TORONTO — Why visit Nicaragua? Oh, let us count the ways.

At a recent trade lunch in Toronto, the Nicaragua Tourism Board highlighted the many reasons Nicaragua should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. A destination with incredible natural beauty, colonial cities, and incredible food and adventure options, Nicaragua can be considered an up-and-coming hotspot for travellers who want to experience just about anything on their trip.

ECO & ADVENTURE

Nicaragua offers an incredible eco experience, with 200 private wildlife reserves, four biosphere reserves, 74 protected areas and 26 volcanoes, seven of which are currently active. Ana Carolina Garcia with the Nicaraguan Tourism Board shared the many ways nature lovers can enjoy the destination, including “biking, hiking, and the thrilling experience of sandboarding down volcano Cerro Negro,” an active volcano 728 metres high that requires a 45-minute hike up.

CUISINE

Marlon Moreno of Moreno + Co, the PR and Marketing Agency for Nicaragua Tourism in North America, also highlighted the vibrant culinary scene in the country, including a renewed focus on farm to table. “Having always been an agricultural country, the food of Nicaragua is produced and served locally and is always delicious,” said Moreno. Any visit to Nicaragua affords ample opportunities to sample quality rum, coffee and cigars, he added.

SUN & FUN

Bordered by Honduras to its north and Costa Rica to its south, Nicaragua is a wonderful sun destination where visitors can spend days laying in the sun or swimming in the warm waters. Big Corn Island, off the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua and just a short flight from the mainland, is a perfect getaway for travellers to disconnect and experience even more of the natural and unspoilt beauty of the region.

CITY LIFE

For a contrast from the sun and sand, the Nicaraguan Tourism Board is also promoting the country’s iconic colonial cities such as Granada and León, both home to must-see historical architecture and attractions. The cobblestone streets, colourful colonial buildings and noteworthy monuments are a highlight of any visit to Nicaragua.

WELCOME BACK, TRAVELLERS

According to Garcia, Nicaragua worked throughout the pandemic to prepare for travel’s rebound by hosting webinars and actively campaigning to ensure visitors were welcomed back with ease when the time came. The tourism board’s campaign, ‘Naturally Beautiful,’ highlights how unique and original the destination is, with its cultural treasures and authentic experiences.

As noted by Moreno and Garcia, there are many lodging options available that travellers can book, ranging from unique boutique hotels to the very exclusive and luxurious Calala Island , a private hideaway. There are many options that vary in price to cater to all budgets and needs. There’s also an all-inclusive option – the only one in the country – with Barcelo Montelimar

Vacationers also have the opportunity to take advantage of the many day trips and tours available in the country. Isla del Amor, opened in October 2021, offers food and beverage, swimming, trails, spots for children and much more for only US$10 per day.

Currently, Nicaragua can be reached via flights with Aeroméxico, Avianca with air connection from El Salvador and Miami, Copa Airlines from Panama, Conviasa with Panama and Cuba, and American Airlines, which will be returning to Managua in November.

The only entry requirements currently in place for Nicaragua are proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

For more information on Nicaragua, visit https://www.visitnicaragua.us/.