If “relaxation, thrills, and natural authenticity” sounds like your ideal recipe for a great getaway, it’s time to fall in love with a new slice of Central America. While Nicaragua’s been on the radar of adventurous travellers for some time, it’s managed to evade mass tourism, preserving a perfect balance of natural wonder, outdoor adventures, rich history, and laid-back charm.
Why Nicaragua is a top destination for 2025.
As 2024 winds down, leading travel authorities like Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure are unveiling the top destinations for 2025. Travel + Leisure has featured Nicaragua among its "50 Best Places to Travel in 2025," while Condé Nast Traveler has spotlighted Nicaragua in its "Best Places to Go in 2025" list.
Travel + Leisure’s 2025 list celebrates destinations chosen for their unique appeal and their alignment with the current travel zeitgeist—places that feel “of the moment.” Each of these destinations was selected for offering a compelling mix of features, including unparalleled access to nature, immersive cultural experiences, adrenaline-inducing excitement, and the refined luxury that only top-tier accommodations can provide.
Similarly, Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 list shines a spotlight on destinations renowned for their natural splendour, adventure opportunities, and cultural richness. Nicaragua, in particular, earned high praise for its pristine natural beauty, crystal-clear beaches, breathtaking volcanic vistas, charming colonial cities, fresh farm-to-table cuisine, and exceptionally warm hospitality. These qualities have elevated Nicaragua to become a sought-after gem on the global travel map.
Nature, tranquility and luxury come together in Nicaragua.
Nicaragua’s unique geography has created a biodiversity rarely seen in most parts of the world. Reserva Natural Bosawás in the country’s north boasts over 600 different bird species, plus jaguars, tapirs, spider monkeys and many others, all thriving in the world’s second largest biosphere reserve after Brazil’s Amazon. Though a challenge to reach, nature-lovers will be well-rewarded with guided treks through spectacular forests teeming with wildlife. A little closer to the main cities, Reserva Natural Miraflor harbours over 300 bird species, including the beautiful resplendent quetzal. Just 30 minutes from Granada, a volcanic cone implosion 20,000 years ago created Apoyo Lagoon, another popular nature reserve, which offers windsurfing on its gentle waters.
The Caribbean and Pacific coasts, known locally as the Miskito and Emerald Coasts, respectively, couldn’t be more different, from the world-class surfing waves of the Pacific to the gentle waters and diverse communities of Nicaragua’s Caribbean. The Caribbean is Nicaragua’s less developed and less visited coast, but it offers its own natural delights. The Corn Islands in particular stand out if you’re seeking a tranquil Caribbean escape far from crowded all-inclusive resorts. While Nicaragua offers excellent value for money overall and is accessible to travellers at many different price points, it’s also cultivated a luxury tourism industry in recent years, offering travellers in search of the finer things a more secluded experience, with luxury resort comforts to rival any in the Caribbean.
Nicaragua puts thrill-seekers in their element.
Nicaragua is a destination made for outdoor adventures that span earth, wind, water, and fire. Colourful islands and islets dot vast Lake Nicaragua, the most famous of which is Isla Ometepe. Two active volcanoes rise from the island, one of which, Mount Maderas rewards hikers with views of its impressive crater lake and a 50 m-high (164 ft) waterfall at its base. Nearby Mount Mombacho, whose eruptions created most of the islets, offers some of the most impressive views and scenery in Nicaragua, making it a must-do for hikers, or anyone who just wants to see the country at its most naturally glamorous. Another, more active volcano that’s popular with visitors is Masaya, just 22 km (13.6 mi) south of Managua. Impressive as it is during the day, you’ll want to visit at night to witness the full splendour of Masaya’s glowing lava lake after dark.
Of course, Masaya should be given the respect any active volcano deserves. The mountain is constantly monitored by the authorities and can be swiftly closed when necessary. While a closure can be disappointing, it testifies to Nicaragua’s dynamic nature, and gives you a great reason to come back to another time! A good alternative is Cerro Negro. Central America’s youngest volcano at a sprightly 170 years of age (give or take), it’s not only a great place to safely hike an active volcano (again, respect any closures or restrictions), but is also home to the unique sport of volcano boarding, which invites thrill-seekers to toboggan down the volcanic gravel that covers its slopes, protected by a helmet, goggles, and nerves of steel. To get your blood pumping in less volcanic surrounds, opt for horseback riding, cycling, or kayaking. One of the best places for outdoor adventure is Somoto Canyon, discovered by accident in 2004 in Nicaragua’s north near the Honduras border. Remote as it is, Somoto is well worth the day trip for those up to its physical challenges.
Colonial beauty on the Pacific.
A good-natured rivalry exists between Nicaragua’s popular colonial cities of Granada and León, and it dates back centuries before the first tourists arrived (it wasn’t always so friendly, but bygones, right?). Today, that rivalry has spurred some fierce competition when it comes to cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and delicious food. Granada sits on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, barely an hour from Managua, the country’s capital. Leon lies closer to the Pacific, two hours in the opposite direction, and is roughly twice the size at 200,000 inhabitants. Both cities are easily reached from Managua and its airport.
With enough time, you’re going to want to visit them both, but understand that they play very different roles in Nicaragua’s history. Granada is quieter and is usually considered the more beautiful of the two, with some of the finest colonial architecture you’ll see anywhere in Central America. With Lake Nicaragua on its doorstep, it’s also a great base from which to explore the Islets of Granada, and the Mombacho and Masaya volcanoes. Leon on the other hand was the centre of Nicaragua’s revolution for independence. That spirit of rebellion persists today, so not only is a visit here a great way to learn more about the nation’s history, it’s also one of the most progressive and energetic cities in today’s Nicaragua. Give both cities a minimum of two days on top of any day trips you plan to take.
For some dedicated beach time, look no further than San Juan del Sur. This laid-back town offers sprawling beaches without the big, all-inclusive resorts that lure mass tourism. It’s an ideal place to experience Nicaragua’s Pacific coast in all its splendour.
The best time to visit Nicaragua.
The best time to visit Nicaragua is usually during the dry season, from November to April. Since the country remains largely a hidden treasure in Central America, there’s no high season as such, so you won’t see a big spike in crowds or prices. Still, don’t write off the wet season. Lush greenery throughout the country means more fantastic photos in Nicaragua’s gorgeous national parks. This is also peak surfing season on the Emerald (Pacific) Coast, so brave the odd downpour and enjoy the swells if that’s your vibe.
Discover Nicaragua on a tailor-made trip today.
Christian’s first globetrotting adventure saw him get lost exploring the streets of Saigon. Following his nose to Asia’s best coffee, two lifelong addictions were born. A freelance writer and novelist, Christian’s travels have since taken him around his native Australia, Asia, Europe, and much of North America. His favourite trips have been through Japan, Spain, and Brazil, though with a love of off-beat, artsy cities, he’ll seize any opportunity to return to Paris, New York, or Berlin.
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