Why Nicaragua Needs To Be at the Top of Your 2017 Travel Plans

Three years ago I traveled to Nicaragua for the first time with Under30Experiences. 

That trip was the start of love affair with Nicaragua. This past December, I returned to Nicaragua for the 7th time.

I've been lucky to San Juan del Sur, Managua, Leon, and Granada as well as experience its pristine virginal beaches and prehistoric volcanoes.

To say this country is magical is an understatement.

Here are my top reasons why you should book your tickets now to Nicaragua.

The architecture is among the best in the world

Granada is known as the Italy of Central America and there’s plenty of reason for that. Walking through the city one feels as if they are walking through Tuscany. Its architecture and colors are a joy to look at.

You can eat lunch in the middle of an indoor garden set up to support local artisans, enjoy craft cocktails, and walk to the top of the bell tower of the cathedral. You can enjoy hand rolled cigars while drinking Flor de Cana rum (which was recently voted the best rum in the world).

You almost won’t believe you are in Central America but the salsa music will make you believe differently. There is no where else in the world where you’d ask yourself if you were in Italy or Nicaragua.

You will never see such a beautiful sunset

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I have seen the sun set in places like Bali, the Masai Mara in Kenya, and Costa Rica, but none compare to the ones I have witnessed in Nicaragua. In my humble opinion, every other sunset in the world strives to be as beautiful as the ones in Nicaragua.

Playa Hermosa is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The sunsets there cannot be described or captured in a photo. Its an experience one must witness in person.

Its comeback is being built by women

Nicaragua is a country that is still recovering from the effects of the civil war of the 1980’s. I believe that countries are built on the backs of women, and Nicaragua will be no different.

I recently spent time with micro-entrepreneurs - women who, despite all odds, are using their talents to build small business in order to support themselves, their children, and the environment.

One such woman is working to protect the environment while creating incoming-generating work for her community. Her business collects plastic bags, turns them into a yarn, and crocheted bags. Each bag is one less bag in the ocean and one less bag a turtle could eat. She now works with over 19 women and has earned the respect of the men in her community.

The views are breathtaking

‍Mirador de Catarina was the first place I visited on my first trip to Nicaragua. As soon as I finished climbing the steps up to the overlook, my heart stopped. The view was magnificent. I sat on one of the benches, listening to the marimba and eating fresh cacao, knowing that Nicaragua had made a permanent home in my heart.

I often say that Nicaragua owns my heart. 

Maybe I am biased. Maybe I am too romantic for my own good. Either way, I am in love.

I often ask myself why don’t more people travel to Nicaragua.

Is it its history from the 1980’s that dissuade people or is it just that people don’t know about this hidden gem?

New hostels, micro-breweries, and restaurants are opening almost every day. You can hike volcanoes on Ometepe Island or volcano board down them in Leon. You can drink coffee in the cloud forests or eat a fish taco post surf lesson.

Whatever the reason is, I urge you to put Nicaragua at the top of your 2017 travel plans.  It may be the beginning of a new love affair.

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