Central America’s largest country, also named “the land of seas and volcanoes”, Nicaragua is full of contrasts: stunning beaches in both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, historical colonial cities founded by the Spanish Conquistadors 500 years ago, large lakes that host hundreds of islands, lush cloud forests, active volcanoes, native villages, folklore and markets, with warm and welcoming people. As tourism is still relatively new, the country has a more “authentic” flair than its southern neighbor Costa Rica. Infrastructure is more limited and challenging, from rustic Eco lodges to more upscale yet characterful properties, which are now flourishing in the main touristy areas, and new areas are also getting discovered.