Nicaragua's Caribbean Coast & the Corn Islands

Nicaragua is the largest Central American country, yet also one of the least visited. Its strongest assets are its vibrant, unpretentious way of life and its natural beauty that remains largely untouched. The country lays claim to Central America's largest lake, Lago de Nicaragua, and the oldest Spanish city in the continental Americas, Granada. Nicaragua also offers nature reserves brimming with wildlife, uncrowded beaches,well-preserved colonial architecture, and a growing number of excellent ecotourism opportunities. The country's Caribbean Coast has an atmosphere all its own and visitors arriving from elsewhere in Nicaragua will encounter a remarkably different culture and language. The Caribbean Coast has the country's most linguistically and culturally diverse population, and it's not uncommon to be surrounded by conversations in Miskito, Spanish, and English. The pristine white sands of the Corn Islands, a 20-minute flight or a six-hour boat ride, are just beginning to receive attention from international visitors. Get there to see it for yourself before the crowds discover this unique and pristine region. If you've been fantasizing about spending part of your time in Nicaragua on a quintessential tropical beach, there is no better place than the Corn Islands. The Corns are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, or just lazing on the beach. They were a haven for pirates in the 17th century; a couple of shipwrecks still remain and are ripe for exploration. All the details you need to know are in this guide — where to eat, where to stay, what to see and do, the history, the culture. And it's filled with color maps and photos.