This crescent-shaped islet off the north coast of Isla Zapatera has perhaps the most impressive expanse of petroglyphs carved into a 95m-by-25m expanse of bedrock at its center, where archaeologists have found numerous stone statues (now displayed in the Convento San Francisco in Granada). Several of the other islands also have petroglyphs and potential archaeological sites.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.52 MILES
Described by the Spaniards as the gates of hell, the craters that comprise Volcán Masaya National Park are the most easily accessible active volcanoes in…
Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho
7.14 MILES
It’s been a few decades since this 1345m volcano, the defining feature of the Granada skyline, has acted up, but it is still most certainly active and…
Convento y Museo San Francisco
12.18 MILES
One of the oldest churches in Central America, Convento San Francisco boasts a robin's egg–blue birthday-cake facade and houses both an important convent…
23.28 MILES
This massive (and active) volcano is an Ometepe landmark. The seven- to 10-hour hike up loose volcanic stone to the summit of this looming peak can be…
24.22 MILES
The excellent Museo Numismástico (Money Museum) documents the troubled history of the Nicaraguan economy through its coins and banknotes. Across the road,…
12.24 MILES
Granada's new chocolate museum is excellent if you're traveling with children: the 'beans to bar' chocolate workshop, where participants learn to roast…
12.16 MILES
Perhaps the most beautiful church in the city, this landmark was built in 1534. Most come here for the spectacular views from the bell tower – especially…
Reserva Natural Chocoyero-El Brujo
29.86 MILES
This 184-hectare natural reserve, 30km outside Managua, is a small wilderness enclave within easy reach of the capital. Imagine: a hardwood forest, dense…
Nearby Nicaragua attractions
1. Aguas Agrias – La Nanda Community
6.79 MILES
This rural community, just south of Mombacho volcano, is an off-the-beaten-path destination where local guides lead hikes through a traditional plantation…
2. Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho
7.14 MILES
It’s been a few decades since this 1345m volcano, the defining feature of the Granada skyline, has acted up, but it is still most certainly active and…
11.47 MILES
This lakefront tourist center has restaurants, discos, sandy beaches, kids' play areas, and picnic spots, though the location is no good for swimming and…
11.73 MILES
This small rural community at the base of Volcán Mombacho is part of the UCA community-tourism project. It offers guided trips through organic coffee…
11.93 MILES
The imposing, twin towered Iglesia de Guadalupe was originally built as a fort in 1626 and refurbished in 1945.
11.94 MILES
Head to the overflowing and lively Mercado Municipal, a neoclassical building constructed in 1892, for a chance to observe locals haggling over fresh…
12.08 MILES
The cathedral, on the east side of the plaza, was originally built in 1583 but has been destroyed countless times since. This most recent version, built…
12.11 MILES
Used between 1876 and 1922, this beautiful cemetery on Granada's outskirts has lots of picturesque mausoleums and tombs, including those of six Nicaraguan…