Nicaragua is the largest Central American country but one of the least visited. It also lays claim to the region’s largest lake – Lake Nicaragua and oldest colonial city – Grenada.

Highlights include 17 volcanoes, picturesque lakes, unexplored mountains and vast swatches of pristine rainforest brimming with wildlife; a testament to the country’s biodiversity. Birdwatchers will be spoilt in the wide variety of beautiful birds which have made their home in Nicaragua. The Guardabarranco is the national bird of the country and features striking red and yellow plumage with green tail feathers. Nicaragua is also home to the chocoyos green parrot which lives within the Masaya volcano where it nests on rocky ledges. Other birds you can expect to see are macaws, parrots and toucans.

A stealthy hunter and creature of immense beauty, the jaguar is the largest wild cat to be found in Nicaragua. However it is not the only kind. Nicaragua has several wild cat species including the puma, the cougar, the jaguarondi, the margay and the ocelot. Sloth’s, anteaters and armadillos are all to be found in Nicaragua’s jungles.

Masaya Volcano National park contains two volcanoes comprising five craters, one of which still smokes and steams. There are fantastic views from the summit and marked hiking trails for the energetic. The culturally and geographically isolated Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua is revered for its fertility, lush vegetation and tranquil atmosphere.

The two Corn Islands offer a taste of the Caribbean for visitors seeking unspoilt palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters, with coral reefs excellent for snorkeling or scuba diving. There is an unhurried pace of life where the lack of tourist infrastructure is regarded as one of the main attractions.