Nicaragua offers travelers a look into centuries of layered history set against striking natural backdrops. Visitors can tour the baroque-style Granada Cathedral, take a boat ride through Las Isletas (a chain of small, volcanic islands in Lake Nicaragua), or climb the bell tower of Iglesia La Merced for sweeping city views.

Volcanoes play a large part in Nicaragua’s geography and daily life. Masaya Volcano, one of the most active in the country, features a crater you can drive up to and where you might see glowing lava after dusk. Nearby, the Masaya Artisan Market offers handmade hammocks, wood carvings, and embroidered goods that reflect traditional Nicaraguan craftsmanship. For those looking for something more adventurous, Cerro Negro near León invites visitors to try volcano boarding, sliding down the ash-covered slope on a wooden sled at high speed.