Updated: 07/22/19 | July 22nd, 2019
Nicaragua used to be a secret. “Pshhh, have you been to Nicaragua yet? That’s where you really want to go,” travelers would say. It was the land of backpackers and intrepid travelers. Tourists veered toward Costa Rica instead as Nicaragua’s rough past plagued its image.
But over the years, travelers seeking a fun, cheap, and adventurous destination came here as an alternative to “touristy” Costa Rica and Panama once they realized Contras weren’t still roaming the jungles.
Backpacking Nicaragua is the thing to do these days.
The secret is out.
Nicaragua is a hot destination spot for families, retirees, and backpackers relishing the cheap beer, hiking, and good surf. After visiting in December, I completely understand the appeal. Nicaragua is filled with amazing natural beauty and extremely warm people. I went in with high expectations and was not disappointed.
Though the country has been “found,” there are still many opportunities to wander off the beaten path, interact with locals, get in touch with nature, and avoid the hordes of travelers asking where they can get a burger. Nicaragua is a huge country and it would take a solid month or two to see it all.
No matter how much time you have (and I had a lot), there are plenty of activities to take part in, even if you don’t have the unlimited time that backpacking afford you. So what should you do in Nicaragua? After spending a lot of time in the country, here are my recommendations for the top things to see and do in the country.
These are the things to do in Nicaragua that should NOT be missed:
Where to Go in Nicaragua
1. Admire Granada
Granada has some of the most well-preserved architecture in Nicaragua. It was the first big Spanish settlement in the country, and many of the buildings and churches in the Spanish colonial style are beautifully preserved (and painted a myriad of colors). Besides wandering around gawking at the architecture, you can take a kayaking trip to the nearby islets, enjoy hiking trips to Mombacho volcano, or visit the nearby markets in Masaya.
While you’re in town, be sure to eat at one of the kiosks in the town square serving vigorón, a delicious local pork and cabbage dish (for only $2). Kathy’s Waffles and the Garden Café serve good Western food.
Where to Stay in Granada: My favorite place to stay is De Boca en Boca. The staff is friendly, there is free coffee all day, and they have a cool rooftop area where you can chill out. You can book a room here on Hostelworld!
2. Surf in San Juan del Sur
A hit with surfers and backpackers, San Juan del Sur is the most popular beach destination in Nicaragua. All the beaches are beautiful and lapped by warm water. Here you’ll find great surfing (expect to pay around $9 USD per day for board rental and $25 per hour for lessons), the second-largest statue of Jesus in the world (behind Christ the Redeemer in Brazil), and lots of cheap bars.
The best way to travel to San Juan del Sur from the airport is by booking an airport shuttle. The cost is $40 per person or $65 for two people each way and takes around 2 hours.
Where to Stay in San Juan del Sur: My favorite place to stay is The Naked Tiger. They have an awesome pool, a free shuttle service, and an in-house bar which is a great place to meet other travelers. You can book a room here on Hostelworld!
3. Visit Ometepe Island
This extraordinary island is located on Lago de Nicaragua and is formed by two joined volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas. Hiking, kayaking, cycling, and healthy food are the island’s main draws. Hiking the volcanoes is as hard as it appears: you’ll need to start really early or the midday heat will slow you down significantly (I learned this lesson the hard way).
The volcano hikes cost around $20 USD if you’re part of a group or up to $40 if you’re by yourself (hike with a guide, as it’s rather unsafe due to poorly maintained trails). Keep an eye out for all the monkeys — spotting them was more interesting than the hike!
Where to Stay on Ometepe Island: My favorite place to stay is The Landing Hostel. They’re located right near the port and the staff can help you with all your bookings. Plus, they have a cool bar and huge lockers to store all your stuff. You can book a room here on Hostelworld!
4. Visit “new” León
This city was Nicaragua’s capital until 1857. To this day it remains the country’s intellectual capital and 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. There are a lot of churches here, many art museums, and a burgeoning food movement.
Make sure you visit the Museum of the Revolution, a fascinating museum about the Sandinista movement. The $2 entrance fee includes a guide. León is also where people base themselves for trips to the nearby volcanoes. This city was one of the highlights of my trip.
Where to Stay in León: My favorite place to stay is Poco a Poco. A fully-equipped kichen, rooftop area, tons of hammocks, and comfy beds make this award-winning hostel an awesome place to stay at. You can book a room here on Hostelworld!
5. Visit “old” León
The ruins of León Viejo date back to the 16th century and are a short trip from León. The site is Nicaragua’s only UNESCO World Heritage listing and is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas. While this isn’t some lavish ruin site, it’s really the only place to see and learn about the country’s founding colonial past.
6. Go volcano boarding
Cerro Negro, a young and active volcano, is where tourists (mostly backpackers) board down the gravelly slopes on one of the many organized tours to the mountain. You hike up to the top, which takes around an hour, sit on a piece of wood, and then fly down the side of the volcano. Tours from León leave in the morning and in the afternoon.
It’s the main reason lots of travelers visit León and, while not my cup of tea, is extremely popular. I couldn’t visit anywhere in the country without seeing someone wearing an “I went volcano boarding” t-shirt. The most popular slope is on Cerro Negro. Prices start at $25 USD per person.
7. Escape to the Corn Islands
Located off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands are a gorgeous place for a vacation retreat. Most people come to the islands to snorkel, scuba dive, fish, soak up the sun, and relax with a good book. There are two islands: Little Corn and Big Corn. Little Corn is the quieter, more backpacker-oriented island with cheaper guesthouses and fewer resorts.
You can fly or take a ferry to Big Corn and then a smaller boat to Little Corn. Big Corn is more developed with larger resorts and more restaurants, and it’s more expensive. Home to around 800 people speaking Creole English and Spanish, this is one the most friendly places you’re likely to find in the country!
Where to Stay on the Corn Islands: My favorite place to stay is Mimundo. The hostel is right on the water and you can watch the sunrise and sunset from your balcony. What more do you need? You can book a room here on Hostelworld!
8. Hike Miraflores
Located in Esteli in northern Nicaragua, this national park was the highlight of my entire trip. You get to wander through a beautiful cloud forest, around small farms, and over rivers and waterfalls. You’ll hardly run into any other tourists — it’s like you have the whole jungle to yourself. You can take daylong or multiday treks to the park (the multiday trips enable you to stay with local host families in small communities). There are also programs to help you learn to farm or teach here.
Here’s a video of the area:
I did a one-day trek ($15 USD for two meals and a mandatory guide), which started at 7am and concluded around 4pm. Bonus: all the money from the tours goes back into supporting the community and farmers.
9. Visit the Stone Man
Alberto Gutiérrez has been carving animals and symbols into the stones outside Esteli for decades. He had a vision of angels who told him to carve, and in an effort to end his alcoholism, began carving every time he craved a drink. He’s not easy to get to, but when you find him, Alberto will welcome you into his home, give you fresh fruit, and show you all his stone carvings, which he says were inspired by God. He doesn’t speak any English, so if you don’t speak Spanish, just nod and enjoy the carvings. He also won’t ask for any money, but donations are welcome. This is a really great “off-the-beaten-path destination.”
(Special thanks to Rodney McDonald, director of ERSLA (a fantastic nonprofit that sets up fire departments in the country), for taking me there and introducing me!)
Directions: Getting there is a bit complicated. To visit Alberto Gutiérrez, take a bus or taxi to the Tisey Estanzuela Natural Reserve. Ask to be dropped off at the the entrance to El Calejate or Eco Posada. If you are dropped off at Eco Posada (where you can get lunch, buy drinks, etc.), keep walking up the road and eventually you’ll come to a big clearing on your left with a well-worn road going slightly down the hill. There will be a sign that says “El Calejate.” Go down this path, admire the stunning view, and then veer left down the footpath down the hill. Keep walking and you will see a sign that says “Bienvenidos a Galeria Esculturas en Piedras.” Cross the wooden gate and start calling out. Alberto will come out to greet you.
10. Skip Managua – There’s nothing to see here. Move along. Don’t spend a lot of time there.
11. Hike some volcanoes
There are a lot of volcanoes in the country, and hiking them is a popular activity. It was the main reason why I headed to Nicaragua, and I ended up hiking three. The two volcanoes on Ometepe are popular day hikes. They’re a lot more challenging then you’ll be led to believe, but worth it (look out for monkeys!). León is probably the best place to do some hiking, though, since there are a lot of volcanoes there.
If you’re looking to get your hiking fix, this is where to do it! The most popular volcanoes are Cerro Negro (volcano boarding), Telica (where you go for sunset hikes), San Cristóbal (the longest and hardest), and Momotombo (second hardest).
12. Binge on gallo pinto
I’ll be honest: I found Nicaraguan food pretty bland. Be prepared to eat a lot of gallo pinto (rice and beans), meat, and fried plantains. It’s not the most exciting food, but it was delicious (and super economical). However, after eating it for three days straight, I broke down and went to a Western restaurant. A man can only eat so much rice and beans before he needs something different. It is a staple food for most people in Nicaragua. In fact, Gallo Pinto is such a quintessential part of Nicaraguan cuisine that even McDonald’s has a version!
13. Do a homestay/Learn Spanish
Want to stay longer? Take part in a homestay. There are a lot of opportunities to stay longer, volunteer, learn Spanish, and farm. If this interests you, hostels and tourist offices in any big city can help organize this for you. Esteli, Ometepe, and León were popular destinations for this.
Homestay companies in Nicargua:
14. Visit Apoyo Lagoon
Though lots of people visit Lake Nicaragua (the biggest and where Ometepe is), this lagoon near Managua is a nice spot to relax. You can sail on the lake, fish, and hike around. It’s a beautiful part of the country.
15. Relax – Nicaragua is a great country to just hang out in. Sit on a beach with a good book, relax in the jungle, stay on the farm, surf, or swing in a hammock. The pace of life here is slow and relaxed, so slow yourself down and enjoy some lazy, wonderful days.
Nicaragua is fast becoming the new Costa Rica in terms of tourism, and I highly recommend a visit to this country before it becomes “too touristy” and expensive. I see the writing on the wall: this place is going to explode with tourists even more than it has already. Nicaragua is a nature lover’s dream: volcanoes, rainforests, mangrove forests, and beaches abound. Add in some adventurous activities, friendly locals, and cheap prices, and you’ll see why everyone raves about this country.
There is so much to see and do in the country that you’re going to have an action-packed trip no matter where you go or how long you stay there. Let this guide on what to see and do in Nicargua let you experience the magic the country has to offer.
Because it’s one of the best countries in the world and should not be missed! I can’t speak highly of it enough!
More articles on Nicaragua to help you plan your trip:
- A Day in León, Nicaragua
- The Stone Carving Hermit of Nicaragua
- My detailed guide to planning a trip in Nicaragua
Book Your Trip to Nicaragua: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite place to stay in Nicaragua is:
- The Naked Tiger (San Juan del Sur) – A true backpacker’s hostel with a fun party vibe and an awesome pool area.
- Bigfoot Hostel (Leon) – Clean dorms, awesome staff, and a great starting point for some volcano boarding!
- Hostel Oasis (Granada) – A relaxed hostel with a nice swimming pool and free breakfast (with pancakes and fresh fruit)!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Want More Information on Nicaragua?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Nicaragua for even more tips on how to plan your visit!
Shaun
I had a great time in Nicaragua. It was the first place I visited outside of North America. Meet very friendly locals and I took part in most of the activites and visited places you mentioned. The view from the top of Cerro Negro is captivating.
Jo
Amazing list. I only had a brief stop in Nicaragua and hope to go back for more this year. I learned the Spanish word for mud hiking up Maderas volcano on Ometepe – broke my shoes and had to walk down barefoot (all my own fault) but definitely one of my favourite travel memories. I’ll definitely check out your suggestions when I go back – the Corn Islands in particular. And maybe another volcano…with better shoes!
Jamie
Wow Nicaragua wasn’t even on my radar before but as a hiking junkie it sounds amazing (minus the monkeys)! Volcano boarding sounds like an awesome injury waiting to happen.
NomadicMatt
There was some great hiking there. If you like to hike, Nicaragua is definitely a place for you to visit.
Maria Guerra
I’m so glad that you enjoyed staying at my country! There are lots of beaches and landscapes to visit. Tourism has been growing over the years.
Oh just one thing, it’s ‘vigorón’ not vigaron 🙂
Saludos desde Nicaragua!
Suzana
I did everything on this list when I went minus the stone man and Esteli. I plan to return to do the northern cities (Esteli, Matagalpa, Jinotega), and of course stay in Leon again (my fave…you should recommend Chilli Inn because it’s $5 a day including two free drinks…same owner as Camaleon). The beach in Leon is also amazing, and the bus to the beach is less than $1. I also heard the markets in Masaya are better than the ones in Grenada although I never made it. My buddy Jeff lived in Managua for a couple years and said it does have it’s spots even though it is a little more dangerous. I got pick -pocketed in Grenada at a bar after a parade and my laptop was stolen on a chicken bus so these are definitely valuable things for people to consider when visiting!! Big corn has awesome “Bamboleos” with a ton of dancing. You can do everything relatively quickly there also.
Jurgen M. Arguello
Dude! How can you say that about our food? Maybe the problem is that you only ate gallopinto and eggs! We have so many different dishes to try and trust me they’re not “bland”
Next time, make sure to try them 🙂
Susan
Make sure to put Matagalpa on your list too! I have a small business through which I facilitate trips to Nicaragua and in particular, the Casa Materna in Matagalpa (among other places). Feel free to contact me! It is truly an amazing place.
Curtis
Hello!
Great post! We lived in Costa Rica for 2 years. Everyone recommended going north across the border to Nicaragua because it was beautiful, unspoiled, and cheap. They were right on all accounts. It is like Costa Rica was 25 years ago before the tourist boom. It is not as unsafe as the media portrays it. The government is actively trying to attract tourism and so is really trying to make sure the tourists are safe and have a good time. Enjoy! Thanks.
mike
I met my wife in Managua running the half marathon April 2013 we fell in love, 3 months married now… And counting… A day previous to the 21K I went to a canopy tour in Tiscapa lagoon, visit Salvador Allende and old Managua with its cathedral and theater National Palace, went to have lunch and walk with a nice view of Managua lake, you can also enjoy a nice dinner @ Don Parrillón ask for the parrillada a delicious platter of different type of meat… Still thinking there’s nothing to do in MGA???
NomadicMatt
Of course there is literally “something to do” in Managua. But is it worth going there? In my opinion, time is better spent elsewhere in the country.
Ari
Just one thing was left out. Río San Juan and Solentiname island… beautiful sights, flora , fauna and good river lobster. Try to canoping through the reserve Indio Maiz. And the food is sooooooo much more! I miss Nica just for the good! To actually see and feel Nicaragua you meed at leasta month! There is so much todo and taste… I hope you enjoy it!!!!!
warren
Im Nicaraguan and I recommend visiting places like El cañon de Somoto, Las Isletas, El chocoyero, El Salto en Esteli, Selva Negra (mountain hotel)… there´s pretty nice surfers hostals like Surfing Turtle in Poneloya Beach or Surf Ranch in San Juan del Sur Beach ( this happens to have a pretty cool skate park), Montelimar (all inclusive-at pretty fair price)
. Theres also some luxury hotels like Guacalito, Aqua Wellness, Jicaro Lodge, Morgans Rock and many more…
Do try the nearby beaches north and south San Juan del Sur… they are less crowded and somehow sands are different ( some have white sand )… Playa del Coco has nice Hotels with apartment-like facilities.. Granada is a nice city to visit for its Colonial architecture and has the biggest lake in centralamerica. Managua is relatively safe but do walk accompanied by a local at least while visiting Markets or poorer neighborhoods… in Managua you can visit Salvador Allende port, and the nightlife is pretty busy in Zona Hippos (that whole street of bars they where talking about on a previous post). The local food is great, but theres also a lot of non-Nicaraguan cuisine places that are pretty cheap… I ate a plate with about 30 fried shrimps for about 8 bucks just yesterday at a Chinese Restaurant.
Susan
I really loved the Masaya volcano – off the road to Granada since you can go right up to the edge of the volcano and look in! There are also several great ziplines in Nicaragua outside of Managua that take you through the mountains and coffee plantations. Selva Negra was beautiful and take the tour while you are there!! Very informational! Laguna de Apoyo ( a crater lake- you had a picture from the top of the lake, but go down to the edge and swim in it!) It has several hotels along the shoreline that allow you to go there for the day and use the pool/ facility if you buy their lunch, so that is a really nice day trip and SO PEACEFUL! Nicaragua is a relatively safe country, but I wouldn’t recommend travelling alone. Stay alert when riding on the buses and taxis. I recommend renting a vehicle straight from the airport so that you can get to where you need to go – just make sure you know the rules for driving or you will probably be stopped by their eager police officers!
sara bolt
It’s great that you love it. If you like hiking go into the North, near La Dalia is a great hotel: la sombra and you can go hiking to the mountains of Peñas Blancas, there’s Centro de Entendimiento con la Naturaleza and they make tours into amaazing cascades.
And if you like more spicy food, eat en el Mercado de San Juan del Sur, fried fish with salsa ranchera is absolutly delicious ;D
Lulu Griffin
My daughter & I went to visit my son in March, 2013 in Leon. He went in search of a dream. To surf and run a surf camp. He left with a back pack and his surfboard zipped in a bag. He’s been there since Nov 1, 2011. I as a mother, worried sick about him going alone at 27, not knowing a soul and how safe or unsafe it might be. My only way to know if he was ok was if he posted on Facebook. Then, he left his iPhone on the beach and it got stolen. He worked cooking for a hostel in San Juan del Sur for room & board and he surfed. Every day 🙂 He then decided to check out other areas and moved up to Leon. Worked for another hostel, met other business owners sho loved him and helped him get to where he is. The natives gave him a nickname. He was known everywhere he went. He loves the people and history and country.
When my daughter & I went, he wasn’t yet running the surf camp. We tented a car and went to Matagalpa, Jinotega, & Esteli, all places he had been. We went north to Selva Negra where he had never been. A shower with HOT water was a new experience for him in Nica. Leon is hot. No need for hot water! He loved it. So did we. After a night there, we headed to Canon Somoto to meet a tour guide his friend arranged for us. My gosh, I was in the water in the river in the canyon feeling like I was in a National Geographic magazine. The guide took us to his home after to meet his wife. When I tell you the people of Nicaragua are friendly, they are. Very. His friend, our taxi driver to and from the airport, was so nice. Employees at ghe hostel were. On the road to Canon Somoto, we needed to eat breakfast. A home had a sign for desayuno. We were in such a poor area. The woman was SO proud of her yard and told us to walk and see it while making our breakfast. We ate off a mish mash of old cracked dishes. The sour cream and cheese freshly made from the neighboring animals was the freshest and best I ever had. The poor there survive off the land and what they have and are still warm and lovely people. We also did volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, rode horseback on a tour to a lake in a crater of a volcano. We were there for only 8 days and did a lot. He’s coming home for my wedding this year and we will go back to visit him next year and see other places on this list of 15 that I haven’t done or seen yet. I can’t wait.
I had never been outside the U.S., Montreal, a few islands on a cruise. I absolutely LOVED my time there and felt my son is VERY safe there. I met a group of 6 sweet kids from Norway in our hostel in Leon who save to go there yearly for a few mos. some take courses at the university. It’s safe, it’s beautiful, it’s friendly, and interesting. Go visit! And check out Thunderbomb Surf Camp!
Catherine
I’ve been to Nicaragua twice, both times as a solo female traveller, and have felt incredibly safe and welcome. Volcano boarding is a rush, but the key is not to fall off the board! The volcano gravel will tear up your flesh…I have the scars to prove it! Best to bring a small first aid kit…if you don’t need it, someone else in your group probably will.
Elaine
My eyes have been open, still in my planning stay of my trip, never even thought of visiting this part of the world, now for me it’s a must. I will be a mature solo female traveller, on a budget so any links to working/volunteering for bored, and safe contact to help me get around would be greatly appreciated. Also when is the best time of the year too visit !! thank you all, especially you Matt you are my inspiration, been following you for weeks now and you have no idea how much of a help you have been for me.
Kerry
Okay, I have a serious question. Really. How many tarantulas did you see? We were going to visit this year, but I bought a Moon guide and it said that basically tarantulas are everywhere and you should either get used to shaking out your bed clothes, regular clothes, and shoes if you don’t want to share your space with them. How true is this for places like Granada and Leon, or was this meant to cover the more natural areas?
Jessica
you do need to shake your clothing and shoes out and check the bed before you get in, scorpions are very common as well as tarantulas. I know the scorpions are not deadly they hurt like hell and cause flu like symptoms my step dad was bitten by one in his home.
Ralph
Matt, I swear every time I come on your site I learn something totally new. And not just new like ‘hmm, that’s interesting,’ but new like “YOU CAN GO VOLCANO BOARDING?! WHAAA?”
Thanks for blowing my mind on the daily.
Jessica
Absolutely Love Granada , my mom lives there and Owns a wonderful little restaurant in her house!! Its a beautiful place to travel, I highly recommend Apoyo Lagoon it is breathtaking, and An Juan Del Sur is a gorgeous little beach town!!!
Eva
Managua is a beautiful city that get’s a bad reputation because of travelers that don’t understand it. It is tricky but has a warm heart and it is where we actually have a night life. You can’t tell people not to visit Managua, you can’t just disregard it because you did not learn how to appreciate it. Nicaragua and every one of it’s cities, towns and nooks is worth discovering. I wouldn’t tell people not to read your blog just because you didn’t see potential in our beautiful and crazy city.
sara
Don’t listen and don’t skip Managua… its not a beautiful city, but you can meet great people, go to great parties and be real, for once, as a tourist. You want to go to “gringos” cities, see what all the tourist see? good for you, but if you want to understand Nicaragua, you have to go to Managua, and enjoy it. I lived there 6 years, i learn to hate it and love it, be carefull if you talk s*** about it, we are a lot to actually love it <3
Jamie
Hey Matt,
The more I read the more South America is really opening up to me. Sounds like there is some fantastic hiking there, not to mention the architecture which looks stunning!
Know I have got some thinking to do, South America or the UK?
Enjoy!
Jamie
Serendil
Glad I got to do so many of the things you listed here!
Hiking volcanoes is tough, but SO worth it. Getting to the top of Concepcion was one of the most physically grueling things I’ve done ever, but when you’re at the top lying on the grass, listening to a bunch of drunk Norwegian men singing, and smelling the sulfur coming out of the volcano… talk about a rewarding experience.
Nicaragua is beautiful, and I’d love to go again (though seriously about gallo pinto – too much!).
Allie
Thank you for a good review of my country; however, I’ll disagree with your comment regarding the food. I could tell you that we can go months without repeating a dish. We have an amazing selection of soups, rice, stews, salad, meats, sauces, etc. I can go on and on. Gallo pinto is a classic dish and you’ll find it everywhere. We are certainly not limited to burgers and fries. Next time, make sure to adventure into our culinary world. You won’t be dissapointed but you must be willing to try.
Nancy brown
Spent 2 weeks in Nicaragua in February. Awesome, beautiful country with lots to do. Volcano boarding was a thrill, as was surfing in San Juan del Sur and scuba diving off Little Corn. This was our first experience with some loose planning. Trying to shed my Detailed planning approach as I head towards my RTW in 2017. Nica is full of great people, good cheap food and decent beer and yummy rum!
Sam
Great site and into to Nica. I was in love with Costa Rica and still really like but Nica is like a time machine you can go back into to time. Pre-Starbucks. Great place to make out with Mother Nature!
Stephanie
Very informative article and comments!
I’m possibly planning a trip to Nicaragua as a surprise for my boyfriend, although either of us have traveled to Central America.
Problem is we can’t go for more than 5-6 days because of work.
I’d love to hit up all those awesome places (or as many as I can given the limited amount of days).
Main question, where is a good city/ town to stay where we can hop to these places easily and it’s central? I don’t mind moving cities midway through either. Maybe by the beach for half, the other either more in the wildlife or even in a cool city. We tend to like more layback areas rather than overpopulated with tourism.
Any thoughts?!
Thanks in advance!
Abner
Definitely you have forgotten many places … I will mention a few here for you to have in mind for your next trip:
1. Peñas Blancas Massif:
This place is wonderful for walks and to meet with nature. You will see a cascade of over 100 meters.
2 Somoto Canyon:
The best place for hiking, throughout central america. It is a canyon several miles long with small waterfalls. You can practice rappelling and enjoy the cold waters of the river.
3 Jinotega:
You can visit the National Forest Reserve, El Jaguar. You will see how the process of how the coffe is made, the entire process from the court to the tasting. If you like the adventure of the canopy, there is one 2.5 miles long, among the pine forest, it is called; The Brellera and is located in San Rafael del Norte.
4 Volcan Mombacho (worth commenting a little more)
You can camp at 1600 meters of altitude above sea level and enjoy walks 2-5 hours watching the unique fauna and enjoying a temperate climate.
5 White Villages: Pueblos Blancos
If you like clay pottery and learn a little more from the Nicaraguan culture should visit Niquinohomo (Birthplace of national hero Augusto C. Sandino), Masatepe, San Marcos, The shell and especially San Juan de Oriente and Catarina. The whole route you can do it in a day.
I live in Nicaragua and i highly recomend you to come to our little piece of land in the middle of the Americas !! Los espero pronto !!
wendy
Hi Matt and all other the rest of the fellow nomads.
We are heading off to Nic for 8 days and just trying to figure the best use of time. Anyone find Ometipe worth the effort or is there something better to spend our time seeing? Already doing Leon, Cerro Negro, Granada, Massaya V(hopefully at night) and the final three in San Jaun Del Sur (surfing/exploring/hanging out). Traveling with teens so looking for some adventure/beauty/culture.
Steph
We have a trip booked in March and are SO excited! My husband’s cousin works in Nicaragua (he’s a geologist) which is why we decided to visit…we booked a condo at Hacienda Iguana and can’t wait. After a snowy, cold Canadian winter so far, March can’t get here fast enough!!
Robyn
Hey Matt loved your article! thanks for sharing. My husband and I have 10 days planned for Nicaragua in May with our 2 year old daughter, we are adventurous and wondering what would you plan to do if you were us?? We love everything you have mentioned above but any advice/itinerary would be great!
Sally
Can anyone recommend a good guide for Miraflores / Somoto Canyon? I have heard very mixed things about Treehuggers and no reviews about Zuvy. (Those are the only two I’ve found.)
Eve
Hi Matt,
Do you think 3 weeks is enough to do all of these things?
NomadicMatt
Yeah, I do. I think that’s plenty of time.
Diane
Fabulous ideas and what a superb country Nicaragua seems to be! I’m aiming to go for 2 weeks for a surprise 50th birthday for hubby. Just about to look into Airbnb to stay with Nicaraguans! Can’t wait….so excited, thanks for all the great inputs from everyone, it’s going to be magical! Adios Todos!
Marcia
i thoroughly enjoyed reading your post, Matt. It brought back lovely memories of a one-day trip I took last year from Costa Rica to Granada. I absolutely fell in love with Nicaragua and can’t wait to go back. I agree, it’s not going to stay untouristy for long.
Alex Rivas
Matt,
I really appreciate your time to share this tips with us. Actually I was born in Nicaragua but raise in USA since a kid so I really don’t know Nicaragua but I be visiting this year, so I appreciate your info it was very helpful to me. Keep up the great travel advise!
Natalie
So many delicious food options you have to try! Most of it is very flavorful. Next time you go, try to see if you can try some of the more traditional foods like baho, sopa de queso (eaten during Easter), vigoron, enchiladas Nicaragüenses, indio viejo and yummy desserts (like pio quinto or picos)! The Caribbean side of Nicaragua has yummy food infused with coconut. Thanks for the of ideas. It’s been so long since I’ve been in Nicaragua and this is making me want to explore it some more!
Juliska
Hi. Love your critique. My sweetie is a “Nica” so we ve been going for several years prior to spawning. Last year,the kids went for the first time and did some of the places on your list. I agree its changing. We are hoping the canal is not constructed or it will change some of the places. Spot on about craving different cuisine but its part of traveling. Suggest the Reserve de la.Flor south of SDSJ for the turtle refuge and the boat ride from Rama to Bluefields for the wildlife. There are six indigenous groups living in rain forests. As for size and personality for.those from the States, its the size of Texas with some parts having the personality of Texas whereas other parts the landscape is similar to California without the crowds then of course you have the Caribbean tropical influence on the East Coast. Cheers.
luca
I guys, I went in Nica last year and it was really fantastic. I visited all country but the most interestic thing it was been the est coast from san juan del northe to bluesfield and pearl lagoon.
Midori
There is only one thought in my mind now: going to Nicaragua next year! Today seams that the destiny is telling me to go there, because I just come from another amazing article about a resort in Nicaragua: Jicaro Island Ecologe. Not on my budget, but beautiful.
xxx
Paola
Hey don’t bypass Managua!! There’s definitely something there, the PEOPLE! The realness! Enjoy all of It, not just the pretty parts. The good, the bad its all wonderful when traveling to a new country. It’s always important to submerge yourself in the culture.
Alex
Do you have any hostel recommendations for Ometepe, Leon, or Granada? Only will have about a week in the country and am planning on staying 4 days in San Juan del Sur but wanna do another 3 in one of those three towns.
Molly
Couldn’t agree more, I could live there. LOVE San Juan del Sur. Such a quaint seaside little town. I’m planning another trip Memorial Day weekend…I hope it gets to stay “quiet” a bit longer. Tourists are great for the local businesses, but make it less of an escape.
Amanda Derocher
I couldn’t agree more with this post! Hiking to the cloud forests in Miraflor has also been the one of the highlights of my travels in Nicaragua, such vast wilderness and beautiful orchids! I came down here three months ago and don’t know when I’m going to leave, there is still so much to see and do here, so much uncharted wilderness!
Lyssa
Thanks for this awesome post, Matt. Nicaragua wasn’t on my radar at all till I heard you speak about it on a podcast. I’ll be “next door” in Belize and will spend at least a week in Nicaragua, following your recommendations.
Ruth
As a Nicaraguan, living in San Juan del Sur, I can assure you that Naked Tiger and Pachamama are NOT the best hostels. As a matter of fact, they are what’s wrong with our once upon a time tranquil town. Their crazy parties have brought the worst of the trashy backpacking culture that’s completely obliterating the local values. Do you think we love seeing foreigners getting openly drunk almost every day as they walk by our streets half naked, being loud and rowdy? Some locals do like it, but those are the ones making the money (and of course the corrupt mayor’s office- they get about 1500 bucks from the infamous Sunday Funday). But the majority of us HATE it. It has created such animosity between the locals and the foreigners who come for cheap beer and treat us as something just being on the background to serve them as they please.There is so much drugs and prostitution in town now. Please stop advertising San Juan del Sur as a party town, it won’t help matters. We don’t want those people. We want quality people who want to come and help with social and environmental projects.
Greg
Ruth, yours is a common story. I was in Vang Viene, Laos 15 years ago when the busses only ran in and out on days when there were no reports of active guerrillas. I met great locals with strong values that invited me to their homes. Now the town has been overrun with parties so badly that the government stepped in because so many tourists were dying there. Their children now work in the bars and act like the tourists. There\’s nothing to do but leave.
NomadicMatt
Thanks for your comment. It’s always great to hear the local perspective. I haven’t been in a few years but I’ve seen backpackers destroy places with their partying (much of Southeast Asia comes to mind). It sad to know that it’s just become an even worse party over the last few years. I hope, like Laos, locals push back against this. I totally agree that backpackers and travelers coming to just get drunk is terrible. Thanks for the comment and adding in a more recent perspective on the situation!
Jocelyn
I’m from Nicaragua, and actually there is a lot to see in Managua. Try going to Puerto Salvador Allente, next to that you see Nicaragua’s Palace of the people, they’re old cathedral, and another palace. As well as park which lights up with so many lights next to it. There’s Chavez Journey which is why they put all these tree’s with lights. There’s a lot in Managua, and I mean it is Nicaragua’s capital so why wouldn’t you wanna go? ?
Stanito
Hi Matt,
what about any of the two autonomous regions you find in Nicaragua? I would like to visit at least one of them, do you know them? Have you been there?
There’s one whose capital is Bluefields, is it worth going there?
Javi
Excellent article, I totally agree with you ‘Nicaragua is fast becoming the new Costa Rica in terms of tourism’
Nicaragua is a paradise with incredible destinations to discover and now is the SAFEST country in Central America.
Laura Dyer
I just returned from my 2nd trip in 18 months doing mission work in Leon Nicaragua. Poverty in most places is still very extreme. This trip did show the tell-tale signs of more tourism, which for the folks in this country is much needed and welcome.
The people are amazingly warm, yet cautious of “gringo’s”, however once your are spotted there is still a lot of begging. I’ve been to Costa Rica and the two countries are very different. We had a little bit of time for some sightseeing but I am wanting to plan a trip just to tour. Thanks for all of the insight in this article!!!!
Robin
About volcano boarding: Take care. A chaperone in our school’s groups who visited there last week took a terrible spill. The only safety equipment is a jumpsuit and goggles. Her board flipped and hit her over and over as she slid down. The goggles did protect her eyes, but her face and head injuries (among other injuries) were substantial enough to hospitalize her for several days. She had to take an air ambulance back to the States where she is now recovering. If this is on your to-do list, I encourage you to bring or buy a helmet.
NomadicMatt
Great advice! Thanks for sharing!
NomadicMatt
Hey everyone! Due to the age of this post and the difficulty in moderating lots of posts spam, comments here have been turned off. If you would like to continue the discussion, head over to the forums at http://forums.nomadicmatt.com and chat there! I post frequently and reply to threads on the boards! See ya there! Thanks! – Matt