Nicaragua
Many people liken Nicaragua to the Costa Rica of 20 years ago—there are 25 volcanoes here, 77 parks and reserves that make up 18 percent of the country, and world-class surf on empty beaches. But its secret identity is changing fast: A million-plus people came here in 2012, many more than any other year. Why all the sudden growth? Its turbulent recent history is fading; it’s now the second-safest country in Central America. Behind, of course, Costa Rica. Start in Managua for easy access to Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America, and the Pacific beaches, which are quickly becoming meccas for surfers. Isla de Ometepe, in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, features active volcanoes, lush jungle, and petroglyphs, plus it's one of the newest designated reserves in the country. Other fun options include scuba diving in the Corn Islands, off the east coast, and touring the colonial cities of Granada and Leon.

Read more on traveling to Granada.
Check out the best hotels in Granada.

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