Things to see and do Nicaragua

It was built from 1610 to 1615 and again in 1624 (clay tile, wood and Adobe, a fire structure by the pirate Dampier in 1685) and finally a third time at the end of the th century. The current cathedral was born between 1747 and 1860 in a neo-classical Baroque style, and then it was restored in 1992, but the money intended for this purpose was rather badly used, and the painting is a party to the first rains! This is why the cathedral has a façade that has already been sufficiently damaged. It is said that there was a mistake somewhere and that, originally, the plans of this grandiose building were destined for the cathedral of Lima in Peru. In any case, this basilica is one of the most monumental testimonies of religious architecture bequeathed by Spaniards to the Americas. In 1824, during the civil war, the cathedral served as a fortress; there were no fewer than thirty cannons to defend the city. Today, his master piece, apart from a Christ in wood saved from the destruction of León Viejo, is the tomb of the poet Rubén Darío, on the right of the altar. The musician José de la Cruz Mena, the hero of the Miguel de Larreynaga independence, the poets Salomón de la Selva and Alfondo Cortés also have their grave. You will be able to climb in the campanile (statues of the Two Giants), from 8 am to 12 pm and from 14 pm to 16 pm (10 C $ per person). Nice photos in perspective and panoramic view over the roofs of the city and the chain of volcanoes around.

The cathedral is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.

Created in 1880, the central square, called the Parque Colon, was baptized twelve years later to celebrate the anniversary of Discovery of the Americas. In its centre, which was once the parish of the city, today stands a monumental fountain (Fuente de los Tritones) dating from 1880; Artist Pedro Vargas completed the sculptures. It's nice to be there for fresh fruit juice.

The majestic Concepción volcano dominates the entire island of Ometepe and is surrounded by a 2,200-hectare nature reserve, which includes a dwarf forest on its eastern slope, swept by violent winds. The volcano is still active, as evidenced by the incessant gas escaping from it. The last eruption dates back to 1957, but lava spewing was reported in December 1999.

Volcanic activity gives off fumes, and it is not advisable to go as far as the crater (although it is possible). To hike, you need to be accompanied by a guide to ensure you don't get lost (trails are not always easy to spot). To contact a guide, simply ask at your hotel. The guides at Villa Paraíso (in Playa Danto Domingo) are more expensive but generally much more competent; they not only guide you, but also explain the history, flora and fauna.

The climb requires a good level of fitness: 16 kilometers long, it takes between 8 and 10 hours, starts early in the morning, and the gradient is significant, as you'll be starting out just 130 meters above sea level. The first 2 km take you to the foot of the volcano, followed by a section through the jungle, and then an arduous, windy climb. Once up there, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the island and lake. A challenging but unforgettable experience!

Punta Jesús María is a pretty beach with panoramic views of the lake and Concepción volcano, and artisanal fishermen. If you're in Moyogalpa, the easiest way to get there is by bike or scooter. Alternatively, you can get there by bus. The translation of its ancient indigenous name meant "whale's back", and it's true that you can recognize a whale's back when you're on the point. Access is subject to a fee (US$1), but the place is well worth a visit, especially at sunset.

The Charco Verde lagoon (entrance fee: US$5) is accessible via a short walk starting from the Hotel Chico Verde (you may encounter a few monkeys). It's a lovely place to swim in its green water, and you'll have a lovely view of the island's two volcanoes. Also worth a visit is the butterfly aviary. Allow around 2 hours for your visit. Please note! The lagoon is also the home of Chico Largo, the legendary witch of Charco Verde. And be warned: she doesn't like people taking photos...

Visit the museum: the explanations (on volcanoes, geology, etc.) are very comprehensive. Enthusiasts will leave with the impression of knowing everything there is to know about the unusual world of telluric forces!

At the end of the day,depending on the season, it's possible to observe birds taking refuge in the crater. The discovery of caves is also impressive, with bats escaping in front of visitors, and the volcano's hearth visible as it emerges.

Active, this foundation has many development projects for the region. Some may be interested, so visit the website (quite complete).

A few kilometres east and north of the city, the famous Cordillère Cordillère protects one of the most beautiful natural sites in Nicaragua. It is a small 30 km long cordillera bordered by vertical cliffs more than 100 m high in some places and houses many vestiges of an indigenous civilization, probably always the same chontales civilization. You can camp one night at the top of one of these mountains, in the middle of a former cemetery, between tombs and remains of pre-Columbian dwellings. The views during the walk and the summit are stunning.

Of course, you can go independently if you master Spanish, or through the DETOUR agency to go into trek with a professional French guide and/or a local guide passionate about archaeology that knows by heart every corner of the Cordillera and its secrets.

Grave robbers, no, there is nothing shining under these stones and it is strictly forbidden to search or take a rest of pottery as small as it is, due to penalties and severe fines. Walkers must be careful, by rubbing with grass grass, to bunches of ticks sticking to the skin.

A cluster can contain some tens to a few hundred ticks, of almost invisible size to normal adult tick size (depending on the stage of development). They can cause you tickle and surprises once the cluster spread on your trousers without your knowledge. So beware of the high grass along the trails, watch your pants and ask your guide to tell you the good stuff before the departure to avoid and repel them.

Outside the park, you can bathe in the "La Golondrina de los Valles", in the river within an authorized area, that is, below the water catchment area. Magnificent bathing site composed of three beautiful small pozas or natural pools.

Las Piscinas, 5 km west of the city, is thermal waters. You can bathe in a variety of rustic pools that are fed by a crystalline natural spring water source.

If you've come so far, you'd be wrong not to go on an excursion in the surrounding area. The Río is perhaps even more wonderful than the San Juan River. There is no public transport, so the services of a private boat (you may have come from this way of San Carlos, which is still the simplest solution and the one that leaves the most freedom… unless it is the most economical!). The Indigenous Matagalpas who live on the banks are not very accustomed to seeing travellers, so it is appropriate to respect a certain distance and never lack respect. Some compare the river to a "mini Amazon". The pure adventurers (but here we are talking about adventure in the strongest sense of the word) can try to embark on the frail cast of the Matagalpas, who returned to their community after making use of the usage (and occasionally emptied bottles of rum… in your company perhaps).

Please note that the Managua tour operators can also organize a trip to this region. Prepare for a certain amount of money.

Near the village of San Juan del Norte, you can swim in the Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon): The waters are warm and quiet (no sharks… and no crocodiles a priori!).

El Ojo de Agua, also known as the "natural pool", was originally a truly natural pool, with lush vegetation. Work was carried out to turn it into a real swimming pool, whose crystal-clear water is still that of the spring from the Maderas volcano. Loungers to rest on, a bar for a bite to eat or a drink... in short, a very pleasant place to swim and spend a relaxing half-day. Entrance fee applies. 2 km from Santo Domingo beach and 5 km from Altagracia.

The Maderas volcano (a 4,100-hectare nature reserve) is home to a pretty lagoon in its 1,394-m-high crater; the cloud forest at the summit echoes with the howler monkey's howl, and the fauna is interesting. The trails are not easy and progress is strenuous: allow at least 6 to 7 hours' walking, sometimes more. Bring plenty of water and sturdy walking shoes. The last part of the climb is particularly strenuous. But don't panic, others have done it before you: just breathe and don't take anything lightly.

The San Ramon waterfall is especially worth seeing during the rainy season (May to November), as it is reduced to a bare minimum the rest of the year. The climb is steep but not difficult; it's the heat (depending on the season) that's the problem. Remember to take plenty of water with you. From the biological station, allow at least 1h30 for the climb (3.5 kilometers). You can also go as far as the second parking lot: from there, it's a 40-minute walk for 1.5 kilometers. At the top, you can go for a swim, which is a welcome change after the climb!

A pretty white-sand beach on an island in Bluefields Bay. The ideal place to relax, swim, sunbathe... and even go kite-surfing, for example. Please note: visit the beach on a windy day, as the sandflies (small mosquitoes) from the nearby mangroves are quite voracious. Lanchas (motorboats) visit regularly. They leave from the market pier. Allow 15 minutes for the crossing. They only leave when full, so you may have to wait a while.

This beautiful lagoon, located on the Rio Esconfra, is surrounded by a tropical forest. Here you will see budgies, and with a little chance of toucans. As follows: The restaurant located on the shore also rents horses.

The village of Pueblo Nuevo is home to some 1,500 inhabitants, a mixed population blending very different cultures: Creoles, Miskitos, Ramas, Garifunas, Mayagnas, Ulwas... A visit to the Kahka Creek reserve is an experience that brings you face to face with the indigenous peoples and the surrounding nature. The tropical rainforest offers dense wildlife (including tapirs). Contact the foundation directly to organize your stay.

This natural reserve is located on one of the highest mountains surrounding Matagalpa (elevation 1 150 metres). One cannot miss it, it is the one where a large white cross (33 m high) is asked, illuminated at night. During the hike you can see small waterfalls, squirrels, lizards, different birds and butterflies… From the top of the mountain you can enjoy a nice view of the city and its surroundings.

Situated in the south-east of Matagalpa, this view is 854 metres away and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. Ideal for making nice photos.