Nicaragua has been called ‘Central America’s best-kept secret’ – and with good reason.

Known as the ʻLand of Lakes and Volcanoes,ʻ Nicaragua is home to lush rainforests, white-sand unspoiled beaches, and colonial cities – and of course, those dramatic volcanoes.

Sunrise hikes? Check. Volcano sandboarding, hidden rainforest trails and tranquil coastline escapes? Check, check, check.

Ana Carolina Garcia, Director of Promotion for Visit Nicaragua, shared with Travelweek whatʻs new for Nicaragua in 2026, plus must-know tips for travel advisors including tour operator updates, lift from Canada and more.

Q. Nicaragua is increasingly recognized as an emerging travel destination. What key experiences or attractions do you think set the country apart for international visitors today?

Ana Carolina Garcia, Director of Promotion for Visit Nicaragua

A. “Nicaragua has established itself as a ʻbreakoutʻ destination thanks to its unique combination of unspoiled nature, adventure, culture, and colonial heritage. The country is still off the beaten path and not overrun by tourists, allowing visitors to enjoy its landscapes, culture and experiences in a more intimate and meaningful way. Some of its most iconic attractions include …

Beautiful beaches: On both the Pacific coast and the Caribbean, such as Corn Island and Little Corn Island, Nicaragua offers white-sand unspoiled beaches and a tropical refuge for those seeking relaxation or water-based activities such as diving, kayaking, snorkelling or paddle boarding.

Heritage cities like León and Granada: Here visitors will find historic architecture, churches, plazas, and a rich cultural tradition. In our recent webinar for Canadian travel advisors, we highlighted these cities as the heart of the country’s heritage.

Nature, adventure, and relaxation experiences: These include hiking through cloud forests, volcano sandboarding at Cerro Negro – a striking and rare activity worldwide – or unwinding on Ometepe Island where time seems to stand still.

“Beyond its landscapes, Nicaragua’s greatest charm is its people. The feeling of being welcomed like family is an added value that the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes has to offer.

“Itʻs also worth noting that tourism has grown significantly, with sustained increases in both available services and international visitors, who are spending more in the destination. This growth reflects the ongoing improvement in the quality of the overall travel experience.”

San Juan del Sur Bay

Q. Sustainability and community-based tourism are major trends in travel. How is Nicaragua promoting eco-friendly tourism and supporting local communities?

A. “Sustainability is one of the pillars of our tourism strategy. Our institutional mission includes the promotion of responsible tourism that contributes to social development, poverty reduction, and the enhancement of our resources.

“To achieve this, international cooperation agreements have been signed to strengthen sustainable community-based tourism, providing training to local communities and tourism sector officials.

“We support rural and community tourism projects through the creation of the Nicaragua Community Rural Tourism Catalogue, which offers a wide range of initiatives such as agrotourism, green tourism, and rural experiences managed by local communities.

“We promote good environmental and business practices, including workshops, roundtables with local entrepreneurs, tourist signage, recycling and waste management, among others.

“Additionally, in international forums such as the Sustainable Tourism and Climate Change Forum, we have emphasized the central role of communities as guardians of natural and cultural heritage. For this reason, we provide support to local micro and small tourism enterprises, helping them formalize, obtain certifications, and participate in the tourism value chain, directly benefiting families. Our vision includes improving the quality of services offered by these enterprises, not only for environmental reasons but also to promote social inclusion.”

Volcano sandboarding

Q. Adventure tourism seems to be growing in Nicaragua, from volcano hiking to surf hotspots. Are there any new or under-the-radar experiences that travellers should know about?

A. “Nicaragua offers a variety of adventure gems that are not always included in traditional itineraries but provide transformative experiences.

“One of the most iconic is volcano sandboarding at Cerro Negro, a truly unique adventure experience.

“For more active travellers, the Fuego y Agua Ultra Marathon (Fire and Water Ultra Marathon) on Ometepe Island is a challenge race covering distances from 25 to 100 kilometres. This journey crosses volcanoes, jungles, plantations, and beaches, offering a new and exciting experience for athletes visiting the country. In 2026, this race will take place March 6 – 8.

“It is also important to highlight less conventional activities for those looking to step off the usual tourist paths. Nicaragua offers quieter hiking trails, community-based rural routes, agrotourism on eco-friendly farms, and immersive experiences that allow respectful and direct engagement with local communities. For example, ecotourism on islands and coastal communities such as La Flor provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, especially during turtle nesting season, or to participate in the turtle release cycles.”

Traditional Nicaraguan dishes include Gallo Pinto and Nacatamales

Q. With many travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences, what initiatives does Nicaragua have to showcase local culture, food, and traditions?

A. “Cultural authenticity is fundamental for us and is reflected in a wide range of initiatives. We support tourism routes through rural communities, where visitors can experience everyday local life, visit traditional farms, and participate in agricultural or artisanal activities.

“We promote gastronomic tourism in our destination presentations and other activities for travel advisors, highlighting Nicaraguan cuisine with traditional flavours and fusion dishes.

“We work to strengthen family-run and micro tourism enterprises, many led by women, youth and Indigenous or Afro-descendant communities, so they can serve as ambassadors of our culture and traditions.

“We also encourage the preservation and promotion of our heritage, both natural and intangible, including festivals, traditions, crafts and local narratives, which are integral to the experiences we want to share with visitors.

“Finally, we promote tourism investments that strengthen heritage destinations, support rural communities and improve infrastructure to ensure these experiences are both accessible and sustainable.”

Q. What role do Canadian travellers play in Nicaragua’s tourism market, and are there specific campaigns or partnerships targeting them?

A. “Canadian travellers are very explorative, curious and nature-loving. They are open to cultures different from their own and seek sustainable adventures that connect them with the environment and local communities in meaningful ways. As a market, Canadian travellers are therefore highly important due to their potential.

“In January 2025, we hosted a webinar for French-Canadian agents who are members of One Caribbean Canada, showcasing our routes, adventure experiences, culture and sustainability initiatives.

“Later, in September 2025, Nicaragua participated in the ACTA Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit, presenting our tourism offerings directly to agents, tour operators and other industry professionals.

“Most recently, in October 2025, we joined the Virtual Trade Show with Spoiled Agent, connecting directly with agents eager to learn more about Nicaragua.

“Across these forums, we emphasize that Nicaragua is an authentic, accessible destination with a wide range of experiences, from volcanoes to Caribbean islands, as well as gastronomy and community-based tourism. Partnerships with Canadian operators, including Goway, help facilitate the sale of travel packages and position Canadian travel agents as key allies in promoting Nicaragua as a top destination.

“We are also excited that Sunwing Vacations has added Nicaragua as an exclusive sun destination for Quebecers this coming winter. Beginning Dec. 18, 2025, travellers can escape the cold with convenient weekly nonstop service from Montreal (YUL) to Managua (MGA), with WestJet every Thursday until April 9, 2026.

“Customers can book Barceló Montelimar for the winter season through Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations Quebec. This expansive all-inclusive resort is set on lush grounds with direct beach access. Guests can choose from 293 types of accommodations, including standard rooms or spacious private bungalows, some with up to three bedrooms – ideal for families or small groups. Rooms come equipped with a range of bathroom amenities, along with a mini-bar, safe and WiFi access.”

Somoto Canyon

Q. What type of support will travel agents have in 2026?

A. “We’re very excited to be launching the first ever Nicaragua Specialist certification program for travel agents, available through TravelweekLearning.com. The Nicaragua Specialist program will target travel agents in Canada and the United States, running from February 2026 to February 2027. The initiative includes 10 modules and aims to educate the commercial tourism sector about Nicaragua’s attractions and competitive advantages, while inspiring travellers to choose the country for their next vacation.

“The program will also highlight new developments and tourism infrastructure projects that reflect sustained growth and economic development, reaffirming Nicaragua as an authentic, diverse, and constantly evolving destination.”

Toro Huaco, a traditional Nicaraguan dance

Q. Looking ahead, what are the biggest opportunities and challenges for Nicaragua’s tourism sector in the next five years? 

A. “Hereʻs a look at our opportunities and strategic priorities …

• Expand into emerging markets such as Canada, Europe, and other regions, leveraging Nicaragua’s differentiated offerings: nature, adventure, culture, and sustainability.
• Strengthen community-based and rural tourism, which not only diversifies the offerings but also ensures economic benefits are better distributed among local communities.
• Continue investing in sustainable infrastructure, eco-friendly accommodations, and low-impact experiences.
• Provide ongoing training for tourism service providers to improve quality, professionalism, and competitiveness.
• Promote digital innovation and marketing, using technology to attract new traveller segments, including conscious travellers, digital nomads, and wellness tourism enthusiasts.

“And here are the challenges …

• Maintaining a balance between tourism growth and sustainability, avoiding over-tourism that could harm natural or cultural resources.
• Ensuring local communities truly benefit, making sure tourism revenue reaches families rather than concentrating in a few hands.
• Safety and international perception, continuing to reinforce confidence through secure protocols and projecting Nicaragua as an accessible and safe country.
• Climate change, as some of the most attractive destinations, such as volcanoes, lakes, and coastal areas, may be affected, requiring resilient planning.
• Sustaining funding for small tourism enterprises, as many communities need support to improve services, infrastructure, and professional standards.

The landmark Cathedral of Granada in Nicaragua

Q. Any new country developments?

A. “Here are just a few …

Punta Huete International Airport Nicaragua’s new airport will be one of the largest and most modern in Central America. It will accommodate jumbo jets, positioning the country as a key Īhub for global transport and commerce.

Costanera Highway

The first 30-kilometre section along the southern Pacific coast has been inaugurated. This stretch runs from the El Naranjo border post to Playa El Remanso in San Juan del Sur, Rivas. It is part of an international tourist corridor and improves connectivity with Costa Rica.

Marriott Hotel Openings in Nicaragua Notable projects include the City Express by Marriott in Managua, as well as hotels in Estelí and León.

For more information see visitanicaragua.com.

Lead image caption: Cascada la Bujona, Nicaragua (all photos courtesy Visit Nicaragua)