Caribbean Coast

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Nicaragua, Indigenous island of Rama Cay on Caribbean coast

UIG via Getty Images

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Overview

Nicaragua’s remote Caribbean coast often feels like an entirely separate country from 'mainland' Nicaragua; barely connected to the rest of the nation and looking out toward the Caribbean rather than inwards to Managua. Here you'll find English-speaking Creole people living side-by-side with indigenous Miskito, Mayangna, Rama and Garifuna populations; some of the country's best beaches on the Corn Islands and Pearl Keys; and various slices of wilderness bisected by wide muddy rivers, lined with thick jungle, and connected by mangrove-shrouded black-water creeks and lagoons.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Museo Auka Tangki

Caribbean Coast

Don’t miss Dr Dionisio Melgara Brown’s museum, a 10-minute walk along dirt roads curving away from the river. Brown, a retired teacher, built this museum…

Museo Arqueológico Gregorio Aguilar Barea

Caribbean Coast

Mystical stone statues rise like ancient totems in the courtyard entrance here. It houses the most important collection of stelae in the country, with…

Waiku Centro de Arte

Caribbean Coast

This excellent social project is run by two English-speaking activists, Greta and Yesi, whose small arts center displays painting, handicrafts, clothing…

Long Bay

Corn Islands

This stunner of a beach arcs from a pile-up of local fishing pangas and lobster traps to a wild, jungle-covered headland at its far end. If you’re looking…

Museo Histórico Cultural de la Costa Caribe

Caribbean Coast

Learn about the Caribbean region's diverse cultures with a visit to this fascinating museum, which contains an interesting mix of historical items from…

Reserva de Biosfera Bosawás

Caribbean Coast

This remarkable expanse of protected wilderness is Nicaragua's biggest biosphere reserve, and makes up more than 14% of Nicaragua’s national territory. It…

Muelle Viejo

Caribbean Coast

Take a stroll along the wooden boards of the historic Muelle Viejo (Old Pier), where both Sandino and the Contras received arms smuggled in from abroad,…

Rama Cay

Caribbean Coast

This tiny and rocky barbell-shaped island 15km southeast of Bluefields is the de facto capital of the Rama nation. Dotted with coconut and banana palms…

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