Nicaragua

Nicaragua: general info for travelers

Nicaragua is a country located in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. Its capital city is Managua. Nicaragua is known for its stunning natural beauty, including beaches, volcanoes, and lakes. The country has a rich history, with various indigenous cultures contributing to its unique identity. Nicaraguan cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients and spices, and includes dishes such as gallo pinto, nacatamal, and vigorón. The official language is Spanish and the currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba. Tourist attractions include the colonial city of Granada, the Masaya Volcano National Park, and the Isla de Ometepe, which is formed by two volcanoes rising from the waters of Lake Nicaragua.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Nicaragua, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Nicaragua: places to visit

Here are the main places to visit in Nicaragua with a brief description: 1. Granada: One of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, Granada is a charming city with vibrant colors, cobblestone streets, and traditional architecture. Highlights in Granada include the famous Cathedral of Granada, the central park, and La Merced Church.
2. Leon: With its stunning colonial architecture and rich history, Leon is a must-visit destination in Nicaragua. Highlights include the historic Cathedral of Leon, the Museum of the Revolution, and the Ruben Dario Museum.
3. Masaya Volcano National Park: Located just outside of Managua, this national park is home to an active volcano, as well as unique flora and fauna. Visitors can hike to the top of the volcano for breathtaking views or explore the park's impressive lava tunnels.
4. Ometepe Island: Situated in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe Island is a unique travel destination that offers incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the island's beaches, waterfalls, and ancient petroglyphs.
5. San Juan del Sur: A popular beach destination in Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur offers white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and exciting surf breaks. The town is also home to a thriving nightlife scene and numerous restaurants and cafes.
6. Corn Islands: Located off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands offer a tropical paradise with stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and other water activities, as well as local cuisine and culture.
There is more to see and do in Nicaragua: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Nicaragua: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Nicaragua, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Nicaragua has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (from November to April) and the rainy season (from May to October). The dry season is usually characterized by sunny days, low humidity, and cooler temperatures. On the other hand, the rainy season is characterized by high humidity, heavy rainfall, and warmer temperatures.
If you're planning to visit Nicaragua, the best time to go would be during the dry season, as you can enjoy the sun and avoid the rainfall. However, keep in mind that it can be more crowded and expensive during this season. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, you can opt to visit Nicaragua during the rainy season, but be prepared for the occasional downpour.

Nicaragua: activities and what to do

Nicaragua offers a variety of activities and sports for tourists to enjoy: 1. Surfing - Nicaragua has some of the best surf beaches in all of Central America such as Popoyo, Maderas, and San Juan Del Sur.
2. Volcano Boarding - Cerro Negro is a popular spot where tourists can slide down the steep side of the volcano on a wooden board.
3. Hiking - Nicaragua has a number of national parks and reserves where visitors can hike and explore the beautiful landscape. Masaya Volcano National Park and Isla de Ometepe are two popular hiking destinations.
4. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling - Nicaragua's Caribbean coast is known for its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and clear waters.
5. Fishing - Fishing is a popular activity in Nicaragua and Lake Nicaragua is a great spot to fish for rainbow bass.
6. Zip lining - Zip lining is a thrilling activity that allows you to fly through the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views of the jungle canopy and surrounding landscapes.
7. Kayaking - Kayaking in Nicaragua's many lakes and rivers is a fantastic way to see wildlife and explore the country's natural beauty.
8. Horseback Riding - Horseback riding is a fun and unique way to explore Nicaragua's countryside and visit rural communities.
These are just a few of the many activities and sports that you can enjoy on a holiday in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua: few words on history and culture

Nicaragua is a country located in Central America, with a rich and fascinating history and culture. The indigenous tribes that lived in Nicaragua before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers had a complex system of agriculture and trade routes, and their artistic and literary works still influence the country today.
The Spanish took control of Nicaragua in the 16th century, bringing with them Catholicism as the dominant religion, and imposing their language and cultural practices. After independence in the 19th century, Nicaragua saw political instability and violence, with foreign powers and domestic interests clashing for power.
Today, Nicaragua has a diverse culture that reflects its indigenous roots, Spanish colonial heritage, and modern influences. Art, music, and dance are an essential part of everyday life, with cultural events happening throughout the year. Additionally, the country's natural beauty and biodiversity make it a popular tourist destination.

Nicaragua: how to move around on holiday

There are several means of transport to reach and visit Nicaragua: 1. Air travel: The easiest way to reach Nicaragua is by air. You can fly into the international airport in Managua, which has connections to major cities in North and South America.
2. Bus: You can take a bus from neighboring countries such as Costa Rica, Honduras, or El Salvador. Once you are in Nicaragua, buses are a good option to travel between cities.
3. Car rental: You can rent a car to explore Nicaragua. However, it is important to have a good understanding of the local driving conditions before renting a car.
4. Taxi: Taxis are easily available in Nicaragua for short distances or city tours.
5. Boat: Nicaragua has a coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and boat tours are a popular way to explore the different beaches and islands along the coast.
Overall, depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose any of the above modes of transport to reach and visit Nicaragua. To hire a car to visit Nicaragua, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Nicaragua: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Nicaragua with a full stomach:D
Certainly! Nicaraguan cuisine brings together a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. Here are some typical foods you may come across in Nicaragua: 1. Gallo pinto: This traditional dish is the heart of Nicaraguan cuisine. It's a mixture of rice and beans cooked together with spices and sometimes meat. It's often served for breakfast with eggs and sour cream.
2. Nacatamal: It is a dish similar to the Mexican tamale, but stuffed with marinated meat, rice, potatoes, and vegetables that are wrapped in a plantain leaf. It is boiled or steamed until cooked, and is a favorite food for festivities such as Christmas Eve.
3. Vigorón: It is a typical street food consisting of a banana leaf with yucca, pickled vegetables such as cabbage, tomato, and onion, and chicharrones (fried pork belly).
4. Quesillo: It is a rolled-up tortilla, filled with pickled onions, cream, cheese, and sometimes vegetables or meat. It's a popular street food and snack.
5. Indio Viejo: It is a meat stew made with cornmeal, beef, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and other seasonings. It's usually served with a side of rice and is a hearty comfort food.
6. Tostones: It is a dish made with sliced and fried plantains. They're sometimes served with garlic or chili powder and are a great side dish or snack.
I hope this list helps you get a taste of the delicious flavors and diversity of Nicaraguan cuisine!

Nicaragua: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Nicaragua is generally considered an affordable destination for tourists. The cost of accommodation, food, and transport is relatively low compared to other popular destinations in Central America. However, the prices can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose, the activities you plan on doing, and the region you're visiting. Generally speaking, if you are on a budget, you can get by on as little as $30-$40 a day, excluding the cost of flights to and from Nicaragua.

Nicaragua: where to find accodation

There are several websites and platforms to look for accommodation options in Nicaragua, including: 1. Booking.com: This is a popular platform to search for hotels, resorts, and hostels in Nicaragua.
2. Airbnb: This platform allows you to rent apartments, houses, and rooms from local hosts in Nicaragua.
3. Hostelworld: If you are on a budget, this platform can help you find hostels and affordable accommodation options in Nicaragua.
4. TripAdvisor: This platform gives you access to user reviews and ratings of different types of accommodation in Nicaragua.
5. Expedia: This platform offers a wide range of accommodation options in Nicaragua, from budget-friendly to upscale hotels and resorts.
6. Kayak: This is another platform that allows you to search for and compare accommodation options in Nicaragua.
It's always a good idea to read reviews and compare prices across different platforms before making a final booking to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
You can check hotel prices in Nicaragua here:
Booking.com

Nicaragua: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
According to the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute (INTUR), Nicaragua received approximately 1.5 million tourists in 2019. The peak tourist season in Nicaragua typically runs from December to April, which coincides with the dry season. During this time, some of the popular tourist destinations may experience more crowds than usual. However, Nicaragua is still considered to be a relatively off-the-beaten-path destination and, outside of major holidays and festivals, it is generally not overcrowded with tourists.
Nicaragua is generally a safe country for tourists. However, like in any other country, travelers should exercise caution and take necessary precautions, especially in tourist areas and major cities. There have been incidences of theft, pickpocketing, and credit card fraud in popular tourist destinations such as Granada and San Juan del Sur. In addition, travelers should avoid the remote areas near the Honduran border due to the presence of drug traffickers and criminal groups. The government of Nicaragua also warns of increased crime rates in the cities of Estelí, Jinotega, and Matagalpa.
It's always advisable to research the destination, read travel alerts and warnings, and follow local news outlets for any developments before traveling to Nicaragua. It's also essential to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions, such as not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables and avoiding walking alone at night.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Nicaragua on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Nicaragua: events for tourists

Nicaragua offers a variety of interesting events for tourists throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular: 1. Semana Santa (Holy Week): This is one of the most important religious and cultural events in Nicaragua. It takes place during the week leading up to Easter Sunday, and features processions, parades, and other religious events.
2. Festival Internacional de Poesía de Granada (International Poetry Festival of Granada): This is a biennial event that attracts poets and writers from all over the world to the colonial city of Granada. The festival features readings, workshops, and other cultural activities.
3. La Gritería (The Shout): This is a traditional celebration that takes place on December 7th in honor of the Immaculate Conception. People gather in the streets to shout "Quien causa tanta alegría?" ("Who causes so much joy?"), and receive gifts and treats in return.
4. Carnaval de San Juan del Sur (San Juan del Sur Carnival): This is a colorful and lively carnival that takes place in the coastal town of San Juan del Sur in June. It features parades, music, dancing, and plenty of street food and drinks.
5. Festival Nacional de la Marimba (National Marimba Festival): This festival takes place in August in the city of Masaya and celebrates the traditional Nicaraguan musical instrument, the marimba. The festival features marimba performances, competitions, and other cultural events.
These are just a few of the many interesting events that take place in Nicaragua throughout the year.

Nicaragua: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Nicaragua, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Certainly! Nicaragua is an amazing country with plenty of things to see and do. Here is a two-week itinerary: Day 1-2: Managua Upon arrival, spend a day or two in Nicaragua's capital city. Visit the National Palace, the Old Cathedral, and the National Museum and immerse yourself in the culture of the country.
Day 3-4: Granada Take a bus to Granada, one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Explore the colorful streets and markets, visit the Church of La Merced, and climb the bell tower for stunning views of the city. Take a boat tour of Lake Nicaragua and visit the island of Monkey Island.
Day 5-7: León Take a bus to León, another colonial city. Visit the Cathedral of León and climb to the top for panoramic views. Explore Rubén Darío Museum and walk through the colorful murals of the city.
Day 8-10: Ometepe Island Take a ferry to Ometepe Island, located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. Hike the Maderas or Concepcion Volcano, visit the natural spring waterfall Ojo de Agua, or relax on Santo Domingo beach.
Day 11-12: San Juan del Sur Take a bus to San Juan del Sur, a beach town on the Pacific coast. Relax on the beautiful beaches or take a surf lesson.
Day 13-14: Masaya and Masaya Volcano Take a day trip to Masaya and visit the Masaya Volcano National Park. The active volcano offers a rare opportunity to see the lava glowing in the crater. Visit the arts and crafts market in Masaya to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.
This itinerary will give you a taste of Nicaragua's rich culture, natural beauty, and beautiful beaches. Safe travels!

Nicaragua: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Nicaragua described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Boaco is a small town located in central Nicaragua, in the department of Boaco. It is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and nearby attractions, such as the Lake Apanas and the Amerrisque m... CONTINUE here for a trip to Boaco
- Chinandega is a city and municipality located in the northwest region of Nicaragua. It is the capital of the Chinandega Department and is situated near the Pacific coast. The city has a population of ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Chinandega
- El Ayote is a town located in the southeastern part of Nicaragua, approximately 140 kilometers from the capital city of Managua. It is situated in the department of Chontales and has a population of a... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Ayote
- El Castillo is a small town located in southeastern Nicaragua, situated on the banks of the San Juan River. It is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial fortifications, also called El Castillo,... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Castillo
- El Cuá is a municipality located in the department of Jinotega, Nicaragua. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level and has a population of around 16,000 people. The... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Cuá
- El Jícaro is a small town located in the northwestern region of Nicaragua, approximately 230 kilometers from Managua, the capital city. It is situated in the department of Nueva Segovia, near the bord... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Jícaro
- El Rama is a small, rural city located in the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region of Nicaragua. It is situated on the banks of the Escondido River, which flows into the Caribbean Sea and is surrou... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Rama
- El Sauce is a municipality of the León department in Nicaragua. It is located approximately 27 kilometers northwest of the city of León and has a population of around 26,000 people. The town is known ... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Sauce
- El Tortuguero is a coastal town located in the northeast region of Nicaragua. It is known as a popular nesting site for sea turtles, particularly the Kemp's Ridley and Green turtles. The area is also ... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Tortuguero
- El Viejo is a city located in the northwest region of Nicaragua, in the department of Chinandega. It has a population of approximately 55,000 inhabitants and was founded in the 16th century by Spanish... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Viejo
- Estelí is a city located in the north-central part of Nicaragua, in the department of Estelí. It is the third-largest city in the country, with a population of around 150,000 people. The city is known... CONTINUE here for a trip to Estelí
- Granada is a city located in the western part of Nicaragua, situated on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. It is one of the oldest cities in Central America, founded in 1524 by the Spanish conquistador Fra... CONTINUE here for a trip to Granada
- Isla de Ometepe is a volcanic island located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua in Nicaragua. It is considered one of the largest fresh water islands in the world. The island has two active volcanoes, Co... CONTINUE here for a trip to Isla de Ometepe
- Jalapa is a municipality located in the Department of Nueva Segovia, in Nicaragua. It is located in the northern part of the country, near the border with Honduras. The population of Jalapa is around ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Jalapa
- Jinotega is a city located in northern Nicaragua, with a population of approximately 70,000 people. It is situated at an altitude of around 1,000 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by cloud for... CONTINUE here for a trip to Jinotega
- Juigalpa is a city located in the center of Nicaragua. It is the capital of the department of Chontales and has a population of approximately 80,000 people. Juigalpa is known for its agricultural prod... CONTINUE here for a trip to Juigalpa
- La Concepción is a municipality located in the department of Masaya, Nicaragua. It is situated approximately 24 kilometers southeast of the capital city of Managua. The town has a population of around... CONTINUE here for a trip to La Concepción
- La Paz Centro is a municipality located in the department of León, Nicaragua. It is situated about 29 kilometers southeast of the city of León and covers an area of approximately 168 square kilometers... CONTINUE here for a trip to La Paz Centro
- León is a city located in the northwest of Nicaragua. It is known for its rich colonial history, stunning architectural landmarks, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful beaches. León was founded in th... CONTINUE here for a trip to León
- Managua is the capital and largest city of Nicaragua, located in the southwestern part of the country. It sits on the southern shore of Lake Managua and is home to over 2 million people. Managua boast... CONTINUE here for a trip to Managua
- Masaya is a city located in western Nicaragua, approximately 14 miles south of the capital city of Managua. It is known as the "City of Flowers" for its famous floral arrangements and is also home to ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Masaya
- Matagalpa is a city located in the northern central region of Nicaragua. It has a population of around 150,000 people and is the capital city of the Matagalpa department. The city is known for its mil... CONTINUE here for a trip to Matagalpa
- Nueva Guinea is a municipality and a city located in the southeastern region of Nicaragua, near the border with Costa Rica. It is part of the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region (RACCS) and is kno... CONTINUE here for a trip to Nueva Guinea
- Ometepe is an island located in Lake Nicaragua, in Nicaragua, Central America. The island is formed by two volcanoes - Concepción and Maderas - and is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natu... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ometepe
- Quilalí is a municipality located in the northwest region of Nicaragua, in the department of Nueva Segovia. It has a population of approximately 27,000 people and covers an area of 315 square kilomete... CONTINUE here for a trip to Quilalí
- Rivas is a city and municipality located in the southwestern part of Nicaragua, near the Pacific coast. It is the capital of the department of Rivas and has a population of approximately 40,000 people... CONTINUE here for a trip to Rivas
- San Benito is a small town located in the department of Tipitapa, Nicaragua. It is situated near the shores of Lake Managua and is bordered by the Masaya Volcano National Park. The town's economy prim... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Benito
- San Carlos is a city located in the southeastern part of Nicaragua, near the border with Costa Rica. It is situated on the southern shore of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. San Ca... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Carlos
- San Francisco de Cuapa is a small town located in the department of Chontales in Nicaragua. It is a rural area with a population of approximately 8,000 people. The town is known for its strong Catholi... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Francisco de Cuapa
- San Francisco Libre is a municipality situated in the department of Managua in Nicaragua. The town is located about 38 kilometers from Managua and has a population of around 30,000 people. San Francis... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Francisco Libre
- San Jorge is a small town in the Rivas Department of Nicaragua, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Nicaragua. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its proximity to the Isla de Ometep... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Jorge
- San José de Cusmapa is a municipality located in the department of Madriz, Nicaragua. It has a population of approximately 9,000 people and it is a rural area with a strong agricultural economy based ... CONTINUE here for a trip to San José de Cusmapa
- San Juan de Limay is a small town located in the northern part of Nicaragua. It is situated in the Estelí department, and its population is estimated to be around 12,000 people. The town is known for ... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Juan de Limay
- San Juan de Nicaragua is a small town located in the southernmost part of Nicaragua, near the border with Costa Rica. It is also known as San Juan del Norte due to its proximity to the San Juan River.... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Juan de Nicaragua
- San Juan del Sur is a coastal town located in the southern part of Nicaragua, near the border with Costa Rica. It is well known for its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing spots, and vibrant nightlif... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Juan del Sur
- San Lorenzo is a small coastal town located in the department of Chinandega, in northwestern Nicaragua. It is situated on the Pacific Ocean and is known for its beautiful beaches and excellent waves f... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Lorenzo
- San Marcos is a municipality located in the Carazo department in Nicaragua. It is situated around 40 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Managua. The town is surrounded by mountains and is known... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Marcos
- San Miguelito is a small town located in the northern part of Nicaragua, near the border with Honduras. It is situated in the department of Madriz and has a population of around 6,000 people. San Migu... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Miguelito
- San Rafael del Norte is a small town located in the northern region of Nicaragua, specifically in the department of Jinotega. It is situated about 165 kilometers northeast of the capital city, Managua... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Rafael del Norte
- San Rafael del Sur is a municipality that is located on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. It is situated in the department of Managua and is part of the Managua Metropolitan Area. The municipality cover... CONTINUE here for a trip to San Rafael del Sur
- Somoto is a municipality located in the department of Madriz in Nicaragua. It is known for its beautiful landscape and natural attractions such as the Somoto Canyon, a popular destination for tourists... CONTINUE here for a trip to Somoto


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