This magnificent volcanic knuckle juts into the Golfo de Fonseca, providing stunning scenery, untouched wetlands, long unspoiled beaches, and massive peanut farms.

This part of the country was too hot and isolated for most tourists until very recently when parts of the main access road were improved and foreigners began investing in land and hotel projects.

Although a trip to the scenic crater that makes up the highest point of Reserva Natural Volcán Cosigüina is the centerpoint of a trip to this area, you can also ride horseback, explore, fish, or just lounge on the beach.

Getting Around the Cosigüina Peninsula

Access this area on the Nic-12 highway, most of which was paved with financial support from the American government in 2009. There’s no real coastal road to area beaches, only side spurs from Nic-12.

Some of the side roads are in better condition than others. Four-whee drive is still necessary to explore this area.

Buses to Cosigüina’s scattered northern villages and beaches leave from Chinandega’s Mercadito and make stops in El Viejo before continuing northwest. Many of these destinations only have bus service once a day, which means you’ll be making an overnight trip if you don’t have your own wheels. Most visitors either rent a vehicle or arrange a transfer with their hotel.