No matter how you feel about President Daniel Ortega, the leader of Nicaragua and his administration has been on a dogged quest to boost the national economy. Like much of Central America, civil war, corruption, drug cartels and poverty have wrought untold damage to generations of people. One of the ultimate costs, which endures to the present day, has been negative publicity and perceptions on the international stage. How many people truly consider El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua when they plan a vacation abroad? With impressions and stereotypes so hard to break, leaders in Central America have always had a tough road to hoe.

Thankfully, in recent years, some fruits of labor have begun to bloom and blush. Young, intrepid tourists, perhaps with less of a budget but certainly of less narrow mind, have begun to creep in quiet droves to Nicaragua and other nations throughout the region between Mexico and Columbia. While we know well about the inherent charm of Costa Rica and Belize, what will ultimately put Central America over the top as a premier tourist destination is when a country like Nicaragua turns the corner, both in terms of the national economy, poverty and social problems and last but not least, global perception. Here are some major signs, attractions and destinations that demonstrate that the country is indeed the new star of Central America.

Managua

The cosmopolitan capital of Nicaragua and only metropolis in the country has made considerable strides over the past decade, first in the virtual eradication of illiteracy, which has had transformative ripple effects on the economy, and second in the area of the environment.

Although the Kodak company and others, because of unscrupulous toxic effluvium pipelines, rendered the city’s most famous natural landmark, Lake Managua, into a waste dump half a century ago, efforts to siphon out the pollutants are almost complete. A positive development, for the mere fact that Managua sits amid idyllic environs that deserve protection. Other than spectacular lake and lagoon scenery, the city is perhaps the most green and verdant in all of Latin America. Sites like the Plaza de la Revoluci?n, Old Cathedral, National Palace of Culture and Dennis Martinez National Stadium are made all the more beautiful as a result. Discard every negative notion you have had about Managua. The foremost city in Nicaragua is as safe, if not more, as any in Mexico or South America (in other words, remain as prudent as you would anywhere else) and has a vibrant cultural scene.

Granada

On the northwest shore of colossal, freshwater Lake Nicaragua, Granada is one of the most historic towns in all of Central America. With official incorporation in 1524 by Spanish conquistador and father of modern Nicaragua, Francisco Hern?ndez de C?rdoba, the town of 110,000 is notable for fantastic colonial architecture. The Cathedral of Granada for one, is a glorious church, resplendent in yellow as the most visible landmark in the popular destination. With nearby Mombacho volcano just off the lake shore, Granada is encircled by dense forests, replete with exotic wildlife. Other cityscape attractions include Iglesia de Guadalupe, the central town square and narrow town streets with old colonial homes. If you get hungry in Granada, fear not. The local cuisine is incredibly affordable and delicious.

Le?n

With almost 200,000 people, Le?n is next to Managua in terms of sheer population in Nicaragua. From UNESCO World Heritage charm to a superb nightlife and festival scene, the city merits a special visit. There is no excuse not to actually, since Le?n is a mere 90 minute drive from the vast capital. A cursory tour around the exquisite city reveals restored and refurbished Spanish colonial homes, which remain some of the most pristine on the continent, grand Neo-Gothic cathedrals impossible to ignore and the remnants of an old town. The rubbled ruins won UNESCO World Heritage recognition a number of years ago and remain the only trace of the destructive eruption of the Momotombo volcano in 1610.

Nicaragua is a sumptuous feast for tourists who want a severe break from the norm. If you have a taste for adventure, discover some great hotels in the country before you head to Central America.

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