Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Nicaragua is a vast nation that promises intrepid landscapes of towering volcanoes, majestic cloud forests, and colourful colonial cities. However, despite being the largest country in Central America, the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes is heavily under-travelled compared to its far more famous neighbours.
As a result, Nicaragua is the perfect destination for experiencing the volcanic landscape and beautiful beaches that have made Costa Rica so popular, but all at a fraction of its sister’s inflated costs, commercialization, and heavy crowding.
From the top attractions to visit and hidden away gems to suggested itineraries and travel budgets, this Nicaragua travel guide has everything you need to know to make your visit to the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes a trip to remember while maintaining an affordable budget.
- Things to See and Do in Nicaragua
- Nicaragua Off-The Beaten-Path Attractions
- Suggested Nicaragua Travel Itineraries
- Best Time to Visit Nicaragua
- Nicaragua Travel Budget
- Nicaragua Budget Saving Tips
- Getting to Nicaragua + Visa Requirements
- Where to Stay in Nicaragua
- Popular Nicaragua Foods
- Nicaragua Safety Tips
Things to See and Do in Nicaragua
Despite not experiencing the same volume of tourists as other Central American destinations, Nicaragua still has a well-established Gringo Trail, which hosts the majority of the country’s international visitors. Along this route are several amazing attractions and activities visitors must experience during their travels to the region.
Volcano Board in Leon
Rich in History, Leon still bears the scars of various bombings from the city’s revolutionary past. The central square at the heart of the town is the main stomping ground for tourists and is home to the community’s most popular attraction, the Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This larger-than-life Baroque-style Cathedral stands prominently in the centre of the town and offers excellent views from the roof for those willing to spend a mere $3 to access it.
Across the square from the Cathedral is the Museo De La Revolucion. While only some of the guides working at the museum speak English, they engage in other forms of communication and enthusiasm that offer an insight into the history of the town’s importance to the revolution. The tour ends on the museum’s roof overlooking the entire city and the basilica in all of its glory.
There are many budget-friendly accommodations throughout the city. And the best options are all within walking distance of the central square and the basilica. Here you will have access to most of the city’s attractions and tour operators.
While the city is beautiful, the main draw to this Northern Nicaraguan destination is the opportunity to volcano board down the sands of Cerro Negro. Leon, Nicaragua, is the only place in the world where you can toboggan down the side of an active volcano while hitting speeds up to 93 km/h.
You can book with several travel agencies or hostels in Leon, but I suggest booking with one of the smaller shops just off the main square. These less-used operators offer small group excursions at lower rates. This not only means you are paying less for the experience but also that the group itself is easier to manage for a more fulfilling excursion.
Planning a trip to the Volcano Boarding Capital of the World? Check out my Traveller’s Guide to Leon, Nicaragua for more tips, tricks, and inspirations.
Explore Colonial Granada
Like Leon, Granada is a city rich in history and churches. Upon arriving in the city square, there is a line of horse-drawn carriages waiting to take tourists around the city.
While not a lavish experience (the tour itself could be done via walking around the square), it is an excellent way to see the area while generating a bearing within the colonial city’s borders.
Most restaurants, hostels, and attractions are located within the same neighbourhood. In fact, most of the town’s attractions can all be found on the same street that connects the central square to the town’s docks.
However, the town’s draw doesn’t end there. At the docks, travellers can find several small boat operators offering Isletas de Granada Nicaragua tours. Popular stops on this tour include the small Monkey Islands and nearby revolution forts.
The Granada adventures continue beyond the city. Available through most hostels or one of the many tour operators around the central square are tours to the nearby and highly active Masaya Volcano. While the volcano’s activity varies, the crater can typically be reached on foot or by car. It occasionally offers visitors a display of flowing lava actively melting the rocks around it.
Another must-do excursion outside the city is staying a night at the nearby Treehouse Hostel. Located 200m up the side of Mombacho Volcano, the hostel offers excellent day excursions and the opportunity to sleep in a hammock or treehouse bungalow in the forest. The accommodation has an activity scheduled for every day of the week, offering an experience for all travellers.
While a night’s stay at the Treehouse Hostel is a little more pricey than other accommodations, there are several budget-friendly hostels in Granada, Nicaragua, to choose from.
Check out my complete Granada, Nicaragua City Guide for more information on this wondrous colonial destination.
Reset Your Clock on Isla De Ometepe
Nicknamed ‘boob island’ by some locals because of the likeness provided by the two rising volcanoes of the island, Ometepe is a perfect place for getting away for a couple of days.
In the middle of Lake Nicaragua, everything is quiet. The two main activities on the island are hiking up one of the island’s volcanoes (I recommend Maderas. The easier of the two, the hike brings you through a lush cloud forest and out into a serene crater lake at the summit) and touring the island via a rented motorbike.
And along the island’s coast is a long black sand beach that is great for a walk. Beyond that, I recommend bringing a good book. Ometepe island may be a great place to unwind, but not much is happening here. Small, slow, and quiet, the island is perfect for a weekend escape.
You can check out my detailed guide to visiting Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua here!
Catch Some Waves in San Juan del Sur
A world-famous surf destination, San Juan del Sur’s beautiful white sand beaches are the perfect place to end your Nicaraguan backpacking trip.
Beyond spending your days at the beach, the town has a lively nightlife. It features the renowned Naked Tiger, Pachamama Sunday Funday Pool Crawl, the biggest party in Nicaragua.
Arriving in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, you will notice everyone wearing the same tank tops promoting this weekly celebrated event by the Naked Tiger and the Pachamama Hostels.
While staying at one of these hostels is possible, staying at a more affordable San Juan del Sur Nicaragua hotel and purchasing your event tickets separately is more budget-friendly.
However, despite these many draws to this fishing community, the fondest memory was its street food. Featuring many Nicaraguan hand foods, the vendors here offer the best burritos I have ever had.
Begin planning your visit to Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast with my comprehensive City Guide to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Find Bliss on Little Corn Island
Located 70 km off Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast, Little Corn Island offers visitors the often-fantasized isolated beach paradise experience. From the moment you arrive on the island, time just seems to stop.
Measuring only 10 square kilometres, vehicles are not necessary on Little Corn Island, which gives the sleepy destination a serene quiet ambiance for enjoying the simple extravagance of the Caribbean’s pristine weather conditions.
Along with the simple charms of sitting back and unwinding on the island’s white sands while enjoying the warm Caribbean weather, Little Corn Island offers several ways to explore its breathtaking shores and turquoise waters. Some of the top activities on the island include hiking, sunbathing, and snorkelling around the colourful reefs of the island’s golden coves.
Nicaragua Off-The Beaten-Path
While most visitors to Nicaragua tend to stick to the well-trodden Gringo Trail, this route through the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes only highlights some of the country’s most breathtaking attractions. To fully explore the country’s traditional cultures, visitors should plan an excursion off the established route to at least one of these off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Rafting the Rio San Juan
Once taken by pirates, Conquistadors, and hopeful prospectors, this river path travels from the Caribbean coast to the Nicaraguan inland. Along the way are historic settlements with the surrounding jungles of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. Here you can spot four species of wildcats (including jaguars), 221 species of birds, and several other indigenous flora and fauna.
Finding Bliss on the Pearl Cays
These tiny islands are perfect for living your Robinson Crusoe shipwreck fantasies. Once containing 18 cays, rising tides and erosion have reduced this small archipelago to only 10. While who knows what the future holds for these islands, they remain some of the best beaches in Nicaragua.
Disconnect on Islas Solentiname
Located south of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, Islas Solentiname is a dream for those seeking the island dweller’s lifestyle. Seeing far fewer tourists than its northern sister, Solentiname is the place to go to slow down and disconnect from the struggles of the rest of the world.
Cliff Jump at Somoto Canyon
With a drop of 160 metres, this three-kilometre-long canyon is perfect for hiking, swimming, and cliff jumping. While several loops can be taken, the entire trail, and the most recommended, will bring you through all the canyon highlights, including a visit to two bat caves.
Explore the Northern Highlands in Matagalpa
The Department of Matagalpa is a part of the country’s famous Coffee Route, surrounded by lush forests and towering mountainous landscapes. Matagalpa offers several opportunities to explore the northern highland’s local industries and natural vistas, from touring sprawling coffee farms to hiking through the region’s fabulous nature reserves.
Escape San Juan's Surfing Crowds in Popoyo
Seeking a world-class surfing destination but want to avoid the heavy crowds in San Juan del Sur competing for the best waves? Planning a trip to the nearby Popoyo to the city’s south may be the better option for your surf vacation. A smaller community, Popoyo offers some genuinely spectacular waves and quiet beach town vibes for the ultimate coastal getaway.
Want some more Nicaragua travel inspiration? Check out this post on the nine top attractions and things to do in the country.
Suggested Nicaragua Travel Itineraries
Nicaragua is a fantastic destination whether you have a week or a month to explore its intrepid corners. However, the volume of what you can experience in the country highly depends on your duration within its borders. These are three of the most typical Nicaragua itineraries that international tourists follow.
1-Week Nicaragua Itinerary
- Leon- 2 nights
- Granada- 3 nights
- San Juan del Sure- 2 nights
The 1-week Nicaragua itinerary is perfect for visitors looking to dip their toes in the local culture while passing through the country. This speed run through Nicaragua highlights the top destinations, with brief stops in San Juan del Sur, Granada, and Leon.
While the exact route you follow highly depends on your entry to the country, most visitors fly into Managua or through the country’s North or Southern border.
Those landing in Managua or entering the country from Honduras will want to head directly to Leon in the North, where they can explore the city’s revolutionary past and volcano board the Cerro Negro Volcano.
After spending a couple nights in the city, visitors will head down the Pacific Coast to Granada where they will spend the following three days exploring the colonial town and surrounding islands. While in Granada, be sure to schedule an excursion hike up one of the nearby volcanoes.
Finally, relaxing on the white sand beaches while taking in the surf around San Juan del Sur is the perfect way to end your one-week trip through the country. Remember to try the street food while visiting the city, and try to arrange your trip to partake in the town’ celebrated Sunday Funday Pool Crawl.
While this route is the best way to culminate your trip in Nicaragua, it is possible to follow this same route but in reverse, making for a much more convenient itinerary for visitors entering the country from the southern border to Costa Rica.
2-Week Nicaragua Itinerary
- Leon- 2 Nights
- Granada- 4 Nights
- Isla de Ometepe- 4 Nights
- San Juan del Sur- 3 Nights
Visiting Nicaragua in one week may seem a little rushed, and visitors will have to cut at least a couple must-see attractions from their plan to make it work. For this reason, visitors should plan at least two weeks to see the breadth of everything the country offers.
While following the same route as the previous itinerary, travelling with an extra week allows for a greater exploration of each destination while allotting more time for planning excursions into each surrounding countryside.
Furthermore, this Nicaragua 2-week itinerary also features an extended stopover in the breathtakingly surreal Isla de Ometepe in the heart of Lake Nicaragua. During their time on the island, visitors can take a break from the constant activity of their travels through the country while admiring the stunning natural scenery and black sand beaches.
1-Month Nicaragua Itinerary
- Matagalpa- 3 Nights
- Somoto Canyon- 3 Nights
- Leon- 3 Nights
- Granada-5 Nights
- Isla de Ometepe- 4 Nights
- San Juan del Sur- 4 Nights
- Big Corn Island- 5 Nights
- Little Corn Island- 3 Nights
Visitors to the country with a month to spare have more than enough time to experience the many draws Nicaragua offers. Exploring each region of the country, this 1-month Nicaragua itinerary is the perfect way to see it all.
In the North, visitors will first spend three nights exploring the nature reserves and coffee farms scattered around the Matagalpa countryside. From there, visitors will head to the Cigar Capital of Nicaragua, Esteli. Here guests can tour the region’s tobacco industry while entering the breathtakingly beautiful Somoto Canyon.
After exploring the Northern Highlands, visitors along this 1-month itinerary will then jump back onto the Gringo Trail in Leon, which they will follow down to San Juan del Sur, spending extended stays in each destination to fully immerse in the local culture.
To end the 1-month Nicaragua itinerary, visitors will head back to Managua to catch a flight to Big Corn Island. After spending the better part of a week exploring the exotic landscapes of the larger island, guests will end their trip lounging on the beach and exploring the majestic waters of Little Corn Island before heading back to the airport.
Best Time to Visit Nicaragua
While Nicaragua can be a year-round destination, the year can be broken down into two seasons that vary the travel experience. Nicaragua’s peak months come within the dry season between November and April, and it is an ideal time to visit, seeing very little to no rainfall.
On the other hand, Nicaragua’s hurricane season is still an excellent choice between May and October to travel with reduced crowds and costs. While the weather remains manageable, slightly more rainfall will provide you with a lusher experience on the natural side of your trip.
The only exception to the country’s all-year travel suitability will be trips to the Caribbean coast, which sees significantly more rainfall during the wet season, which can damper your travel plans.
Check out this post on the best time to visit Nicaragua for a full breakdown of the country’s weather patterns, tourist volumes, and seasonal festivals.
Expected Nicaragua Travel Budget
| Accommodation | Food | Transportation | Attractions | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Budget |
$10 |
$10 |
$10 |
$10 |
$40 |
Mid-Range |
$20 |
$15 |
$10 |
$15 |
$60 |
Luxury |
$50 |
$40 |
$20 |
$35 |
$145 |
As with most Central American countries, Nicaragua is perfect for budget travellers. The minimum suggested budget of 40/day (CAD) is more than enough for the basic amenities; accommodation, three daily meals, and essential attractions and tours. However, as is the world, more extravagant options are available for those seeking a more luxurious experience. Nevertheless, travellers should allocate the following expenses to maintain this minimum budget.
Accommodation- $10/night
Hostels average around $7-$10 a night, although prices vary. Accommodations off the “Gringo Trail” can be found for as low as $3/night, whereas the more popular destinations will have even their most budget-friendly options at $15/night.
Food- $10/day
Street food will range you about $2-$3/meal. If you are strict with your diet, you can easily get by on $10/day. However, for those who like to occasionally eat out or have a variety of snacks throughout the day, a budget of between $15-$20 is more reasonable.
Transportation- $10/day
As stated earlier, travellers through Nicaragua all stick to the same basic itinerary. For this reason, it is always relatively easy to find a group of people to enlist a shared cab with. While this can be somewhat pricey, the centralization of cities means that you won’t have to take them too often. For the most part, you will only need to enlist transportation when navigating between stops on your itinerary.
This expense can be further delegated by taking on the challenge of the transportation method popular among the locals; the “Chicken Buses.” These budget-friendly modes of transport will cost you a mere $2 to get just about anywhere.
Attractions- $10/day
Since the cities and their surrounding landscapes are attractions in their own right, there are several free activities to participate in. However, to fully appreciate the Nicaraguan experience, you will want to splurge on the occasional guided tour or paid admittance. For this reason, you should allocate a minimum of $10/day to your budget.
Best Budget Saving Tips When Travelling Nicaragua
By its nature, Nicaragua is a relatively affordable destination to visit. However, there are some ways to stretch your highly-valued travel dollars even further with these seven budget-savvy travel tips.
- Eat Street– Most restaurants in Nicaragua are already relatively cheap, with most mid-range facilities offering meals for less than $10. However, this cost can be further relegated by eating the country’s delicious street food, which will run you about $2 or $3 per meal.
- Grab a Local Sim Card-Avoid roaming fees by grabbing a local Sim Card either at the airport or local shops. The Claro Nicaragua prepaid sim card is the most affordable option and offers 7 GB for 15 days for only about 8 CAD.
- Stick to Local Brands– While we all have our cheat snacks that remind us of home, visitors may want to avoid those $ 4 cans of pringles or snickers bars when visiting Nicaragua. Luckily, the country offers its own comparative brands of chips and snacks that typically run for less than a dollar at local convenience stores.
- Get Away from the Main Tourist Centers– Most cities in Nicaragua have a main tourist center or square that hosts the area’s top hotels and tour operators. However, if you take even a short walk down one of the side streets, you are sure to find some slightly less extravagant services at a much more cost-effective rate.
- Bring Cash– While many services in large cities do take cards, they also often feature high service fees. For this reason, the economically wisest option is to always carry cash, especially when visiting small towns where cards may not be accepted.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Exchange Rate– This is crucial as many con artists in Nicaragua are waiting to take advantage of an unwary traveller. Know the exchange rate, or you may pay extremely elevated prices for that simple souvenir.
- Travel Via Chicken Bus or Shared Transport– The most cost-effective way to travel through Nicaragua is via chicken bus, which will get you to most places for only $2. While this method isn’t for everybody, most tourist centers offer shared transport that will see you split some of the cost with at least a few other like-minded individuals.
Getting To Nicaragua
Getting to Nicaragua is generally straightforward, with several points of entry lining the country’s north and southern border. The clearest entry point is the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua. Located near the country’s center, visitors can then branch to whichever region they plan to start their trip.
Alternatively, the many visitors travelling through Nicaragua as part of the Central American Gringo Trail will instead pass through one of the customs offices lining Nicaragua’s borders with either Costa Rica or Honduras.
The easiest way to cross these international borders is via several bus networks offering border crossing services, such as the Tica Bus, Nica Bus, or Transnica Bus services.
Nicaragua Visa Requirements
Nicaragua is part of the C4-4 Visa Agreement, which permits visa-free travel between Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador for up to 90 days. This Visa-free permit is available for all residents of Canada, the EU, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, Israel and New Zealand.
Beyond these countries of residence, the only other requirements for citizens of these regions to enter Nicaragua is to have a passport that is valid for six months after entering the country, along with the funds to pay a $10 entry fee to enter the country and a $3 exit fee to leave.
How to Get Around Nicaragua
Now that you are in the country, the easiest way to get to your first destination in Nicaragua is via a private taxi if you arrive at the airport. On the other hand, if you arrive by land, your border bus will likely drop you off at a popular tourist destination such as Leon or San Juan del Sur.
Once situated at your first destination, you now have a slew of transportation options to help you get around the country. While private car and moped rentals are available, they are only recommended if you are experienced in navigating Central American roads.
Instead, the minibus is the most popular transportation method amongst international tourists. Offered within most backpacking communities and available at the front desks of popular accommodation options, these shared shuttle services can fit several like-minded individuals, making for a cost-effective way to navigate several destinations.
Where To Stay in Nicaragua
Every region in Nicaragua has at least one central tourist city that boasts a small but diverse selection of accommodation options. Matagalpa is conveniently situated in the Northern Highlands to explore everything the region offers.
Similarly, Leon, Granada, and San Juan del Sur are fantastic bases for exploring the Pacific north, central, and south of the country. All of the cities offer various accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resort-style hotels.
For a complete list of each city’s top accommodation providers within each budget bracket, check out my post on the best places to stay in Nicaragua.
Must Try Traditional Dishes in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a country of delicious Latin American cuisines and features several must-try traditional dishes that vary between regions. Nevertheless, these are three of my favourite dishes that I enjoyed in the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.
Gallo Pinto
This is a traditional breakfast dish in Nicaragua and one of the country’s most popular dishes. Gallo Pinto consists of rice and beans cooked together and seasoned with onions, garlic, and other spices. It’s often served with eggs, fried plantains, and cheese.
Nacatamales
Similar to tamales found in other Latin American countries, Nacatamales are a traditional Nicaraguan food made from masa (corn dough) filled with meat, vegetables, and sometimes olives, raisins, and capers. The filling is then wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed for several hours, resulting in a savoury and flavorful meal.
Quesillo
Quesillo is a popular street food in Nicaragua and is essentially a tortilla filled with cheese, onions, and sometimes cream. It’s typically served with a side of pickled onions and a drizzle of sour cream. It’s a delicious and filling snack that’s perfect for on-the-go eating.
Is Nicaragua Safe for Travel
After years of unrest between the 60s and 80s, the country had earned a decades-long reputation that would see it have far fewer tourists than its more famous neighbours.
While this reputation has been excellent for keeping the crowds at bay and preserving the country’s traditional charms, Nicaragua is actually considered one of the safer countries in Central America.
The country experienced an upswing in tourism during the early 2010s. However, a series of anti-government protests towards the end of the decade has returned Nicaragua’s volatility to international headlines, rekindling its infamous distinction as a country of upheaval.
Nevertheless, while there are reports of an increase in the country’s violent crime, travelling to Nicaragua is still considered safer than most countries in the region. Albeit, visitors should continue to practice a high degree of caution in the area.
Safety Tips for Nicaragua
Like in any country, it is essential to stay vigilant when travelling to Nicaragua. These six safety tips will help you avoid any conflict or scams while navigating the region;
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth – try not to wear expensive jewelry or carry expensive cameras or other electronics that may attract unwanted attention.
- Be vigilant in crowded areas – pickpocketing and theft can occur in crowded areas such as markets, bus stations, and festivals. Keep your valuables close to you and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Use authorized transportation – only use authorized taxis, and avoid taking unofficial taxis or hitchhiking.
- Stay in safe areas – stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
- Respect local customs and traditions – be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites or cultural events.
- Learn basic Spanish – knowing some basic Spanish can go a long way in communicating with locals and avoiding misunderstandings.
