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Central America has always been the place for backpackers and young travelers who want to experience a culture different from their own and surround themselves with nature, but this year it rising popularity not only with the adventurous type, but also with Americans in general.
A growing number of American passport holders are choosing as their travel destination the fascinating isthmus that connects both the northern and southern halves of the New World, and much of that has to do with the fact that most of the countries in the region untouristy and quite affordable.
One of them is the lesser-known Nicaragua, the largest sovereign state in Central America and one of the trendiest places to visit in 2024:
Nicaragua is becoming increasingly trendy to visit
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, bordering the much smaller Honduras to the north and tourist hotspot Costa Rica to the south, while having open access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea along its northeastern and southwestern fronts .
Central America as a whole is known for its wild nature, but there is something to be said about Nicaragua in particular: it may not be as developed as its southern neighbor and certainly not as popular as a destination, but it is demonstrably the most breathtaking landscape.
It is one of the few countries where you can literally sail the waterways from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean. 7% of the world’s biodiversity as you explore the jungle, experience more than 70 ecosystems and relax on perfectly tranquil, tourist-free beaches.
Unlike Costa Rica, the undisputed leader of Central America, Nicaragua still is largely underdevelopedand while this can sometimes pose problems, especially when it comes to commuting and accessibility to some regions, it is precisely the low volume of tourism that gives the country its unique charm.
Called the ‘Land of Lakes and Volcanoes’, it boasts an enviable range pristine landscapes and natural wonders:
What to see in the land of lakes and volcanoes
With at least 19 volcanoes, often part of wider natural parks dotted with mountain peaks and jungle trails, Nicaragua’s abundance of hiking spots is sure to get your thrill-seeking heart racing.
One of these volcanoes is the monumental San Cristóbal, which rises 1,745 meters above sea level and wide views of the green world below.
Hikers should be careful, though: many volcanoes in Nicaragua are currently active, and San Cristóbal itself has had its fair share of eruptions. Fortunately, volcano experts can easily predict these, and activity providers will stop organizing guided hikes during eruption periods.
Looking for a more relaxing, less action-packed, more relaxed beach holiday instead of?
You’re in luck, because there are plenty of beautiful beachfront resorts to choose from, and they see so few foreign tourists; even in high season it is unlikely that you will have to fight for a spot on the beach with hordes of fellow countrymen.
Beautiful beach spots
The picturesque Small corn islandoff the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, is one of such great options as it is covered in lush vegetation and surrounded by a turquoise reef.
Enjoy pristine swimming spots, sip some coconut water in the shade of a palm tree, or enjoy a delicious breakfast at your boutique hotel: Little Corn is somewhere you go to slow downrecharge and sunbathe.
For a weekend long stay, one of the top recommendations Booking.com is Little Corn Island Beach and Bungalow Hotel, with prices for a standard ‘Crusoe’ room from $366 for a minimum of two nights.
The easiest way to reach Little Corn is to first fly from Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, to the neighboring, equally charming Big Corn Island and then take a passenger boat there (the journey takes about 20 minutes).
The Pacific side
On the mainland, more specifically on the Pacific side, is Playa Maderas another beautiful sandy beach Not to be missed: it unfolds along an azure ocean and is distinguished by the shark-fin-shaped geological formations scattered along the coastline.
This is a surfing hotspot and there are numerous surf schools operating locally in neighboring San Juan del Sur.
Would you rather choose a luxury hotel? Tucked away in a quiet corner of trendy Redonda Bay, the Aqua Wellness Resort is it ideal tropical getawaywith on-site restaurants, spa facilities and privileged access to the beach.
This is also a popular one destination for retreat for travelers who want to forget their everyday worries for a week, with a wide range of accommodation options ranging from rustic but well-equipped tree houses to more traditional hotel rooms.
A ‘Forest View’ treehouse will take you back a reasonable $135 per night this winter.
Nicaragua is extremely affordable
Not counting accommodation costs, a week-long trip to Nicaragua will cost the average mid-range solo traveler $380, according to data collected by BudgetYourReiswhile those traveling with a partner should expect to pay a total of $759, or the local currency equivalent.
Nicaragua does one of the cheapest countries in Central America and Latin America as a whole, due to the low cost of living and abundance of natural resources: much, if not all, of the fruit sold in local markets is homegrown, and it is a largely self-sufficient country in terms of agricultural production.
Normally travelers will spend money $15 for meals per day when eating at non-expensive local restaurants.
It may come as no surprise that local authorities have emphasized that this is now the case main destination in Central America, a statement that their counterparts in Costa Rica will surely dispute at some point.
The government expects 1.82 million tourists to have landed in Nicaragua before the end of 2023an increase from the record high of 1.2 million in 2019.
Nicaragua is getting hotter to visit every year, and if you want to enjoy it while it’s still going viral on TikTok and the crowds are starting to gather, now’s the time.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
