Nearly 80 national parks and nature reserves protect the territory’s wild areas—home to monkeys, jaguars, manatees, and 700 bird species. Throughout the country, sunny colonial cities will enchant you with their atmosphere and hospitality.

This “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes” has so much to offer adventurous travelers. Here you can hike over a dozen volcanic summits, ride zip-lines, surf the Pacific, and try your luck deep-sea fishing for dorado and sailfish. Other options include birdwatching, diving, horseback riding and moonlit excursions to sea turtle nesting beaches.

Most travelers arrive in Managua, the nation’s lakeside capital. This airport receives direct flights from both Miami (2.5 hours) and Atlanta (under 4 hours). Regional flights connect Managua to San Jose and Panama City, with private transfers available from northern Costa Rica and southern Honduras.

In general, the best time to visit is December through March, when the rains have passed but the landscape is still fresh and green. September and November mark the height of the May to November rainy season.