Planning

The largest of the Central American republics, Nicaragua is located at the junction of three continental plates. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently shake the country - at times, to its foundations. The people and most of the economic activity are concentrated in the western highlands, around the two great lakes of Managua and Nicaragua, and to the west of the volcanic chain that runs parallel to the Pacific shore. Stretching inland from the Caribbean coast, the largely unpopulated lowlands are challenging country for travelling and a nature paradise for those with the energy and time to spare. Use our selection of itineraries as a guideline for what is possible within different time frames, and have a look at our sections on when and where to go.