Conde Nast Traveler, one of the world’s most influential travel magazines, has included Nicaragua on its list of the best destinations to visit in 2025. This selection highlights Nicaragua’s progress from being an affordable and lesser-known destination in Central America to becoming the benchmark as a green and sustainable destination. The recognition is based on the country’s unique natural landscapes, historic attractions, and sustainable initiatives, which have won over a new generation of environmentally conscious travelers.
Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 list celebrates destinations renowned for their natural beauty, adventurous experiences and cultural richness. In particular, the magazine highlighted Nicaragua's unspoiled nature, crystal-clear beaches, majestic volcanoes, colonial cities, sustainable farm-to-table cuisine and welcoming culture that has catapulted the country onto the international tourism scene.
Nicaragua began its tourism rise in the early 2000s, when backpackers and adventurers arrived attracted by the affordability and incredible natural landscapes. The Pacific coast, especially San Juan del Sur, gained fame as a surfing paradise, and activities such as hiking volcanoes and sandboarding on peaks like Masaya and Cerro Negro became must-do experiences. Unlike other destinations in the region, Nicaragua offered an authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience.
With the rise of sustainable tourism, Nicaragua has successfully embraced ecotourism. Government and private sector investments have helped preserve its unique ecosystems, which include cloud forests, rainforests, and coral reefs. Ecolodges, organic farms, and community-based tourism projects have flourished, benefiting local communities and protecting natural resources.
In addition to its natural beauty, Nicaragua has diversified its tourism offering in recent years. Cities like Granada and León, two of the oldest in the Americas, attract history enthusiasts with their colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. For those seeking adventure, the country offers volcano hiking, ziplining, kayaking, and exploring biodiversity reserves.
Colonial Granada
Nicaragua has transformed into a vibrant, sustainable and luxury destination, with a growing offering of high-end boutique eco-resorts. “As Nicaraguans, we are deeply proud of our country and honored to see Nicaragua recognized as one of the best destinations for 2025,” said Ana Carolina Garcia, Director of International Promotion and Marketing. “Our promotional efforts have showcased Nicaragua’s beauty, rich culture, and commitment to sustainable tourism, attracting international investment.”
Nicaragua’s commitment to sustainable tourism also extends to its communities. Community-based tourism projects offer visitors authentic experiences in traditional crafts and cuisine, supporting the local economy and preserving cultural heritage.
With a balanced strategy between conservation and tourism growth, Nicaragua has captured the interest of ecotourists, adventurers and culture lovers. Its evolution as a sustainable destination reflects the global trend of responsible travel, offering visitors genuine connections with both nature and Nicaraguan culture.
In 2023, more than 1.202.309 visitors generated $739 million dollars for the Nicaraguan economy, driven by its rich culture, green landscapes, farm-to-table experiences and now, the endorsement of Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best destinations for 2025.
With this distinction, Nicaragua’s reputation as “Central America’s hidden gem” will shine even brighter.
According to Conde Nast Traveler: «Imagine [Nicaragua] as Mexico's Tulum before over-tourism, or Costa Rica's Santa Teresa without the crowds. Now is the time to visit this country, before everyone else discovers it.»
Explore the full list here: The Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2025 | Condé Nast Traveler
