Northern Highlands Travel Guide

Explore Northern Highlands, Nicaragua with this comprehensive and informative travel guide. Discover the natural attractions, cultural landmarks, food and drink scene, and more.


A Complete Travel Guide to Northern Highlands, Nicaragua

Nestled in the heart of Nicaragua, the Northern Highlands is a beautifully diverse region that boasts a rich cultural heritage, unique natural attractions, and a thriving food and drink scene. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the Northern Highlands has something for everyone. Explore the best this region has to offer with this comprehensive travel guide.

Introduction to Northern Highlands

Northern Highlands is located in Nicaragua, in Central America, in North America. It is a region known for its beautiful landscapes, volcanoes, and lakes. It is a great place to visit all year round, where you can enjoy a great climate. The region is also rich in history and culture, with many landmarks and museums that are worth a visit.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Highlands

Nicaragua’s Northern Highlands offer a wide range of attractions that will appeal to nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure-seekers alike. Here are some must-see destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Leon Cathedral
  • Ruben Dario Museum
  • El Hoyo Volcano
  • The San Jacinto Hot Springs
  • Parque de las isletas

Natural Attractions of Northern Highlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Somoto Canyon
  • Miraflor Natural Reserve
  • Cebollal Mountain
  • Apoyo Lagoon
  • El Chocoyero Natural Reserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Highlands

The Northern Highlands region of Nicaragua has a number of excellent hiking and biking routes for visitors to explore. Here are some of the best:

  • Miraflor Nature Reserve
  • El Chocoyero Natural Reserve
  • Masaya Volcano National Park
  • Mombacho Volcano National Reserve

Best Things to Do in Northern Highlands: Activities and Tours

The Northern Highlands is full of activities and tours to suit everyone’s taste. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit:

  • Visit the Artisan Market in Masaya
  • Take a Cooking Class in Granada
  • Enjoy a Nightlife: Bars and Clubs in Leon
  • Go Horseback Riding in the Somoto Canyon
  • Visit the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception in La Palma

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Highlands

For those looking to make the most of their stay in the Northern Highlands, here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Managua. Transfer to Leon. Day 2: Explore Leon, visit the Leon Cathedral, Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian Day 3: Visit the San Jacinto hot springs and take a walking tour of the Miraflor Reserve. Day 4: Visit the Somoto Canyon and spend the night in Esteli. Day 5: Enjoy the stunning views of Apoyo Lagoon and take a boat ride on Las Isletas. Day 6: Take a tour of the Masaya Artisan Market and take a night tour of Masaya volcano. Day 7: Return to Managua for flight departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Highlands

Nicaragua is known for its delicious cuisine, and the Northern Highlands is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gallo Pinto (rice and beans dish)
  • Vigoron (a dish of fried pork rinds, yucca, and cabbage salad)
  • Nacatamal (a wrap stuffed with meat, rice, vegetables, and spices)
  • Indio Viejo (a beef stew with lime and sweet pepper)
  • Sopa de Res (beef soup)

Local Beverages

  • Flor de Cana rum
  • Pinolillo (a cornmeal drink)
  • Tiste (a corn and cocoa drink)
  • Chicha (a fermented corn drink)

Where to Stay in Northern Highlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Northern Highlands offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses and hostels.

What to Buy in Northern Highlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to the Northern Highlands can take home a piece of Nicaraguan culture with a variety of souvenirs and local products. Some popular items include:

  • Handicrafts like leather goods, pottery, and woven textiles
  • Cigars
  • Coffee from local plantations
  • Ron Flor de Caña (rum) - Nicaragua’s famous rum

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Highlands

Nicaragua is a vibrant country with a rich history and culture. Visitors to the Northern Highlands can experience traditional music, dance, and dress, as well as a strong appreciation for family and community.

Best Time to Visit Northern Highlands

The best time to visit the Northern Highlands is from December to February, when the weather is dry and warm.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Highlands

Do:

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Respect the cultural heritage of the region.
  • Sample the delicious local cuisine.
  • Take time to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Don’t:

  • Overpack for your trip. Nicaragua’s weather is warm year-round.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northern Highlands

Overall, Nicaragua is a safe country for tourists. However, visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and take precautions when traveling, such as using authorized taxis and avoiding areas known for criminal activity.

Health in Northern Highlands

Before traveling to the Northern Highlands, visitors should make sure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and the polio vaccine.

Getting to Northern Highlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some of the transportation options available to travelers heading to the Northern Highlands:

Airports Near Northern Highlands

The nearest airport to the Northern Highlands is Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua City, which is approximately 1 hour driving distance from the region.

Bus Stations Near Northern Highlands

Several bus companies operate regular services to and from major cities such as Managua, Granada, and Leon, to reach the Northern Highlands.

Other Options

Car rental and taxis are also available for visitors who wish to explore the region independently.

How to Get Around in Northern Highlands

Public transportation is the most common method of transportation in Nicaragua, but visitors can easily get around via taxis or renting a car.

Where to Go Next from Northern Highlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

While the Northern Highlands has plenty to offer, there are also many exciting destinations nearby for visitors to explore. These include:

  • Granada: A beautiful colonial city on the shores of Lake Nicaragua
  • Chinandega: A coastal town known for its beaches and delicious seafood
  • Managua: The capital city of Nicaragua, with bustling markets and a lively nightlife scene

Conclusion

If you are looking for an exciting, culturally rich, and peaceful travel destination, look no further than the Northern Highlands of Nicaragua. There is so much to see and do, from exploring the natural wonders to sampling the delicious food and drink scene. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in this beautiful region.



    Esteli
    Jinotega
    Somoto