Southwestern Nicaragua
By day, hang out with Paul, Charlie and their kids, go fishing with the locals or sip a beer while putting some freshly caught fish on the barbecue. By night, be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves from your spacious, bamboo-walled room. Nothing fancy; just great atmosphere. Take the southern access road to the beach.
You can also camp (tents available for rent) or sleep in a hammock.
28.65 MILES
Climbing this 1394m volcano is challenging but worthwhile. Guides are required for the seven- to eight-hour round-trip trek (with four to five hours of…
25.77 MILES
This massive (and active) volcano is an Ometepe landmark. The seven- to 10-hour hike up loose volcanic stone to the summit of this looming peak can be…
20.52 MILES
The excellent Museo Numismástico (Money Museum) documents the troubled history of the Nicaraguan economy through its coins and banknotes. Across the road,…
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Río Escalante-Chacocente
26.46 MILES
The main event at this remote wildlife refuge is the mass arrival of female turtles (at intervals between July and December), who crawl up onto the sandy…
28.27 MILES
This stunning 40m waterfall is one of the jewels of the island. The 3.7km trail begins at the Estación Biológica de Ometepe. You can drive 2.2km up to the…
Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor
12.24 MILES
One of the principal laying grounds for endangered olive ridley and leatherback turtles, this wildlife refuge (locally called by its shorter name, 'La…
2.16 MILES
This 25m statue of Jesus – one of the tallest in the world – overlooks the town from its perch 2km to the north. Take the one-hour hike up from the north…
Museo de Antropología e Historia
11.64 MILES
If you have some time to kill in town, this 200-year-old house is the place to go. Inside you'll find some moth-eaten taxidermy, a wall of myths and…
2.16 MILES
This 25m statue of Jesus – one of the tallest in the world – overlooks the town from its perch 2km to the north. Take the one-hour hike up from the north…
3.01 MILES
There's a spectacular petroglyph not far from town, depicting an enormous and elaborate hunting scene carved perhaps 1500 years ago. To find it, walk…
3.12 MILES
Check this arts center for salsa, merengue and bacchata (romantic Dominican dance music) dance lessons, arts exhibits and more. It's also the home of APC…
4. Parroquia San Juan Bautista
3.19 MILES
The town's pretty peach-and-white church pays homage to San Juan Bautista.
11.08 MILES
This wide stretch of white sand is hemmed in by headlands at both ends and the water is calm and good for swimming. There's a restaurant and several good…
6. Iglesia San Francisco de Asis
11.45 MILES
Four blocks west of the Parque Central, this beautiful wooden church (1778) is notable for several well-carved saints and an underground tunnel running to…
7. Museo de Antropología e Historia
11.64 MILES
If you have some time to kill in town, this 200-year-old house is the place to go. Inside you'll find some moth-eaten taxidermy, a wall of myths and…
8. Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro
11.69 MILES
This 1863 church on the eastern side of Parque Central is worth a look for its attractive classical facade, and a lovely fresco in the cupola showing a…