Few destinations evolve from “hidden gem” to powerhouse quite like Nicaragua. Known for its dramatically beautiful lakes, volcanoes, and vibrant culture, the country is experiencing a major renaissance, highlighted by an eye-opening 37.3% surge in Canadian travellers year-over-year. Driven by conscious, community-led travel experiences, and a renewed push to equip travel pros with new specialist tools, Nicaragua’s moment in the sun has officially arrived.

We connected with Ana Carolina Garcia, Director of International Promotion and Marketing for Visit Nicaragua, to get the inside scoop on what makes this country so special, what’s on the horizon, and why Canadian travellers and the advisors who serve them should have Nicaragua top of mind.

1.What types of travellers are drawn to Nicaragua?

“Nicaragua has evolved well beyond its ‘up-and-coming’ label to stand confidently alongside established Central American destinations, offering a unique blend of authenticity, adventure, sustainability and premium eco-luxury lodges. The travellers it attracts are curious, intrepid and open-minded people seeking meaningful experiences over typical beach holidays. The tourist who visits Nicaragua is not just a tourist. On the contrary, the traveller who comes to Nicaragua is curious and intrepid, with a very open mind.

“These visitors are drawn to outdoor pursuits like volcano boarding, cloud forest hiking, surfing uncrowded breaks and kayaking hidden islets, while remaining culturally eager to explore patrimonial cities like Granada and León or connect with rural communities. Furthermore, with over 50% of its territory designated as protected areas and four biosphere reserves, the country strongly appeals to eco-conscious and wellness travellers looking for boutique, low-impact escapes.

“For travel advisors, qualifying clients means focusing on those who value authentic experiences over massive resorts, embrace off-the-beaten-path exploration and appreciate a slower pace. Nicaragua is a non-mass destination, which allows the visitor to have a pleasant experience, avoiding saturated spots. Can you imagine having a beach all to yourself? In Nicaragua, you can find all this and more.”

Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

2.What are the tourism board’s top priorities for the next few years, particularly from the Canadian market?

“Canada is a top-priority market for Nicaragua, and the numbers tell the story. Between January and April 2026, Nicaragua welcomed 318,963 international visitors, marking a +3.8% increase over the same period in 2025. But the real headline? Canadian arrivals surged by an impressive +37.3%, making Canada the fastest-growing source market in North America. With numbers like these, Nicaragua is no longer just a destination with potential, it is a destination that is delivering.

“We have identified a notable increase in terms of Canadian visitors to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, who are looking for some R&R, or wanting to work remotely while enjoying the sun and beaches. More importantly, we have seen an increase of Canadians creating communities, buying real estate or looking for an extended winter vacation or digital nomads.

“So what is on the horizon? The tourism board’s priorities are clear:

• Strengthening trade relationships: Recent initiatives include webinars for agents in partnership with One Caribbean Canada, participation in the ACTA Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit, attending the 55 Plus Travel show in Ottawa in September, and a Virtual Trade Show with Spoiled Agent. The message is consistent: Nicaragua is authentic, accessible and diverse.
• Investing in education: The newly launched Nicaragua Specialist Certification Programme is a direct investment in equipping Canadian travel advisors with the knowledge, tools and confidence to sell the destination.
• Promoting diverse experiences: From adventure and nature to culture and farm-to-table local experiences, the focus is on showcasing Nicaragua as a multi-faceted destination that appeals to a range of traveller interests, not just a one-note beach escape.

“Ultimately, the goal is to position Nicaragua as a go-to destination for Canadians seeking authentic, sustainable and experience-driven travel. North America is our second priority market, highlighting the Canadian market in this geographical space as one of the main potential markets.”

3.What experiences does Nicaragua offer that visitors can’t easily find elsewhere in Central America?

“Nicaragua is packed with unique, bucket-list-worthy experiences that rival anything the region has to offer for today’s most curious travellers.

“The Classics (but make them extraordinary):

• Volcano Sandboarding at Cerro Negro: This is the big one, the only place in the world where you can sandboard down the slopes of an active volcano. “ou spend some 45 minutes hiking up the 728-metre-high active volcano Cerro Negro, and then slide down its steep slopes on a sled made partly of plywood and partly of metal, possibly hitting speeds of around 93 kph. Adrenaline junkies, take note.
  
  
• Ometepe Island: Formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe is the only island in the world located within a freshwater lake and made up of two volcanoes. It is a surreal, otherworldly destination where time seems to stand still.
• The Lava Lake at Masaya Volcano: One of the few lava lakes in the world, Masaya offers visitors the chance to peer into the earth’s fiery core, a truly humbling experience.

The Hidden Gems:

• Corn Island and Little Corn Island: These Caribbean islands offer white-sand, unspoiled beaches, “a tropical refuge for those seeking relaxation or water-based activities such as diving, kayaking, snorkelling or paddle boarding.
  
  
• The Río Coco Geopark: Nicaragua is home to the only Geopark in Central America, a destination that stands out for its impressive geological richness, unique landscapes and the deep commitment of local communities to preserving their natural and cultural heritage.
  
  
• Community-Based Tourism Routes: Through the 12 ‘Tourism Routes’ and the Nicaragua Community Rural Tourism Catalogue, visitors can experience agrotourism, visit eco-friendly farms and engage directly with local communities. 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.
  
  
• The Fuego y Agua Ultra Marathon: For those who crave a true test of endurance, the Fuego y Agua Ultra Marathon on Ometepe Island delivers, a grueling 25 to 100 kilometres across volcanoes, jungles, plantations and beaches that pushes even the most seasoned athletes to their limits.

“Whether it is hiking a volcano at sunrise, spotting howler monkeys from a kayak or dining farm-to-table at a family-run finca, Nicaragua offers depth and authenticity that mass-market destinations simply cannot replicate.”

Exploring Nicaragua’s colours and flavours

4.What advice should travel advisors give to clients thinking of a Nicaragua getaway?

“Go now, but not because it’s undiscovered. Nicaragua has arrived, and it is delivering big adventures without the big crowds. If I were the interviewer I would ask, ‘What do you consider to be the best time to visit Nicaragua?’ And the answer would be: ‘Right now!’ We have been working hard to have a country with a wide and dynamic tourism offer, a safe and accessible destination.

“Be an explorer, not a tourist. The traveller that comes to Nicaragua is a curious and an intrepid traveller with a very open mind. This isn’t a place for passive resort holidays. Encourage clients to embrace the local culture, share a meal with a family, explore a patrimonial city on foot or volunteer with a community-based tourism initiative.

“Pack for adventure (and bring layers). From volcano boarding to cloud forest hikes, clients should be ready for active days. Remind them that Nicaragua’s tropical climate also means plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation, whether on a Pacific beach or a Caribbean island.

“Take advantage of great infrastructure. Nicaragua makes it easy for independent travellers to explore at their own pace. Nicaragua has the best roads in the entire Central American region, which allows you to travel easily and safely from one end of the country to the other. This means clients can explore multiple regions, from the Pacific to the Caribbean, from the north to the south, without wasting hours in transit.

“Think beyond the all-inclusive. Nicaragua’s real magic lies in its boutique eco-lodges, luxury retreats and family-run guesthouses. These properties are perfect for independent travellers, couples, friends or multi-generational families who want something beyond resort life. Encourage clients to swap the buffet for a farm-to-table dinner and the pool for a paddleboard session on a crystal-clear lagoon.

“Plan around seasonal highlights. Consider turtle nesting season on the Pacific coast, something nature lovers will talk about for years to come. Other options include the Fuego y Agua Ultra Marathon in March for inner explorers or the dry season’s perfect hiking conditions. Help clients time their trip to match their interests.

“Above all, reassure them: Nicaragua is a safe and accessible destination. The only thing that you need is to book your ticket and the desire to come.”

Toro Huaco, a traditional Nicaraguan dance

5.Why is the Nicaragua Specialist Programme a must-do for travel advisors – and what special incentives are on tap for agents who complete the programme?

“The newly launched Nicaragua Specialist Certification Programme is more than just a course, it is a gateway to confidently selling one of the most exciting destinations in the Americas right now. This is about being right on the curve. Nicaragua is already here, and this programme ensures advisors are ready to meet the demand.

“Here is why every travel advisor should sign up:

• It positions you as an expert on a destination that delivers. With Canadian arrivals up +37.3% and growing interest in authentic, experience-driven travel, advisors who complete the programme will be equipped to meet the moment and convert interest into bookings.
  
  
• It is quick and accessible. The self-paced course takes approximately three hours to complete and is available online in English, a low time investment for a high-value credential.
  
  
• It covers everything advisors need. The programme ensures advisors can confidently match clients with the right experiences, from wandering colonial towns and hiking volcanoes to enjoying eco-luxury retreats and tasting farm-to-table food.
  
  
• There is a great incentive. Graduates of the programme are automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card, a nice bonus for investing in professional development.
  
  
• It is a first-of-its-kind. This is the first-ever specialist certification programme for Nicaragua, meaning early adopters will have a distinct competitive advantage. Travel advisors play a vital role in inspiring travellers and connecting them with meaningful experiences, and this programme ensures they are well-equipped to confidently share the story of our destination.

“Advisors can register at www.travelweek.ca/courses or directly at visitnicaragualearning.com, where all it takes is an email address to get started.”