Nicaragua

Beyond, red and black Volcan Momotombo towers above Lago de Managua, its counterpoint is Sandino's massive iron silhouette, conscience of the nation and solemn defining feature of the Managua skyline. Proud Leon also beckons with its churches and museums, while the cloud forests, frothing waterfalls and incredible coffee of cool, green Northern Nicaragua may tempt you upwards. Here, in the mountains and lakes,Central America's mightiest rivers begin their journey across the autonomous, indigenous-owned rolling hills of the  Caribbean Coast, to the sea.Just the name Nicaragua taken from a tribal chief of such wisdom and power that he may never fade from this nation's collective memory evokes grainy footage of camouflage clad guerrillas, punctuated by gunfire and a 1980s soundtrack.