Ten minutes outside the northern colonial city of Léon lies the Cerro Negro volcano. At some stage of Nicaragua's history a daredevil came up with the idea of “boarding” down the loose gravel-like texture of the volcano, and visitors love the experience. You can either go down on a sled or a snow board.

Founded in 1524 by Spanish conquistador, Cordoba, Granada is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. It has a history as diverse as it is long, having been taken over by many superpowers and pirates over the years due to its geographic position and wealth. The colonial city is charming with its colorful facades, cobblestone streets and café lifestyle. Be sure to visit the town center, Parque Centrale, as well as Iglesia de Guadalupe (East of City Center), Iglesia de la Merced (Calles Real Xalteva) and Convento y Museo San Francisco, the third oldest church in Central America (built in 1585). The entrance to the church features a mural of the history of Granada. The convent also houses a museum, which exhibits stone sculptures found in the Zapatera mountain range. These half-man, half-animal creatures are said to date from around 800-1200 AD and hold a kind of gravitas that demands reverence.

Stroll down Calle la Calzada, a street filled with music and cafés and stop into El Tercer Ojo. Let your eyes glance up to see the colorful buildings and tiled roofs under the constant gaze of the Mombacho volcano. Those interested in social enterprise projects should stop into Centro Social Tio Antonio’s.

Lake Nicaragua covers more than 3,000 square miles and drains into the Caribbean Sea. A spattering of 365 islands, known as Las Isletas de Granada, were created by an eruption of Mombacho Volcano. The islands, which range in size from large boulders to a few acres, contain hotels such as Jicaro and private homes. Regular boat tours are offered from Granada for those interested in seeing the bird and marine life and houses. Guests who stay at Mukul can sign up for a day trip that includes spending time at the Pellas family’s private island.

Visiting Masaya volcano is referred to as “adventure tourism,” particularly as it is still an active volcano: it erupted in 2001 spewing rocks, ash and smoke more than a mile into the air and injuring 150 people. It’s locally referred to as the “gates of hell,” possibly because it used to play host to human sacrifices. Now parakeets make their homes in the hills and in the afternoon can be seen returning. A nighttime hike is available to see bats and lava.

Just 20 minutes from Granada is the Mombacho volcano (transfers from Granada are available). The volcano, which last erupted in the 16th century, plays host to a coffee plantation and tours are available. The 45-degree drive up to cloud forest is breath-taking both for its height as much as its sights: orchids and begonias grow wild; there are ferns as tall as buildings; and lava steam emerges from holes in the ground. The Palazio family, who owns Las Flores coffee plantation, offers various tours of the plantation and volcano, including a zip-lining canopy tour for all ages, during which you may see howler monkeys. There is also a small café where you can buy coffee on the spot or to take home.

An easy day trip from San Juan del Sur, Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor is where visitors should go to see hatching turtles. From July through December, approximately 30,000 turtles nest and lay eggs. About 45 days later, the eggs hatch and baby turtles run into the sea in the middle of the night, guided by moonlight.

Visiting in 1866, Mark Twain wrote about San Juan del Sur that their “bright green hills never looked so welcome, so enchanting, so altogether lovely.” Before the Panama Canal was opened, travelers crossed Central America in Nicaragua via San Juan del Sur, Lake Nicaragua and the Rio San Juan. A surfer town on a crescent, white-sand beach, San Juan del Sur has a laid-back atmosphere and fun nightlife scene. San Juan del Sur Surf Spot can provide a board, lesson and transport for surfers ranging from beginner to advanced. (sanjuansurf.com)