Nicaragua is rapidly growing as one of the top travel dream destinations in the world. The Nicaragua cities are known as a hot spot for surfers and backpackers on the Central America circuit. The major cities in Nicaragua are finally catching up to its more developed and highly visited neighbor to the south, Costa Rica with the country realizing its potential as a destination for tourism. Exploitation and controversy aside, centuries of Spanish rule have left cities of Nicaragua with some amazing colonial architecture. Nicaragua is Central America’s largest country is also home to some incredible gems you can’t find elsewhere on the planet. Here are the top must-visit and the best cities in Nicaragua:
List of Cities to Visit in Nicaragua
1. Managua
Managua is known as the capital and one of the biggest cities in Nicaragua. Having a population size of 1,028,808 within city limits and 1,337,709 in the entire metropolitan area, Managua the third most populated city in Central America. Archaeological evidence suggests that this area, located along the southwestern shore of Lake Managua, has been inhabited for thousands of years. Managua was a small fishing town, prior to the European colonial era. It was officially founded in 1819. Managua used to the capital in 1857 after the country had been independent for around 30 years. Development here has been set back on several occasions due to floods, earthquakes, and fires. Today, Managua is the economic center of this most visited city in Nicaragua and is home to several factories and multinational companies. Its leading industries include construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, beer, cotton, coffee, and beef.
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2. Leon
The second-largest city in Nicaragua is Leon. Approximately 201,100 people make their homes here. It is located around 56 miles northwest of Managua, by the banks of the Chiquito River. Leon was the capital of Nicaragua during the colonial era. This city originally was founded some miles east of its current location, but an earthquake destroyed that city in 1610, and the capital was relocated. Its ruins were uncovered in 1960 and became a World Heritage Site in 2000. Today, this popular city in Nicaragua is known for its architecture, particularly a large number of unique churches.
3. Masaya
With a population of 166,588, Masaya is the third most populated and one of the main cities in Nicaragua. It is located approximately 19 miles south of Managua and is the capital of the Masaya Department. It is known as the location from which Nicaraguan guerrilla fighters attacked American sailors and marines during the US occupation of 1912 (also referred to as the Banana Wars). Today, Masaya plays an important role in the transport of agricultural goods from the department. Additionally, this city is home to several industrial centers, which are principally focused on clothing and footwear. Neighborhoods surrounding the city are famous for their production of hammocks and hardwood and wicker furniture.
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4. Ciudad Antigua
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One of the oldest cities in Nicaragua is in the north of the country near the border with Honduras. Take a bus to Esteli and then on to Ciudad Antigua to see the impressive 17th-century church, which has elements of Moorish architecture. Here you can get to know more about life in rural Nicaragua because this city has many places where you can relax.
5. Granada
This place sits on the shore of Lake Nicaragua, perhaps the most impressive colonial city in Nicaragua. It was the main port for the Spanish colony, and many of its impressive buildings are well-preserved and make it one of the best cities to see in Nicaragua. Today it remains a bustling commercial city and it’s a popular place for foreign immigrants to settle and build a new life. Make sure your camera is charged.
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6. San Juan del Sur
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There is something exciting about this little local fishing village turned surf and party mecca. This famous city in Nicaragua home to the infamous Sunday Funday Poolcrawl, AKA the biggest weekly party in Central America besides also being a new locale for nearby yoga retreats. It’s the community’s mix of welcoming locals and young entrepreneurial ex-pats that will make you stay longer than planned whether you go for its long beautiful beach, carefree vibes, central location for surf spots or its unlimited fuel to the fiesta.
7. Las Peñitas
Las Peñitas offers you a wide, sandy stretch of beachfront paradise fronted by a cluster of boutique hotels and surfer hostels. This best city in Nicaragua to visit is to offer the easiest access to the turtles and mangroves of Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado. If not spectacular, there’s also good, surfing here, with smallish regular waves that are perfect for beginners. Various hotels and hostels offer tours into the reserve, board rentals and plus surf lessons.
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8. Isla de Ometepe
The main point of interest of this city is Lake Nicaragua. This city is known as one of the best cities to travel in Nicaragua and also home to a biosphere unlike any other in the world. surrounded by freshwater the only island of its kind on the planet Ometepe is a twin volcano island. It’s amazing that more backpackers and eco-tourists haven’t discovered it yet, from its fertile volcanic soil, immense natural wildlife, archaeological sites and black sand beaches from pre-colonial Aztecs.
So far we have discussed the most visited cities in Nicaragua. I hope you might have gathered some information related to it. If you are planning your trip to Nicaragua then kindly go through our other articles as well which will be quite beneficial for you. Please share your views regarding the content explained above and liked it too.
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