If you only know Nicaragua, the land of “lakes and volcanoes,” because of its dictators and political strife you’ve got a few things to learn about Central America’s largest country. From its postcard perfect natural beauty to its badass native sons, there’s definitely more than meets the eye. Check out a few things any culture vulture should know.
It’s An Adrenaline Junkies Paradise
Central America’s largest country has 50 volcanos you can actually climb (only 7 are active), hike and surf – thats right you can go boarding on the volcanos. It’s the only country in the world with a “dual volcano” where magma comes from two different streams inside of it. It’s becoming a favorite thanks to eco-tourists who indulge in hiking, camping and volcano boarding along areas like the Mosquito Coast, you know the one from the 1980s movie. Without paved roads or much infrastructure it’s hard to reach but the reward of an untouched rainforest, pristine beaches and natural views are perfect for hard core thrill seekers.
The Surf’s Up All the Time
That’s because you can take a dip or catch a wave no matter what side of the country you’re on. The Pacific and Atlantic oceans border either side of the country with 215 miles of Pacific coast and 330 miles of Atlantic coast. It has made them an awesome destination for water worshippers all times of year. It goes without saying that the boost in eco-tourism has been thanks in part to surfers who have come looking for their almighty wave.
They’ve Got the Best Cigars. Really.
If you’re a stogie aficionado and have a thing for cubanos, you should know that the best cigars actually come from Nicaragua. After Castro took over Cuba, tons of cigar makers journeyed to other countries and many of them found refuge here. They used their seeds and restarted their businesses. Rumor has it the town of Esteli is the place to go if you’re looking for the best handmade cigar–no political drama or visa required!
Nicaraguans Do It Better
Whether it’s boxing, baseball, poetry or social justice some of Latin America’s most notable giants have come from these shores. The father of post-modern Latin American poetry Ruben Dario is a native son. So is Alexis Arguello, a mighty boxing demi-God. Let’s not forget Bianca Jagger, an internationally known humanitarian (not to mention the woman who got rock-n-roller ex-hubby Mick to try fidelity!). Oh there’s also the new guard waiving making waves with their Nicaraguan pride and curves. Let us introduce you to model and entrepreneur Dolly Castro
Baseball is the National Sport of Nicaragua
Thanks to a German businessman who introduced the game to natives in the 1850s, baseball is the great Nicaraguan pass time. Several MLB players including Everth Cabrera and Vicente Padilla played their first games of ball here. Although the most famous player hands down is Dennis Martinez, the first Latino-born player to pitch a perfect game when he played the Montreal Expos in 1991. Political strife and neglect saw the game decline (and futbol has started to gain steam) professional games returned in 2004 after a 30 year absence.
