Nicaragua, the black sheep of Central America, is sorely misunderstood in the world. Since disappearing from the headlines in the early 1990s, life in Nicaragua has moved steadily forward, despite the persistent olive-clad images of the war-torn '80s. This is not a nation of perpetual crisis! The revolution and ensuing civil war that ended in 1990 now make up one further chapter in the nation's tumultuous history, and their recent memory adds grit to the reality of being in Nicaragua.

Cayos Perlas, the Pearl Cays,
on Nicaragua's Caribbean flank
Photo © Randy Wood

Fiery and molten under its shifting skin, peaceful and vast on the surface of its great lakes, Nicaragua is at once intensely inspiring, incredibly frustrating, and as deeply relaxing as a low-slung hammock. Here you'll find all manner of wild adventures, be they the kind with vines, monkeys, and path-clearing machetes, or the type of unsought, unexpected intercultural epiphanies that brand our souls for life. We give you ten ideas for adventurous inspiration, but don't let our count limit the possibilities.

The airport in Managua, the country's capital, lets visitors know that Nicaragua awaits with "Brazos Abiertos" ("Open Arms"). Heed this greeting and let the country envelop you. Pack a little extra patience and the brightest color film you can find—and welcome to Nicaragua. The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. The Heart of America.