Nicaragua tourism
Nicaragua tourism has grown considerably recently, and it is now the second largest industry in the nation. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has stated his intention to use tourism to combat poverty throughout the country.
In 2013, more than 1.2 million tourists visited Nicaragua, representing an increase of nearly a third from 2009.Two-thirds of these tourists were from other Central American countries, 290,000 were from North America and 80,000 from Europe, specially because foreigners from North America and Europe don’t need to get a visa for entering in Nicaragua.Of those that come for recreation, their principal activities include surfing, hiking volcanoes and getting to know the country’s nature trails.
According to the Ministry of Tourism of Nicaragua (INTUR) the colonial city of Granada is the preferred spot for tourists. The city’s central park, Parque Colón, hosts many vendors of traditional foods and arts and crafts, and there are always several horse-drawn carriages ready to give thorough tours of the city. Now many of them visit Esteli, due to Granada and San juan del Sur is so hot and very, very expensive.Many visitors want to visit other plac Venturing outside of the city limits, one can explore the verdant islets of Granada by a relaxing guided boat ride or by kayak.The islets also boast many luxurious hotels and arrangements for those that wish to take in the sunrise from the Mombacho Volcano, a common day destination for those interested in climbing into a cloud forest. The Apoyo Lagoon is also a popular destination for those visiting Granada. Also, the cities of León, Masaya, Rivas and the likes of San Juan del Sur, San Juan River, Ometepe, Mombacho Volcano, and others are the main tourist attractions. Ecotourism and surfing also attract many tourists.