Its armed conflicts behind it, Central America’s largest country now lists tourism as its second largest market in the country. In 2010, one million tourists opted to spend their vacation in Nicaragua, which has the lowest crime rate in Latin America, 700 species of birds, unspoiled beauty and low prices.
Granada
Nicaragua popularity also means you can’t expect privacy at any attractions that have made the top-ten lists. Luckily, for travelers with an appetite for adventure, there are still plenty of offbeat things to do in Nicaragua that are a departure from the average tourist itinerary.
1. Enjoy La Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve from Catarina
Catarina, Nicaragua is a half-hour taxi ride from Managua. This town of less than 10,000 people is quiet, quaint and enjoys a cool climate. The climate is a pleasant departure from sometimes scorching Granada. In the city center is a wooded park that features a soccer field, playground, pleasant walkways, benches and the façade of the former Saint Catarina church.
Catarina is an artisan city, and there is no lack of handicraft vendors, local cuisine and street musicians. Within walking distance of the park is the Mirador de Catarina, which offers a beautiful view of the swimmable coast of Lake Nicaragua.
Fishing on Lake Nicaragua.
If you visit in early or late December, you can catch the Santa Catalina and San Silvestre parties, which include colorful demonstration, dances, music and processions.
2. Visit Stunning Canyons from Somoto
Somoto is three hours northeast of Managua by car or bus. Most of the sights to see are walking distance from the city center. The major draw is the Cañón de Somoto, a 200-meter deep canyon featuring 100-meter cliffs emerging from emerald green waters. There are guided options to the canyon, but the cheapest way to get there is to take a $1USD taxi right from town. Around the canyon are noteworthy rock formations, local birds and wildlife.
Somoto is a great getaway for travelers looking to escape the livelier nightlife of Granada. The town features two upscale restaurants, including Comida Tipica, which sells upscale versions of Nicaraguan cuisine. There are also pizza joints and plenty of delicious budget options on the main drag, just south of the central plaza
3. Visit Las Isletas of Lake Nicarauga
Las Isletas House on Island
Thousands of years ago, the Mombacho Volcano erupted spewing lava and hurling enormous boulders into Lake Nicaragua. The aftermath formed 365 small islands, ranging from a few hundred square meters to more than one hundred hectares. Each island is unique and hosts its own array of wildlife. On some islands small fishing villages have popped up, though most remain uninhabited. Tours of the islands are available from the Asese Dock in Granada. Two islands, La Isleta El Roble and Ikaria Eco Host, have lodging options available.
A typical tour to the islands consists of visiting around a dozen islands. Don’t be surprised if monkeys, reigning as kings of their own uninhabited islands, come to greet your boat. An ideal time take a tour of Las Isletas is in the late afternoon so that you will be able to catch the sunset as it lights up the waters of Lake Nicaragua.
There’s some incredible wildlife too.
4. Visit Granada, Nicaragua’s Picturesque Cemetery
While a cemetery may not seem like the usual tourist attraction; Granada’s cemetery is one of Central America’s oldest. It was the burial home for some of Central America’s wealthiest families between 1876 and 1922, and no expense was spared. The cemetery features enormous tombs, artistically sculpted mausoleums, and a presidential memorial for six Nicaraguan presidents entombed there.
A visit to Granada’s cemetery is shrouded in mystery. 100 meters behind the neoclassical Chapel of Spirits (Capilla de Anima) is a large marble tomb built evocative of Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral. All of the names on the tomb have been chiseled away, and no one knows for sure who built it or who is buried within. Your archeological history thesis just wrote itself.
5. Visit the Reserva Tisey and Search for the “Stone Man”
No “Off the beaten path in Nicaragua” list would be complete with the mention of Alberto Guitierrez, otherwise known as the “Stone Man.” The stone man and his creations are talked about in reverent whispers in expat bars all over the country.
The Nisey Estanzuela Natural Reserve offers attractions such as bird watching, hiking and integrating with local communities and farmers. It has waterfalls and rock walls covered in wetland vegetation. It is accessible by bus from the town of San Nicolas, which can be reached by bus from Managua.
“The Stone Man” is an octogenarian hermit with a beautiful gift for stone carving. Using sharpened pieces of rebar, a knife and stone hammer, he creates enduring stone carvings and symbols that he says are inspired by God. The rumors circulating say that despite The Stone Man’s eccentricities, he is friendly and welcoming and loves it when visitors come to see his creations.
From the reserve, getting to him takes a bit of getting lost. Your best bet would be to employ the services of a guide or driver who knows how to find him. From the city of Estalla, take a bus or taxi to the Tisey Reserve and then get out at the Eco Posada. From there, walk up the road until you come across a sign that reads “El Calejate.” Take that path, and down a hill will be a footpath with a sign that reads “Bienvenidos a Galeria Esculturas en Piedras” which is the gate to The Stone Man’s property and his living gallery of unique stone art.
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