Nicaragua is a large country but most tourist visits are concentrated in the volcanic southern highlands, on or around Lake Nicaragua or on the unspoilt Corn Islands on the Caribbean coast. Some of the country's most captivating scenery can be enjoyed from a bike, horse or on foot on Ometepe Island (above), where two volcanoes rise from the glassy waters of Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in the world. Isolated from the republic's turbulent history and the relatively busy mainland the ambience is relaxed and friendly. You can stay in cabin-style accommodation on the water's edge.For a jungle, wildlife and historical experience, fly by light aircraft from Managua to the frontier town of San Carlos on the banks of the Rio San Juan, and onwards by motorised canoe to riverside accommodation from which you can explore in the surrounding jungle. Visit the Spanish El Castillo Fortress, with its museum and library, and the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, which has more species of bird, trees and insects than in the whole of Europe.On the Caribbean Corn Islands many of the friendly population are Caribbean descendants of pirates with typically English names. The islands are developing, but the cliché 'barefoot paradise' still rings true here. Big Corn has an unscathed coastline and chalk-white beaches. Stay in Casa Canada and relax in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean with a cocktail or venture down to adjacent, sweeping bay of South End beach for a cool sea swim.Nicaragua's coast and southern lowland 48 Panama, Nicaragua & HondurasRAFE STONEISTOCKPHOTO.COM

MORGAN'S ROCKNICARAGUACOSTA RICA.......Corn IslandsMasaya volcanoOmetepe GranadaSan JorgeManaguaLeónLake NicaraguaHighlights of Nicaragua 13 days, 11 nightsGranada 2 nights, Ometepe 2n, León 2n, Managua 1n, Corn Islands 3n, Managua 1n.Day 1 Fly from the UK and arrive Managua. Drive to Granada on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and in the shadow of the Mombacho volcano. This unmodernised city retains some beautiful colonial buildings. 2 nights at Hotel Plaza Colón. Day 2 Tour to the Masaya volcano, which has five craters and a volcanic lake. Later you can see local craftsman at work in Masaya's market. Days 3&4 Drive to San Jorge for a short ferry ride across Lake Nicaragua to the volcanic island of Ometepe, with opportunities for local hikes with views of the Maderas and Concepción volcanoes. Stay at Hotel Villa Paraiso for 2 nights. Days 5&6 A full day at leisure to explore. Return to Managua by ferry and road, and continue to the University City of León (top left) where murals portray the events of Nicaragua's bloody civil war, brightening the walls between old Spanish style buildings, ornate churches and shady street cafés. Your hotel is El Convento. Day 7 Return to Managua and Hotel Los Robles. Days 8-10 Fly to the English-speaking Corn Islands, off the Caribbean coast, two palm-fringed tropical islands surrounded by coral reefs. 3 nights at Casa Canada. Day 11 Fly to Managua. Day 12 Fly to the UK, arriving day 13. Prices from £1,355pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily from the UK morgan's rock Hang out in splendid isolation at this exclusive eco-lodge behind an undeveloped beach on Nicaragua's Pacific coast (above). It has wooden cottages, each with terrace and garden shower, linked to the main lodge and infinity pool by a spectacular suspension bridge crossing a canyon. The area is brimming with wildlife, from howler monkeys to giant sea turtles and many species of tropical bird. The lodge is also involved in local projects to preserve primary forest and protect endangered wildlife. You'll have a great opportunity to explore a pristine area by kayak, mountain-bike, or on horseback.020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 49how about?» Extending your stay with a couple of days at Rio San Juan with a short flight from Managua. » Comparing the Pacific coast with the Caribbean, ending your holiday at the exquisite Morgan's Rock eco-lodge.MORGAN'S ROCKNICARAGUA TOURIST BOARD