Despite being the largest country in Central America, Nicaragua sees relatively few foreign travellers. However, those discerning enough to visit will be richly rewarded with a host of natural treasures.

These include, among others: lush jungles, active volcanoes, incredible nature reserves, lovely freshwater lakes, and exquisite white-sand beaches.

Travellers seeking a bit of culture will be well catered for with several well-preserved colonial towns like Granada and Leon boasting pretty, pastel-painted churches and vibrant local festivals.

Not-to-be-missed activities include snorkelling off the Corn Islands and Pearl Keys, volcano trekking and volcano-boarding on the black-sand slopes of Cerro Negro, surfing the impressive waves off the coast of San Juan del Sur, and discovering the local plant and animal life at the extraordinary Miraflor Nature Reserve.