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Nicaragua.
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Travelling to Nicaragua: what to know before you go

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, with a chain of volcanoes along its Pacific side, two huge lakes, colonial cities and a quite separate Caribbean coast. Surfing, volcano hikes and island stays draw independent travellers. Check your government's current travel advice before you go, as conditions and entry arrangements can change.

Where to go

• Granada. One of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, on the shore of Lake Nicaragua, with colourful facades, churches and a cathedral overlooking the central square.
• León. A university city with a revolutionary history and a lively street life.
• Ometepe Island. Two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, rise from Lake Nicaragua to form an island of farms, forests and petroglyphs.
• Masaya Volcano National Park. One of the few places in the world where you can drive almost to the edge of an active crater; at times, a lava lake glows inside.

Best time to visit

The dry season, roughly December to April, is the main travel season, with sunny weather on the Pacific side; by March and April it gets very hot and dusty. The rainy season, from about May to November, brings afternoon showers and greener landscapes, and is often the best time for bigger surf on the Pacific coast.

Staying online in Nicaragua

Mobile coverage is generally good in Managua, Granada, León, San Juan del Sur and along the main Pacific roads, with 4G in towns. In the northern highlands, on parts of Ometepe, along remote beaches and on much of the Caribbean coast, coverage becomes patchy or absent. Hostels, hotels and cafés usually offer Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. Download offline maps for rural areas. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.