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The vast majority of Nicaragua's population lives in the fertile plain that makes up the southwest of the country. Bordered by Lago de Nicaragua to the east and the Pacific to the west, the area has been prized since pre-Columbian times for its agricultural potential. Studded by volcanoes - Volcan Masaya, Volcan Mombacho just south of Granada, and the twin cones of Ometepe's Concepcion and Maderas - the southwest is otherwise a flat, low, grassy plain, ideally suited to cattle, and most of what is left of Nicaragua's beef industry is concentrated here, while coffee plantations can be found at higher altitudes. The area has always been at the hub of the economy and politics of the country, and many of Nicaragua's most prominent political families, including the Chamorros, come from here. The region's only two cities of any size are Masaya, 29km south of Managua, and Granada, 26km further south. Masaya 's enormous craft market attracts virtually everyone who comes to Nicaragua, while the nearby Parque Nacional Volcan Masaya offers the most accessible volcano-viewing in the country. With its fading classical-colonial architecture and lakeside setting, Granada is undeniably Nicaragua's most beautiful and popular city, and also makes a good base for exploring many nearby attractions including the Isletas de Granada and Volcan Mombacho . The road connecting Managua, Masaya and Granada passes through the picturesque " Pueblos Blancos ", or White Towns - Nindiri, Niquinohomo, Masatepe, Catarina, Diria and Diriomo - small sleepy settlements considered by Nicaraguans to embody  © 2003 by Rough Guides Ltd. as trustee for its Authors. Published by Rough Guides. All rights reserved. Rough Guides name is a trademark of Rough Guides Ltd. Buy the book here!
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everything that is authentically nica : typical indigenous-influenced food, crafts, and traditions and fiestas inherited from the Chorotgeta and the Mangue groups of native Nicaraguans. Some 75km south of Granada, Rivas , the gateway to Costa Rica, is of little interest in itself, though many travellers pass through on their way south or en route to San Juan del Sur , the most pleasant beach town in Nicaragua, where surfing, swimming and seafood are the main attractions.
Your Tips For Southwest
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