Nicaragua is the second biggest country in Central America and is known for its lake and volcano’s and is especially interesting for people who love to hike. Don’t really like hiking? Don’t worry. Nicaragua is a country that has a lot more to offer. Specifically a lot of history, beautiful cathedrals, beaches and amazing architecture.

However, a lot of people know that Nicaragua was hit hard with political trouble in 2018. There have been protests over the years against corrupt government. Given all the bad news about Nicaragua, it’s no wonder many people think it’s unsafe. 

When I visited Nicaragua in October 2019, the country was more quiet than usual. This was the unfortunate result of the protests which happened in 2018. In 2022 tourism is still a bit slow, this time because of Covid.

Finally, as intimidating as Nicaragua sounds, it’s still one of the safest countries in Central America to travel. I will cover more about safety in Nicaragua later in this travel guide. Do you want more safety tips, especially as a solo female traveler? I wrote a blog with safety tips for solo female travelers.

This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

Top things to do in Nicaragua

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León

León is a popular stop on the backpacking route because of its famous volcano boarding. Yet there are many other reasons to visit this beautiful city. There is impressive colonial architecture, intense history, and good and diverse food.

Since it’s a university town, it’s full of life and hope for a more peaceful future. It’s also a relatively small town, so you’ll be able to get around by foot. People are super friendly and willing to help out

What to do in León?

• Volcano board down Cerro Negro

This is probably THE BEST thing to do in Nicaragua. You can book this tour through a tour agency here or you can book it in your hostel or hotel. The prices vary from 20-40 USD. This includes video footage, pictures, a free t-shirt and a drink afterwards. 

First you head to the volcano in the more and have to hike for a hour. I call it a hike, because it’s very steep. You have to carry your own board. If you have back problems or are simply to lazy to carry your own board: you can pay someone 4 USD to carry it for you. 

When you arrive at the top you get proper clothing, gloves and goggles. You should bring a bandana or whatever to cover your mouth, otherwise you are going to eat a lot of sand while boarding down the volcano.

Fun fact: there are two places in the world where you can do volcano boarding: Chile and Nicaragua! So, it’s a nice thing to tick of your bucket list. 

• Check out the rooftop of Cathedral de León

The largest cathedral in Central America is located in Leon, it’s pure white and really beautiful! It may even be the most beautiful place I visited in Nicaragua. The cathedral is situated in the central plaza and is a wonderful focal point. 

It’s proper name is Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can climb to the top and get some nice views and pictures for 2 USD. It’s almost never busy, so your pictures will turn out perfectly. 

• Just walk around and soak in the revolutionary street art

León has always been the liberal capital of Nicaragua. To this day, it boasts an enormous collection of pro-Sandinistas graffiti art proudly referring to the time when, in the 1970s, the city acted as the bastion of anti-Somoza insurgency. 

I recommend reading up on some background information before or after seeing all the street art in León.

Granada

Granada is one of the oldest and most visited colonial city in Nicaragua. It is a place where time has stopped and where horses pull carriages. It offers a great mix of things to do in the city and also lots of activities nearby if you want to be more in nature. 

Despite its beauty, Granada has to prove every day that it is equally entertaining as the city of Leon, which is number one destination among backpackers traveling Nicaragua. 

What to do in Granada?

• Masaya Volcano

Take a night trip to Masaya Volcano to see and hear the lava rumbling around in the crater. Most hostels and tour guides in Granada run nightly trips for about 10 USD.

• Laguna de Apoyo

Visit Laguna de Apoyo, a peaceful crater lake nearby Granada. Here you can swim or do other water activities such as kayaking. If you would rather spend one more night in Granada, you can easily do Laguna de Apoyo as a day trip.

You can easily get to Laguna de Apoyo on your own or with a tour. There is also an option to stay in one of many lodging and enjoy a couple of nights surrounded by nature.

• Mombacho Volcano Cloud Forest

Mombacho Volcan can be seen from almost any part of Granada. Located just 10 km outside of Granada Nicaragua. Mombacho is an extinct volcano with its own unique habitat and cloud forest. It’s a good day trip, but you can also stay on the volcano overnight, either at a camping or at the eco-lodge.

There is an entry fee for Mombacho Volcano for entrance to the park as well as an additional price for the specific trail you want to go on. As of July 2022 the prices were as follows:

• Visit the main plaza

Plaza Nueva is the oldest square in Granada and is considered the absolute centre of the city. You will pass the plaza many times during your trip. It’s nice to just walk around an absorb all the beauty.

Isla de Ometepe

Ometepe is a magical island in the center of Lake Nicaragua. On the island you feel like you are surrounded by volcanoes which gives you a feeling of an unique life. 

The island consists of two enormous volcanoes connected by a thin strip of land. The larger volcano, Volcan Concepción, is still active and coated in bare volcanic rock. The other volcano, Volcan Maderas, is inactive and covered in lush tropical cloud forests. You can see the silhouettes of the two volcanoes on the horizon for miles in every direction.

What to do in Ometepe?

• Hike to the top of Volcán Concepción or Volcán Maderas 

Volcán Concepción 

The 10-hour hike on Concepción starts at dawn and is very difficult. The most popular trail starts in La Flor, 4 km from Moyogalpa. Another trail is near Altagracia at La Sabana. However, you should be aware that you climb an active volcano that could erupt at any time. It can be very cold and windy on Concepción. 

Volcán Maderas 

A hike on the Maderas volcano takes approximately 8 hours. The most popular trail starts in Balgüe from the Finca Magdalena and is 4.5 km one way. Another shorter trail is from Santa Cruz, which includes various scenic lookout points. 

The Maderas hike is a steep hike. The humidity transforms the trail into a muddy, slippery path and sometimes you have to climb instead of walk. Be prepared to become all covered in mud. Nevertheless, it will be worth the hike.

From the top of the Maderas you can go to the crater lagoon. You can also swim in the cool water of the lake to cool off.

Tips

• Bring plenty of water and some snacks.
• Wear hiking boots. Sneakers are not recommended.
• Bring a wind jacket

However, for climbing each of the volcanos it is mandatory to go with an experienced local guide. Even if you just want to explore the lower parts of the volcanos you get lost easily or can have an accident easily. Safety always comes first.

• Hike to San Ramon Waterfall

San Ramon is a 45-minute walk from town. The hike to the 60-meter waterfall is 3 km each way on a one-way path. The first 2 km are easy and on a paved road.

You can also choose to get a taxi or a horseback riding tour to take you up to this point. The last kilometer is the hardest. The path narrows and is very rocky and steep.

If you don’t want to do the hike by yourself, you can book a guide or a tour. But the path is easy to do by yourself. 

• Rent a motorbike or bicycle and explore the island

This is best way to get to know the island. You can rent a motorbike for 25 USD or a bicycle for 10 USD a day. (A day means you must return the bike before 5 PM). I recommend renting the motorbike because the island is pretty big.

• Swim in the Ojo de Agua

The Ojo de Agua is a natural spring pool filled with crystal clear water from an underground river that comes from volcano Maderas. 

In recent years the Ojo de Agua has become popular, especially with tourists and local families. So, on some days it can be pretty crowded and loud. Try to avoid the holidays and weekends. You can find a big restaurant and some souvenir stands as well.

Entrance: 3 USD.

• Chill out on Playa Santo Domingo

Playa Santo Domingo is the perfect spot to just hang out and catch sunset while you are there. There are a few sellers for snacks and drinks, but I recommend bringing your own for better options.

Isla de Ometepe has so much more to offer. For example, horseback riding, visiting a coffee farm, kayaking and getting to know the history of ancient petroglyphs. Depending on how long your stay is, you can easily fill up a week of activities on this magical island.

San Juan del Sur

If you’re looking for a party in Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur is definitely the place to be. You should align your trip so that you’re in San Juan during a Sunday so you can attend the infamous Sunday Funday — a day long drinking and pool-hopping marathon.

Not my cup of tea but found myself in two situations that I “had” to attend. In spite of Sunday Funday not being my thing, if you are with the right people, everything can be great.

However, if you’re not looking for a party but looking for a nice surf of the pacific, this also the place to be in Nicaragua. 

It happened that I stayed in San Juan del Sur for more than two weeks in. It became easily my favorite place in Nicaragua. It was the perfect place to unwind, have a swim, a walk, a surf and enjoy the most beautiful heart-stopping sunsets. Additionally, I took some extra Spanish classes. Until this day San Juan del Sur remains one of the most relaxing places I’ve ever been.

What to do in San Juan del Sur?

• Hike to the Christ of Mercy statue above town
• Relax at the beach
• Ride horses on the beach
• Take a surfing lesson
• Taks Spanish classes
• Spend an afternoon cruising on a catamaran

There is no explanation needed. This place is all about taking it slow and relaxing.

Corn Islands

The Corn Islands are a collection of amazingly pretty islands that you can have all to yourself. Who knew you could find the the most beautiful Caribbean turquoise beaches and sandy shores in Nicaragua? 

I spent 4 weeks in Nicaragua and did not visit the Corn Islands. Why not? I ended hanging around San Juan del Sur which I enjoyed too much. I had looked into flights, but they were kinda pricy, so I gave myself time to think about how to plan and budget all of it. 

By the time I figured out the rest of my trip: I met some other people and we traveled together to Costa Rica and Panama. 

However, I highly recommend visiting Corn Island when you are in Nicaragua, because who doesn’t want to be on a pretty island with almost no people. It’s still high up on my list, so I low key regret not going last time.

What to do on the Corn Islands in Nicaragua?

• Snorkel
• Dive
• Yoga in the jungle
• Visit all the beautiful beaches
  
  

Best places to stay in Nicaragua

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Nicaragua is full with hostels and budget hotels so you won’t have a problem finding a cheap place to stay, but to help you plan your trip we have listed some of our favorite spots below.

Leon

Hostel: Bigfoot hostel and Volcano Boarding

Hotel: Al Sole guesthouse 

Airbnb: Bungalow 

Granada

Hostels: De boca en boca & Hostel oasis 

Hotel: Oct deluxe 

Airbnb: One bedroom suite

Omepete

Hostel: Hostel Life is Good

Hotel: Finca La Magia & La Bambouseraie

Airbnb: Cabin with Private Kitchen on Lakefront Property & El Bamboo cabin

San Juan del Sur

Hostel: The Space & Casa Oro Eco Hostel

Hotels: Hush Maderas

Airbnb: Rustic Cabin & Vintage Surf Club

Corn Island

Hotels: Little Corn Island Beach and Bungalow & Paraiso Beach Hotel

How to get around Nicaragua?

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Getting around Nicaragua is easier than you think! There are lots of options for everyone’s budget.

• Chicken bus

The most authentic way to travel around Nicaragua is by chicken bus. These buses are old, American school buses and are definitely an adventure to travel with. It cost barely 1 USD and you have to tell the driver when to get out. Fun fact: you will find at least one person on the bus with a chicken next to them.

• Rent a car

It’s possible to rent a car in Nicaragua and do a road trip. Rental prices aren’t too bad. Nevertheless, remember you’ll probably need to pay extra for insurance. I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars and pick it up when you arrive at Managua. 

Renting a car and driving around Nicaragua will give you a lot of freedom to explore, and go off the beaten path. Of course, you’ll need to do your research on driving a car in Nicaragua and take all the necessary precautions.

Make sure you have an international driver’s license, an offline Google maps downloaded when you don’t have data and double check the insurance you need for the car.

• Shuttle bus

From the main tourist spots you can get a shuttle bus. The shuttles buses are mainly mini vans. This kind of transport is typically quicker and more expensive than chicken buses, but they’re more comfortable and they have air conditioning, which is always a plus.

I mostly traveled with the shuttle buses from city to city. It’s a safe and convenient way to travel around Nicaragua. You’ll be able to book these shuttles from each town in a local tour shop or in your hostel or hotel. The price is usually around 10-30 USD.

• Ferry

Some parts of Nicaragua can only be accessed with a boat or a very expensive flight. One popular area that a lot of people visit when they are in Nicaragua is Isla de Ometepe. Ometepe can only be accessed via boat.

There are different boat options, such as fast and slow, but it’s typically very cheap and around 3-5 USD one way.

You’ll also need to get a ferry if you want to visit the Corn Islands. These typically cost around 15 USD one way and take around 6 hours. But you can fly to the Corn Islands too!

Another boat journey will be from Little Corn to Big Corn island. This will cost you 6 USD one way. The tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

Equally important: if you get seasick, I suggest you bring some tablets.

• Scooters

I rented a scooter in Ometepe and it was the best way to see the island. You can also rent a scooter in San Juan Del Sur, León and Granada. If you’re confident driving, then you’ll enjoy the flexibility they offer. Officially you need an international driver’s license. I only had my national one, but in spite of that they still accepted my national card. You also need to wear a helmet while driving. 

Renting a scooter is around 20 USD per day. You can negotiate for a better deal if you’re renting for multiple days. However, a day means you must return the bike before 5 PM.

Safety in Nicaragua

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Though Nicaragua’s lowered crime rate is talked about in the recent years, in reality, it still has some very dangerous neighborhoods, especially in the north where in 2008, gang violence began occurring, originating from Honduras and El Salvador.

In spite of this Nicaragua is relatively safe to visit, but you should keep in mind that theft and violent crimes are extremely common. So all precaution measures should be taken.

A few tips to travel the country as safely as possible:

• Don’t take public transport at night. This is highly advised against due to the presence of criminals. Calling a taxi or sharing a taxi with another person is safer and more common.
• Be extremely careful in markets and crowded places. There is an extreme threat to petty crime. Pickpockets operate mainly in the major cities. Take only the cash that you need and leave all other belongings at home. DON’T carry things in your back pocket (MEN!!). 
• Always be alert of your surroundings. There have been many reports of unauthorized taxis kidnapping people for ransom. Unfortunaly muggings, robberies and rapes are also common. If you are a solo female traveler: try to travel around with someone. If you are by yourself: don’t go out at night by yourself. 
• Don’t flash your credit and debit card publicly, also not in taxi’s. There have been many reports of credit card fraud in Nicaragua. 
• If you are a solo female traveler: always be careful around men. Even in hotels, restaurants and small shops. Many women have been sexually assaulted, especially at the beaches of Nicaragua. 

Practical tips

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• How to get to Nicaragua?

The best way to travel to Nicaragua is to flight to Managua. However, even though Nicaragua is a pretty cheap country, flying into Managua can be pretty expensive compared to other countries.

If you are traveling through Central America, I recommend taking a bus from a neighbor country like Costa Rica or Honduras. Buscompany Tica Bus travels to every country in Central America. 

If you want to keep it as budget as possible and your only destination is Nicaragua, I recommend booking a flight to San Jose in Costa Rica and take a bus with Tica Bus from the central bus station to Managua, Nicaragua. In fact, that’s what I did, and it was an easy ride.

• Visa requirements

A visa is not required for Nicaragua up until 90 days. But please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page. Make sure you have proof of an exit or return flight.

• Best months to visit

Unlike other countries, there is not really a best time to visit Nicaragua. It has something beautiful all year round. The dry season is from November until April and the wet season is from May until October.

• Currency + money

The Córdoba is the official currency of Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan currency is the Nicaragua Córdoba Oro (NIO), however most restaurants and accommodations also accept payment in USD.

Most credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and stores in all areas. Debit cards however not. So, make sure you have at least one credit card with you. 

• Vaccinations

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Nicaragua. 

• Hepatites A
• Hepatites B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Rabies

These vaccines are recommended, but the yellow fever vaccin is mandatory when you traveled to a high-risk countries in the last 6 months. Check the WHO website to see which countries are high-risk for yellow fever.

In conclusion, Nicaragua is an amazing country with a lot of diversity and still one of my favourite countries in the world in spite of all the negative news about safety. Every country can have it’s safety issues. People are crazy all around the world. Go see and experience Nicaragua for yourself and make your own judgement.