This is the most populous area of Nicaragua. It is home to beautiful lakes and some of the world's only freshwater sharks.
With sandy beaches fronted by a long row of young cone-shaped volcanoes (some of which are active), Nicaragua features beach and resort communities. This area also features an array of colonial architecture and artifacts. The temperatures in the region remain fairly constant throughout the year with November to April being the dry season and May to October representing the rainy season.
The North-Central Highlands, or Amerrique Mountains, is less populated than the Pacific Lowlands and features a rugged terrain of forested mountains with deep valleys. This region gradually slopes to the Caribbean Lowlands. The North-Central Highlands boasts an abundance of wildlife as well as mild temperatures that are cooler than the Pacific Lowlands. This area experiences a longer and wetter rainy season.
The Caribbean Lowlands are a large rainforest region with several large rivers. It is an area that is sparsely populated. It features a predominately tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity.
Nicaraguan is multiethnic with a great diversity of art, cuisine and music. Nicaraguan culture on the Pacific side evidences a largely European influence, while on the Caribbean Coast there exists a very clear and lasting British influence. On the Pacific side, the cuisine and main staples revolve around fruits and corn, while on the Caribbean coastal region, cuisine and main staples revolve around seafood and the coconut. The most common dish is the gallo pinto, a blend of rice and beans.
There is a tremendous range of attractions in Nicaragua including the capital city of Managua, which features Spanish colonial architecture. One can also visit the Masaya Volcano National Park, Xilo Crater Lake, churches of Leon, ruins of Leon Viego, a conquistador buriel site, and Granada, a favourite of tourist destinations. Nicaragua provides the opportunity for Escondido River boat tours, rainforest eco-tours, fabulous diving among the coral reefs of the Corn Islands, and sightseeing at Bluefields, a coastal town that is the center for reggae music. The opportunities for adventure, discovery, and rejuvenation are endless.