Things to Do in Nicaragua

A deep and narrow canyon formed by the powerful Rio Coco, Central America’s longest river, Somoto Canyon National Monument offers thrilling excursions for adrenaline junkies and scenic views of northern Nicaragua’s remote territory. The protected area covers 420 acres (170 hectares), including a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of canyon.

Unparalleled adventure in a rarely visited portion of Nicaragua’s lush north rewards those who make the 3-hour drive to Somoto Canyon from Managua. Peer into the canyon on a hike, or ride horseback through fields of wild orchids and stop to explore the natural caves dotted along the rim. Scramble along the rocky riverside, cool off in secluded swimming holes, or join a guide for cliff jumps, rappels, and rock climbing. Be sure to pre-book a Somoto Canyon tour if you plan on taking any thrills, as uncertified guides often try to sell excursions at the park entrance.

Somoto Canyon is located in Nicaragua just south of the Honduras border and nine miles (15 kilometers) north of the town of Somoto. Those traveling on public transit can take a bus from Managua to Somoto and then transfer at the bus station to a second line toward the Honduras border, while those with private transport can drive all but the last 1.2 miles (two kilometers) to the riverbank (unless in a 4x4 vehicle). The canyon is roughly a 2-hour trip from the closest major city of Esteli.

The Somoto Canyon is open all year, although closures are possible in October due to the rising water level of the river.

A group of geologists researching the area discovered Somoto Canyon in 2004. It has quickly grown into a worthwhile destination for its beauty, protected status, many activities, and remote location.

A trip to Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán, or Lago Xolotlán) is more about lakeside vistas than the (polluted) water. A quick jaunt from Managua's city center rewards visitors with views of the towering Momotombo Volcano, as well as a glimpse into Nicaragua's efforts to clean up and revamp its environmental attractions.

Perched in a crater 128 feet above sea level and mere miles from the Pacific Ocean, Lake Managua fronts Nicaragua's capital city and a number of other towns dotting its banks. Though the lake's waters are infamously polluted due to a nearly century-long practice of emptying city sewage and other waste into the water, recent efforts have been made to restore the lake's health and beauty"”and amp up its visitor appeal. The malecón (waterfront) area was dredged and cleaned in 2007, resulting in significantly less-polluted shores, while a small ferry company recently began operating a sightseeing cruise across the water. Take a ride for unbeatable views of Momotombo Volcano and the Managua city skyline. Or drive past the lake on a Managua city sightseeing tour, keeping watch for the colorful wooden fishing boats dotting the lake's waters.

Lake Managua is most easily reached from Managua itself, which sits perched on the lake's southwestern shore. Take a taxi to the lake or make the quick drive, about a 20-minute trip from Mangua's city center.

The lake is an outdoor attraction open year-round, with its highest water levels occurring during the rainy season. Plan to visit Tuesday through Sunday for a chance to take a sightseeing cruise.

The small Tipitapa River connects Lake Managua to its larger and more pleasant neighbor of Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest lakes in Central America. However, a waterfall on the Tipitapa blocks the migration of Lake Nicaragua's famous population of bull sharks into Lake Managua's waters.

Latin America is as well known for its rum production as it is for its rum consumption.  A tour of the Flor de Cana Rum Factory offers travelers the perfect way to capitalize on both, with an informative guide who offers up details about the production process and a tasting room to sample some of this strong spirit.

Visitors will have the chance to tour the vault, where rum is slow aged, walk through the rum barrel operation area and relax during a video presentation that highlights every aspect of Flor de Cana's unique process. The tour concludes with a chance to sip on the local product, as well as a stop in the gift shop, museum and rum bar (for those who'd like to drink a little more).

Combine a bit of nature, a sprinkle of history, and the best view of Managua on a trip to the Tiscapa Lagoon—a crater lake, park, and nature reserve right in Nicaragua’s capital. The area is perhaps best known for its massive Augusto Sandino statue, an iconic symbol of the city.

Though there’s not much to see at Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Laguna de Tiscapa), the available sights are well worth the trip—an easy drive from Managua’s city center. A small historical display details Anastasio Somoza’s cruel regime on the grounds of his original custom-built “dungeons,” photos document historical earthquakes, and ruins of the former presidential palace still stand on the surrounding grounds of Tiscapa Historical National Park (Parque Histórico Nacional Loma de Tiscapa). Stand next to the statue of revered Sandinista founder Augusto Sandino for a look out at the city from its highest point, or take a short zipline canopy tour across the lagoon for unobstructed views. Though the site was declared a nature reserve in 1991, don’t plan to swim, as efforts to clean the water are still underway. For a more comprehensive experience of the area and its role in the city’s history, as well as easy logistics, visit as part of a Managua city tour. 

Tiscapa Lagoon is best reached by taxi or private vehicle. If driving yourself, head to the Crowne Plaza hotel and turn down the adjacent road marked for Tiscapa Lagoon. Most taxi drivers know how to make the 20-minute drive from city center.

The site is open year-round from 8am to 8pm. Plan your visit on a clear day for the best views, or head up toward evening for a romantic sunset.

The rim of the Tiscapa Lagoon was formed when a volcano blew its top more than 10,000 years ago, leaving the crater lake behind in its wake. Pre-Columbian artifacts found in the area show evidence of human habitation on the banks of the lagoon dating back hundreds of years.