave out though. We’re talking about things like crowds, litter, and landmarks that turn out to be a lot less interesting than they seemed in travel guides. None of that will be missing here. This list will feature the real Nicaragua, from the perspective of tourists have who've been there.

Despite some flaws that will be apparent, the snaps shouldn’t discourage travelers who had their hopes set on a Nicaraguan vacation. Every country and city has its areas that could use a little work. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth traveling to.

Let’s take a look at 20 photos (shared by tourists) that show what Nicaragua is really like.

20 Steep Cliffs Form Natural Walls

A narrow trail opens up the Mombacho stratovolcano to travelers willing to enter. The tight space could induce a serious sense of claustrophobia. Though some travelers may feel protected by the earthen cliff walls overflowing with verdant life. A current of fresh air and sunlight help too.

19 Active Volcanos Are Fair Game

Night tours take tourists up the side of Cerro Masaya to peer down into its gaping mouth. There, a pool of white-hot lava burns with an astonishing brightness. This photo taken during the daytime reveals just half of Masaya’s beauty. The volcano is a short trip from the capital.

18 Slide Down Ash Volcano Cerro Negro

Standing on the lip of an active volcano just isn’t dangerous enough for adventurous traveling. The next step is grabbing a board and surfing down this ash volcano at top speed. The amount of gear required for a trip hints at the extremeness of the sport.

17 17th-Century Architecture Is Well-Preserved

The Fortress of the Immaculate Conception sits on a riverbank not far from the Costa Rican border. According to UNESCO, pirates would ride up the river into the city of Granada where they would wreak havoc. That’s until fortresses like this one were built to stand in their way.

16 Human Structures Are Peacefully Integrated Into Nature

Thick forests are plentiful all across Nicaragua, but the one seen here is known as the Indio Maiz. Human inference with the area’s natural beauty has been minimal since it’s considered a protected area. NACLA also states that it's the homeland of two indigenous groups, giving it cultural significance.

15 The Boardwalk Leads A Tour Of Managua

It curves around the southwestern shore of Lake Xolotlan, drawing routes to various historical locations. Both the Plaza of Revolution and the National Palace of Culture are nearby sites with cultural significance. The lake itself doesn’t receive much attention due to an ongoing battle with pollution described by Phys.

14 Waterfalls Come In Threes

There are several other falls in the country, but the Cascada de la Luna is one of the most striking. An outcropping of flat stone slabs circles the clear pool where the falls deposit their water. A single stone at the center of the pond is a popular viewpoint.

13 Guasacate Beach Tide Pool Is Family Friendly

It’s located in Popoyo, a small beach town on the western edge of Nicaragua. The coast is ripe for surfing and swimming, but the shallow tide pool doesn’t require as much skill. It's cut off from the deep water by stone slabs that form the shape of a heart.

12 There's Enough Beach To Go Around

Swinging above the golden sand in a hammock as the waves rush up is the definition of tranquility. There are two long coasts where this dream can become a reality. One which touches the Caribbean Sea on the east and another that touches the Pacific Ocean in the southwest.

11 Some Landmarks Are Waiting To Be Restored

Visitors are limited to the outsides of the Old Cathedral of Managua, according to Atlas Obscura. After an earthquake shook the city to its core, the cathedral remained solid on the outside while crumbling on the inside. Rather than restore the building, a more modern version was built.

10 Sports Tourists Will End Up In This Stadium

Big baseball fans may want to schedule their trips around the baseball season to catch one of the games in Nicaragua. Since Rough Guides reports that it’s the national sport there, it’s sure to be entertaining. Dennis Martinez National Stadium in Managua is where most important games are held.

9 Take Sanctuary From Technology At Ecolodges

Ecolodges are built up in regions that have yet to be invaded by disruptive human life. An example is the Jicaro Island Luxury Lodge near Granada seen in this photo. Its small cabins are built on a private island. They include all the necessities without any of the excess.

8 Surfing Is One Of The Most Popular Water Sports

Baseball dominates on land, but surfing dominates in the sea. According to Surfline, it isn’t “world-class” but it’s "consistent." The weather and the waves are both there. While there are better options for surfing landscapes, Nicaragua is cheaper than many and the beaches are rarely crowded.

7 National Monument Creates A City Viewpoint

The silhouette of a pivotal Nicaraguan figure marks Loma de Tiscapa, a volcanic hill in Managua. Though it isn’t the monument that’s the most impressive sight here. Turn your back to it and you can see all of the city sprawled out behind the Tiscapa Lagoon.

6 Climb To The Top Of Cathedrals

The Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary in Leon is the only modern architectural site in Nicaragua to be included on UNESCO’s list of cultural landmarks. It's one of the oldest dioceses on the continent, giving it great significance. Visitors can tour the outside, inside, and even the roof.

5 Hot Springs Fill The Air With Mist

Steaming pits of mud cloud the air at the San Jacinto hot springs year-round, just 30 minutes from Leon. These pits are lined with red and black clay that the locals use “for healing ski diseases” and creating “small crafts to give away to visitors,” according to Oro Travel.

4 Sometimes Civilization Oversteps Its Boundaries

There are plenty of reserves all throughout Nicaragua, but humans have already begun to encroach on other natural beauties. The Islets seen here are located off the coast of Granada, and they do show signs of pollution. However, these signs of civilization disappear a few more feet into Lake Cocibolca.

3 River Water Still Runs Through Somoto Canyon

It’s the Coco River to be specific, and it flows all the way out to the Caribbean. Guests can take a paddleboat or tube between the pale cliffs. Another option is to wear a life vest and let the current steer while you stare up at the passing sky.

2 Vibrant Buildings Brighten Street Corners

Cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages are reminiscent of the old days in Granada. The golden Granada Cathedral is the city’s crown jewel. Vianica describes a history of disasters, some natural and others manmade, which have threatened to topple the cathedral. Yet somehow, it still shines brightly today.

1 Traffic Stops During Holy Week

Known as Semana Santa in Spanish, the week takes place a week before Easter. The streets first fill with processions before observers take their place with supplies for making food and art. It’s not the best time for car travel, but it's an awesome time for a celebration.

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