Why You Should Send Your Clients to Nicaragua
When Americans decide where their next vacation should be,
chances are that the usual suspects of Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean come to mind. Central America is a short plane ride away, offering a plethora of adventures while embracing nearly 10% of the world’s biodiversity.
The seven nations of Central America, chockablock with sun-drenched beaches on both the turquoise Caribbean and rugged Pacific attract sun worshipers seeking getaways from crowded all-inclusive resorts.
Amassing over 4,000 mystical Mayan excavations, filled with lush jungle topography with peculiar flora and fauna that rival the Amazon in the sheer beauty, Central America is worthy of greater exploration.
Eco-supermodel Costa Rica, wide-ranging Panama, culture trip Guatemala, and the great barrier reef of Belize attract the lion’s share of travelers.
Perplexing is that the region’s largest nation of Nicaragua remains mostly off the beaten path, far-flung, and somewhat of an afterthought idle from the tourist radar. Those who do visit find a treasure trove of top-notch adventures and plenty of relaxing jungle and coastal lodges, boutiques, and resorts
Nicaragua’s moniker “Land of Lakes and Volcanos” suits it well; there are 19 volcanos scattered throughout the country, and its crown jewel of Lake Nicaragua with its 400 islands is the largest lake in Central America. Its diversity is laden with Spanish colonial architecture, lofty volcanic vistas at every juncture, idyllic islands that rival Tahiti or the Maldives, pristine Pacific beaches with plenty of waves, surf camps, and fewer surfers.
Located three hours from the capital of Managua on the Pacific side is a hidden shoreline stretch of sand known as the Emerald Coast. Unlike other stunning beachfront in neighboring Costa Rica’s established Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo, the off the beaten path flank of powder-perfect sand remains undiscovered among beachgoers.
Your clients can combine a beach holiday with a culture trip as distances are not far to travel the nation. Not far from the Pacific coast is the Unesco World Heritage Site and colonial jewel of Granada. The town is aptly a sister city and much akin to Antigua in Guatemala.
Places to Stay
Situated on the Emerald Coast, Aqua Oceanfront Resort offers elevated luxury treehouse living. The well-thought treehouse schemed villas designed in harmony to comingle with its forested backdrop, comes complete with spider and howler monkeys swinging from branches, and squawking parrots making kissing sounds to wake you up in the morning. Most villas come with sequestered plunge pools, expansive terraces, and Pacific Ocean views providing for an elevated vantage point of eye-popping burnt orange sunsets. The villas are set in one to three bedroom configurations which are ideal for family travel.
Aqua offers a wide range of wellness services such as spa treatments, yoga, and meditation, coupled with fresh and tasty international and Nicaraguan fare, creating an enjoyable “barefoot luxury” experience for guests. https://aquanicaragua.com
Jicaro Island Lodge is a member of the esteemed National Geographic unique lodges of the world. Its private island lake location is minutes by boat from the preserved colonial town of Granada. The five-star out of this world boutique retreat has nine luxurious lakeside casitas, individual cabins that overlook the omnipresent Mombacho Volcano. The sustainable luxe-accommodation elicits spa and wellness guests, romantic getaways, and adventure-seeking clients with an eye on exploration. www.jicarolodge.com
Things to do
You don’t have to be a big barrel surf pro to ride the waves of Nicaragua’s frothy Pacific waterfront. Miramar Surf Camp has rustic accommodations and all-inclusive packages offer beginner lessons while immersed in a sleepy fishing village.
www.miramarsurfcamp.com
On the gleaming Emerald Coast, golfers enjoy a day on the greens at Guacalito Golf Course. The splendid oceanfront well-manicured greens absorbed into its natural environment attracts golfers of all skill levels.
Lake Nicaragua is absolutely an underrated wonder of the world. Created by massive volcanic explosions 20,000 years ago, Las Isletas consist of over 350 islands that dot the humongous waterway. Many well-to-do locals have homes on the islets. Birdwatchers ogle at ringed-kingfishers, purple gallinule, northern jacana, and other astounding feathered friends.
For food-centric and clients seeking a unique yoga retreat, clients with a sweet-tooth craving can channel their inner Willy Wonka at El Pital, the chocolate paradise on Ometepe Island. It also provides rooms doubling as a hostel. The holistic commune sanctuary offers daily yoga, cacao rituals, massage, and other healing workshops.
Unbeknownst to many visitors is that Nicaragua produces some of the world’s most excellent rum. The sugarcane elixir Flor de Cana distilled in oak barrels produces rum from its distillery at the base of the San Cristobal volcano. Take a tour and learn about the entire production process.
Thrill-seekers will want to try volcano boarding at Cerro Negro Volcano near the city of Leon. The challenging part is a one-hour climb to the top of the volcano. From there, the adrenaline-journey begins. You can either surf or slide down the 2,300-foot mountain in less than four minutes.
The under-developed gem’s offerings are as diverse as its lakes, volcanoes, and two seas with gracious hosts who extend an open welcome to those who venture into their astounding homeland. Nicaragua is an easily-attainable escape from North America for your clients seeking to stay closer to home but delving into the road less traveled eco-system.
Visit www.visitnicaragua.us