Nicaragua Is So Much More Than The "New Costa Rica". Here's Why, In 5 Stunning Photos.

Intrepid traveler & the lady behind one of our fave feeds, @CarleysCamera, contributor Carley Rudd shares why Nicaragua should top your list for 2015.

I recently traveled to Nicaragua and returned home with a new perspective and nothing but rave reviews for a country that is emerging as the new “must see” destination in Central America.

Here are five of the top reasons you should add Nicaragua to your 2015 travels:

1. UNTAPPED NATURAL BEAUTY.

Much of Nicaragua’s land has been beautifully preserved, leaving lush jungle rain forests, deserted beaches and dozens of volcanoes, rivers and lakes. This reason alone is worth visiting.

2. COLORS.

Nicaragua is bursting with color, from their old colonial architecture, to the local fashion, art and the indigenous flora and fauna. One of my favorite days was spent wandering the streets of Grenada, the oldest colonial city of Nicaragua filled with beautiful Spanish architecture and bright colorful buildings.

3. BEACHES & SURFING.

Although Costa Rica has dominated the surf tourism in Central America, Nicaragua offers up excellent conditions without the crowds. Just north of San Juan Del Sur, Playa Maderas is one of the most popular surfing beaches with serene white sandy beaches and consistent surf for beginners to pros.

4. CEVICHE & COFFEE.

It’s impossible to leave Nicaragua without becoming a ceviche-lover. Nicaraguan ceviche is made with local raw fish, onion, peppers, lime juice and cilantro. So fresh and delicious! And the coffee, some of the best I’ve had. Café Las Flores is Nicaragua’s top coffee producer and has been in the family for over three generations.

5. OFF THE BEATEN PATH ADVENTURES.

The activities are endless for anyone looking for a fun adventure and include everything from hiking up and ash-boarding down volcanoes, zip-lining, kayaking, surfing and more!

Okay fine, that was seven photos (not five) but we couldn't help ourselves - they're too pretty! And because we love you very much, dear readers, here are a few of Carley's favorite places to get you started on your journey... VIVA LA ADVENTURE!

WHERE TO STAY: The Tribal Hotel & Maderas Village 

WHERE TO EAT: Espressionista 

---

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NICARAGUA?

OF COURSE YOU DO.

Head over to our brand new Travel More. Nicaragua Guide

for everything you need to know before you go + more of Carley's visuals.

---

Video Inspiration: The Epic Traveler Behind This 26 Year Road Trip Is One Of "Human History's Greatest Individual Travelers"

“This is a man that has to be one of human history’s greatest individual travelers and he’s done his journey completely under the radar. No blog, phone, Facebook... he’s not looking for any accolades”

This incredible (and inspiring) video tells Gunther's story.

Back in 1989, as the Berlin Wall fell, Gunther Holtorf and his wife Christine set out on what was meant to be an 18-month tour of Africa in their Mercedes Benz G Wagen. Now, with more than 800,000km (500,000 miles) on the clock, Gunther is still going.

Back in 1989, as the Berlin Wall fell, Gunther Holtorf and his wife Christine set out on what was meant to be an 18-month tour of Africa in their Mercedes Benz G Wagen. 

In 2007 the couple drove to Thailand.

Now, with more than 800,000km (500,000 miles) on the clock (155k of which were off-road), Gunther is still going. 

For those of us who are bad at math (like me!) that means he's driven so many miles, he's actually circled the globe TWENTY times. 

Yep, that's a pretty long road trip.

In Myanmar.

But the coolest part in my mind is how under the radar Gunther is. Like the video says, he's not looking for recognition, sponsorship or accolades -- which is a pretty cool way to travel: for travel's sake. ​

Click on the map, below, to get a better look at everywhere Otto's journey has taken Gunther and friends.

---

WE'RE A NEW SITE, AND EVERY SHARE COUNTS. 

Like what you read? Give us a share on Facebook by clicking the handy button on the bottom right ⤀

---