The best time to visit Nicaragua is between December and April, the high tourist season characterized by warm weather and little rain. The dry season is excellent for exploring the outdoors. Check out the charming beaches along the Pacific coast, visit the Corn Islands or try volcano boarding at Cerro Negro. May to November are the monsoon months and part of the low tourist season. So it’s best to stick to the main cities during these months. November is a shoulder month with mild rain and pleasant weather, and it is a good time for customized tours to Nicaragua.

Depending on your time and budget, you can spend under one week or more than two weeks in Nicaragua. In 5 days, you can explore Managua’s lakeside promenade and Granada’s multi-colored colonial buildings, see the massive Santiago Crater between two volcanoes, and kayak along Rio Istián on Ometepe Island. Ten days in Nicaragua will allow you to add the beautiful Solentiname islands and take a jungle detour along the Río San Juan. But to do justice to Central America’s largest country, we recommend at least 2 weeks in Nicaragua. Besides the above activities and destinations, you can visit the historic city of León, known for its impressive cathedral, discover the colorful port town of Bluefields, and check out the wildlife at the Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado.

Here are some of the top destinations to consider when visiting Nicaragua:

• Little Corn Island: Relax amid cool coconut trees, go snorkeling, and soak in the beauty of the Caribbean during Nicaragua customized tours.
• Chichigalpa: Find out how Flor de Caña, one of the world’s finest rums, is produced from sugarcane on a tour of a 19th-century distillery in Chichigalpa.
• Playa Maderas: This mellow beach is popular with surfers. In addition to riding the waves, you can enjoy the seafood and lazy vibes.
• Masaya villages: Check out the limestone homes in the ‘white villages’ around the hills of Masaya and admire the works of the local potters and woodcarvers.