Somoto Canyon The stunning river gorge that cuts deep through ancient rocks to create the Cañón de Somoto in northern Nicaragua provides one of the country€™s most exciting adventure experiences in some of its most beautiful natural surroundings. A four-hour descent of the narrowest part of the gorge involves scrambling over rocks, floating down rapids, and jumping from very high rocks into deep pools. The more adventurous can opt for a six-hour trip that includes abseiling down cliffs and visits to spooky caves inhabited by bats. The easy route involves a trip upstream in a rowing boat and a gentle float back down in an inner tube. What makes the whole experience more amazing is that the gorge only came to the world€™s attention when two Czech geologists stumbled across it in 2004.Cañón de Somoto, Madriz, Nicaragua

MASAYA VOLCANO Peering through sulphurous clouds at the molten lava lake at the centre of the Santiago crater on the top of the Masaya volcano is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that justifies the plane fare to Nicaragua all on its own. Even more amazing, you can drive right up and park by the lip of the crater, although cars do have to be facing downhill in case of an emergency evacuation from this active volcano. It€™s easily to visit from Managua or Granada; come in the day to learn all you can about the volcano at the onsite museum and take in the full extent of the crater and surrounding lava fields, or come at night for a brief but thrilling peek of the bubbling lava lake and the golden glow it casts in the crater. A trip to Masaya is easily arranged from the capital Managua, which now has a number of new attractions to tempt travellers to stay a few days.Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya, Nicaragua

Cerro Mogotón While Masaya may be Nicaragua€™s most-visited natural treasure, only a few hardy adventurers make it to the top of Cerro Mogotón, which at 2,107 metres (6,913 feet) is Nicaragua€™s highest peak and one of its wettest. Cleared of the landmines that were laid here to stop illegal entry from Honduras along this remote stretch of border, the only danger nowadays is slipping and sliding on the muddy trail or getting caught briefly in the clouds that nurture the moss-covered forest at the summit. Guided tours can be arranged in the town of Ocotal for the 3€“4 hour ascent, which is more of a hike than a climb.Cerro Mogotón, Reserva Nacional Cordillera Dipilto y Jalapa, Nicaragua

The best time to visit Nicaragua is during the dry months of November to April €“ which also provide a welcome escape from the northern winter. But there€™s nothing to stop you exploring in the quieter, rainier months €“ the Pacific is a little drier than the Caribbean. The landscapes and nature here are astounding, but don€™t overlook Nica culture €“ with many indigenous and Creole communities ready to share their food, folklore and fabulous music.