Things to See in Nicaragua

Central America's oldest church, and Granada's most striking building, the Iglesia San Francisco's bright blue facade resembles a big, gaudy cake. Constructed in 1585, it has been burnt down and rebuilt a couple of times since then, and most recently restored in 1989. Inside, you will find the region's best museum.

Isla Zapatera, a dormant volcano rising to 629m (2064ft) from the shallow waters of Lago de Nicaragua, is an ancient ceremonial island of the Chorotega Indians and male counterpart to Isla de Ometepe, whose smoking cone can be seen after you take the three-hour hike to the top. This and 13 other islands comprise the Parque Nacional Archipiélago Zapatera.

One of the principal egg-laying grounds for endangered Olive Ridley and leatherback turtles is Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor, managed by local environment group Fundación Cocibolca. Between July and December - peaking in August and September - some 30,000 female Olive Ridleys, and a few hundred very endangered leatherbacks, nest here.