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1.       Volcano Boarding down the Slopes of Cerro Negro

Want to do away with all the excitement while on your trip to Nicaragua? Then you can surely give this exciting trip down the slopes of Cerro Negro a miss.

Cerro Negro is a young volcano, just 161 years old, and is still quite active. Boarding trips down the outer slopes of this volcano is fun and thrilling.

The uphill climb to the cliff of the volcano is of moderate difficulty and takes about an hour. And once you get there, you have two options. Either you move down on it standing up on the board, just as you do on a snowboard. Or you can sit on the board and use it like a sled.

The journey down the slopes of this active volcano on the loose gravels is surely once in a lifetime experience for a lot of travelers

2.       Surfing on the Waves at San Juan del Sur

When in Nicaragua, not giving a visit to San Juan del Sur is surely going to be a mistake. It is one of the most popular beaches in Central America and is frequented by several tourists through the year round. If you love surfing, this is the place for you. Move in rhythm through the waves on the surfboard. You can rent surf boards here. Besides, there are trainers who might also help you learn the tricks of surfing on the waves.

The coastal town of San Juan del Sur is also home to the second largest statue of Jesus in the world, the largest being the Jesus the Redeemer in Brazil.

3.Relaxing on the Corn Islands

Visiting Nicaragua during the vacation to relax? To enjoy the beauty of nature?

You can find both on the Corn Islands off the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. One of the most popular vacation retreats in the area, the islands are among the most mesmerizing holiday destinations in the country. The serene beaches and the blue waters of the Corn Islands are regarded by most of the travelers as one of the best places to unwind and feel rejuvenated.

You can select between the two islands: the Little Corn Island and the Big Corn Island. The former is quieter and offers a perfect destination for the backpackers. Accommodation options in this island is also cheap. The Big Corn Island, however, has several restaurant and better boarding options for the tourists.

Here’s a quick look at what you can do there:

• Fishing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Sunbathing

These islands are synonymous with the idea of a vacation perfectly spent through relaxation and enjoyment.

4.       Unwinding at the Apoyo Lagoon

The Corn Islands, Lake Nicaragua, and the San Juan del Sur are the places where most of the people visit when in Nicaragua. But if you are there, keep another serene location in your list of must-visits — the Apoyo Lagoon. Already declared as a nature reserve, this lake is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, typical to this part of the world. If you love bird watching, this is the place for you.

Why would you visit the Apoyo Lagoon?

There are plenty of reasons for that.

Dark sand beaches to rejuvenate, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and more. You can also engage in scuba diving, boating, paragliding and so on.

So, your time at the Apoyo Lagoon is sure to be fun-filled and enjoyable.

5.       Exploring the Spanish Touch of Granada

If you are in Nicaragua, a visit to Granada is a must. This city in Western Nicaragua has a rich history and heritage. It was the country’s first major Spanish settlement and the Spanish influence can still be found in a number of architectures that have been preserved with care. Most of the buildings and the churches here have a touch of Spanish influence. They are also brightly colored.

When in Granada, go for a bit of kayaking. You can visit the nearby islands. Hiking the Mombacho Volcano can be an option too. Besides, you can also give a visit to the nearby markets in the town of Granada, as it can be a great experience as well.

6.       Touching upon the Less Traveled Leon

Leon is not as popular as Granada as a tourist destination in Nicaragua. But this little town with a colonial hangover has an ambiance that’s perfect for the backpackers - friendly and a bit casual. And if you have a penchant for art and architecture, Leon is the right place for you. Centro de Arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián and Fundacion Ortiz offer the finest collections of both international and local art from various periods.

There are also a few serene beaches that are least traveled and hence, still almost virgin. You can visit them to spend some wonderful moments there.

7.       Trying Out a Few Local Dishes

No matter where you are traveling, it’s a must to taste local cuisines. But Nicaragua might disappoint you in this regard. The most common food item you might find here is gallo pinto, a dish of rice and beans. But you can also go for Nacatamal. It’s a moist tamal, which comes wrapped in banana leaf to cook. Inside are fillings like chicken, pork, vegetables, and so on. Besides, there are a number of local dishes of fish and meat as well that you might find interesting.

8.       Visiting the La Isle Ometepe

Do include Lake Nicaragua in your list of places to visit when you are in this amazing Central American country. But don’t forget to visit La Isle Ometepe, an amazing island formed by two volcanos. This island offers a pastoral touch that you might enjoy while in Nicaragua.

When planning your Nicaragua travel, include all these in your to-do list. Else you might miss out on some of the most amazing things that you might engage in while in this beautiful vacation destination in Central America.

Kevin White is currently the Consumer Analyst, Manager of Customer Service, Compliance Officer and a Vice-President of Timeshares By Owner. He is also the host of the weekly radio show “Vacation Time Live” sponsored by Timeshares By Owner and airing weekly on News Radio 102.5 and 580 AM WFLA in Orlando and on iHeartRadio, and he shares his valuable experience on timeshare sales. Kevin began his career 12 years ago with Timeshares By Owner as a sales representative and moved into the Customer Service Department after two months.