Green is the perfect adjective for Nicaragua. Not only does it apply to the country's lush jungles but also to the raft of responsible measures Nicaragua has introduced to make sure that its area of pristine and natural beauty stay protected for generations to come. You'll find raw adventure and wild animals encounters in a destination that has designated 30% of its geographical layout to natural reserves - the largest in Central America - along with a desire to welcome visitors to its safe shores in a sustainable manner, encouraging a slower pace of travel so that they may discover its delights to the fullest.
Go wild
Eco-tourism in 'The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes' doesn't disappoint. With 28 volcanoes, there's a host of escapades to enjoy; from swimming in any of the 14 volcanic lagoons to peering at molten lava from the edge of steaming craters, from caving in volcanic cones to even volcano boarding.
Then there's Lake Cocibolca, a body of water so immense that when it was found by Spanish explorers they thought it a sea, or take a trip down the San Juan River; dancing through verdant banks on the Nicaraguan side of a natural wonder that's found just a step over from the border of popular Costa Rica.
Nature lovers will be surprised by the sheer biodiversity on offer. The Bosawas Biosphere is the largest tropical rainforest north of the Amazon whilst in the south-east, you can spot howler monkeys, jaguars and puma, and hundreds of bird species (including the rare Royal flycatcher) at the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve. Make for the Pacific, for some mindful whale-watching from the western coastline and a chance to visit the Chacocente and La Flor Sanctuaries, which protect thousands of nesting turtles.
Coastal & cultural gems
Head east and you can experience all the charm of Nicaragua's Caribbean coast. From the bustling chief port of Bluefields, go south to find the colonial city of Greytown or make your way north to the municipality of Puerto Cabezas. Alternatively, take a boat ride to the paradisal retreat of 'The Corn Islands, located 70km offshore, for a recharge.
You'll find a vibrant cultural mix during this exploration, mostly Mestizo and Creole, with a chance to interact with small, indigenous communities, such as the Miskito and Garifuna.
This diversity is something that Nicaragua respects, with languages and traditional ways of life protected in law. It means that when travellers visit, they too can share in this celebration of multi-ethnic and multilingual communities; experiencing traditions and customs that have been passed down for centuries and ensuring that this kind of cultural sustainability can endure for many more.