A rather small spot tucked away in Central America, Nicaragua might not be the first place you think of when it comes to vacation spots, but you could be missing out on something truly special. Gorgeous natural beauty, stunning historical sites, and a fascinating cultural blend are just some of the things that make this country worth the trip. Here are some of the spots worth hitting up if you visit.

Exploring the capital

Managua is the capital of the country, and aside from being a bustling metropolis with a growing retail and restaurant scene, it also has some of the most interesting architecture you’re likely to see in Central America, with landmarks like the ruined Santiago of Managua Cathedral and Revolution Square’s mausoleum standing out as some of the highlights. If you want to learn more about the history of Nicaragua, this is one of the best places to do it.

Start out near the volcanos

The capital isn’t the only city worth seeing. Granada is a fantastic place to set out from, due to its colonial stylings that highlight a contentious portion of the country’s history, seen in places like the Iglesia La Merced. However, it’s also close to the jaw-dropping trails of the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. Nicaragua is known as the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes, so it makes sense to see one of these (thankfully dormant) giants up close.

You can’t go without seeing a lake either

Of course, with a nickname like that, there’s more than just volcanoes to see. There are a lot of lakes and lagoons in Nicaragua, and chief amongst them is the Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserves. This wide expanse of azure sea is home to a tropical forest ecosystem, with plenty of places to hang out on the lounge chairs or enjoy some family-friendly water sports on the gorgeous waters.

Hit up the coasts

If you want nothing more than gorgeous beaches to bring out the surfboard, you’re covered. With the Pacific to one side, the Atlantic to the other, and plenty of lakes and looks in between, Nicaragua couldn’t be more perfect for those travelers who love water sports. Beaches like Popoyo and Maderas beach offer plenty of active beaches with waves for all ability levels and a trip out to Corn Islands can add great snorkeling and scuba diving to the mix, too.

Head out to the islands

With both coasts and several lakes and lagoons in its domain, it’s no surprise Nicaragua has its fair share of islands to explore. The most popular is certainly Ometepe Island, an island in the lake, Lago de Nicaragua. Formed by two joining volcanoes, it offers fantastic hiking as well a host of monkeys that you might spy along your journey.

The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes is more welcoming than a lot of people would first guess. Hopefully, the points above show that it’s the perfect place, be it for a quick stop or even to set up your own vacation home.