Nicaragua

Nicaragua is friendly and diverse beyond most travelers expectations. Though less wealthy than neigboring Costa Rica, Nicaragua is equally rich and many citizens and municipalities are determined to practice sustainable development and  environmentally-respectful industries. From its 28 volcanoes to its towering mountain ranges to the diverse tropical forests that blanket many regions of this country, Nicaragua has something for everyone. Although it may be a less-traveled destination for ecotourism, there are good accommodations, tasty food and warm-hearted people. With more lakes than the rest of Central America combined and many national parks, this country is a fresh destination. You will want to stay in one or more of the small ecolodges on coffee plantations.  Offering access to superb natural areas. The country's passion for the arts, in particular for its poetry, is world renowned, and after visiting this dramatic landscape it is easy to see what has inspired so many writers. This is a great destination for birders, hikers, coffee lovers and any traveler in search of surprises.