Nicaragua Travel Tips

Granada NicaraguaEven though Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, years of political and civil unrest coupled with hugely destructive earthquakes have meant that it is one of the least visited in the region. However, after years of slumber, this country is now the “it” spot to visit. Every traveler you meet always asks “are you going to Nicaragua?” It’s a beautiful country and it’s better to go now before prices skyrocket!

Nicaragua Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
Buying Travel Insurance

Typical Costs in Nicaragua

  • Accommodation: Hostel accommodation typically begins at around C$410 per night for a single room with shared bathroom. The most popular kind of lodgings in Nicaragua are “hospedajes” – small family run hotels costing from C$106 to C$212 per night.
  • Food: By eating from street stalls it’s possible to have a meal for less than C$50 but for a meal in a reasonably priced restaurant, expect to pay between C$75 and C$120.
  • Transportation: Most intercity trips by bus cost no more than C$42. Staying within the city, buses are efficient and extremely inexpensive at just C$4 – but beware, they are fiercely crowded and pickpocketing is rife. Taxis usually cost around C$21-30 per person for a short trip.
  • Activities: Generally, activities are quite cheap in Nicaragua, with fishing being the most expensive activity you are likely to take part in at around C$650 for a few hours.

Money Saving Tips for Nicaragua

  • Bring Empties. When buying beer in Nicaragua always try to bring your empty bottles back to the store as there is a strict recycling initiative here. Without empties you can expect to pay double for a crate of beer.
  • Haggle. Don’t be embarrassed to haggle when buying things in the markets.
  • Fritanga. These buffet style restaurants offer amazing value for money. A typical meal will include rice, meat, cheese and cabbage salad. An entire table of food can cost less than $5USD.

Top Things to See in Nicaragua

  • Managua. Like many Central American cities, life centers around a square. The recently renovated Plaza de la Republica is home to the Palacio Nacional, which is still a government building but also houses an art gallery and museum. Next to the Palacio is the Catedral Viejo, a dilapidated ruin of a once wonderful cathedral destroyed in the earthquake.
  • Fishing. Both the Atlantic and the Pacific border the shores of Nicaragua, so fishing here is pretty popular. Off the coast you’ll find a myriad of fish up to about 200lbs. There are also chartered trips around the volcanic islands within the Lago.
  • Granada. Granada has some of the best architecture in Nicaragua and due to the recent investment in tourism, has become very popular among travelers. Take in the magnificent buildings in the Plaza de Independencia or head to the Reserva Nacional Volcán Mombacho, to hike the slopes towards the volcano’s crater. The view over Masaya, Granada and the Lago de Micaragua is amazing.
  • Bewitched Villages. A trip to the Pueblos Brujos is usually incorporated with a trip to Masaya. Diriomo and Diria are two of the villages so called due to the strong traditions of black magic, which is still practiced there to this day. It’s a strange experience with tarot card reading, fortune telling and supernatural medicine being created in the streets.
  • Masaya markets. The main attractions in the city of Masaya are its two craft markets, the Mercado Municipal and the Mercado de Artesanias. Every Thursday night at the Mercado de Artesanias is the “Night of Revelry” featuring folkloric dancing, local food and music. This gives the place a carnival atmosphere and is a great time to go.
  • San Juan del Sur. A hit with surfers and backpackers, San Juan del Sur is the most popular beach town in Nicaragua. The beach itself is in a great setting; enclosed by prehistoric volcanic hills.
  • Baseball. Unlike in the rest of Central America, soccer takes a back seat to baseball in Nicaragua. Due to the incredible climate, live baseball is played almost all year round. It might seem strange to see a baseball game outside of the US, but the crowd here is fantastic! Take an organised trip to one of the big games for around C$428.
  • Learn to Surf. Nicaragua may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but it’s a huge past time here due to the year round waves and warm water. There are plenty of surf schools that offer tuition and equipment hire around the towns of Rivas and San Juan del Sur. Expect to pay around C$215 per day for board rental and C$640 an hour for lessons.
  • Ometepe Island. This extraordinary island is located on the Lago de Nicaragua and is formed by two joined volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas. Hiking the volcanoes, kayaking and cycling are the main activities here. It’s beautiful, the locals are friendly and the food and accommodation is cheap, so it’s a great place to unwind for a few days.
  • León. This city in the North West was Nicaragua’s capital until 1857 and to this day remains the country’s “intellectual” capital as it is home to the National University. Remnants of the political war between the Somozas and Sandinistas can be seen in the graffiti and murals around the city. It’s also worth checking out the Ruben Dario museum and the León Viejo ruins for a true sense of the city.