Nicaragua's violent past is gradually being forgotten, no longer stealing the thunder of a land rippled by dramatic volcanoes cloaked in rainforest. It has Central America’s oldest and most beautiful city,16th century Granada, from where there’s easy access to Ometepe, a fantasy volcanic island on the great Lake Nicaragua. And don’t miss out on the Corn Isles’ nonchalant Caribbean vibes. Travel can be difficult along poor roads during the wet season from April-October.