A Beginner's Guide to Nicaragua

As the largest nation in Central America, known as the land of lakes and volcanoes, Nicaragua has managed to keep its unique charm, with much of its natural beauty preserved rather than exploited.

Whether you're eager to savor local delicacies, enjoy premium rum, wake up to the aroma of organic coffee amid Spanish colonial architecture, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, conquer active volcanoes, catch some big waves, or spot monkeys in lush forests, Nicaragua has an adventure waiting for you.

When is the best time to visit Nicaragua?

Nicaragua, with its subtropical climate, is a destination for all seasons, featuring two main periods: hot and dry from November to May, and hot and wet from June to October, often referred to as the 'green season.' Rain typically falls in brief, intense showers during the late afternoon, leaving plenty of sunshine for the rest of the day; September and October tend to be the rainiest months.

Nicaragua experiences its peak popularity (and highest prices) during Christmas, New Year, and Easter, when vibrant religious festivals fill the towns and cities, and many Nicaraguans head to the beaches.

Is getting to and around Nicaragua straightforward?

Nicaragua’s main international airport is Augusto C. Sandino in Managua, with direct flights available from Miami and Fort Lauderdale in the US, as well as Mexico City and Panama City, along with numerous connecting options.

For bus travel across Central America, Transnica connects Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua, while Transporte del Sol serves Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.

You can also navigate the country using local buses, including 'chicken buses'—converted North American school buses that speed along—or budget-friendly long-distance coaches that offer decent comfort.

La Costeña provides daily flights from Managua to Great Corn Island, and ferries operate across Lake Nicaragua to Isla de Ometepe and the Solentiname archipelago. Stroll through the historic centers of Granada and León, but taxis are inexpensive and readily available for longer trips.

How much time should I spend in Nicaragua?

In one week, most travelers bypass Managua and head directly to the colonial city of Granada, located by Lake Nicaragua. After exploring the city, its lakes, and volcanoes, you can take a short flight to the Corn Islands, catch a bus to the beaches of San Juan del Sur, relax on the volcanic island of Ometepe, or even surf down an active volcano in León.

With two to three weeks, you can experience everything mentioned above and also visit the lush Solentiname islands, known for their primitivist artists, or embark on a jungle adventure along the Río San Juan, which serves as the watery border with Costa Rica. If you have even more time, consider improving your Spanish at one of the affordable language schools available.

Must-see attractions in Nicaragua

1. Gaze into a volcanic crater in Granada

Granada is one of the oldest and most charming cities in Central America, featuring picture-perfect plazas, intricate churches, and cobblestone streets adorned with vibrant, colorful houses, where locals set their rocking chairs outside to chat with neighbors.

Nature is never far away. Spend an evening gazing into the crater of Masaya Volcano, where glowing orange molten lava simmers below. Explore its chain of volcanic islets by kayak, hike through or zipline above the cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano, take a refreshing dip in the crater lake at Laguna de Apoyo, and meet the talented artisans in Masaya and the Pueblos Blancos.

2. Surf the Pacific waves

Nicaragua's Pacific coast is lined with spectacular waves and rugged beaches, long favored by savvy surfers. To the south, the laid-back town of San Juan del Sur serves as the hub for surfing and nightlife, where the Sunday Funday Pool Crawl has become a backpacker legend. For better surfing conditions, head outside town—Playa Maderas, just 20 minutes north, boasts the best beach break, while the gentle Playa Remanso, 15 minutes south, is ideal for beginners.

Further north in Popoyo, approximately 75 km (47 miles) away, you'll find surf breaks offering consistent swells for riders of all abilities, along with plenty of rentals and surf schools available.

3. Surf down an active volcano

Thrill-seekers can ascend the slopes of the still-active Cerro Negro volcano and race down its black ash terrain on specially designed boards, reaching speeds of up to 100 kph (60 mph).

Nicaragua’s youngest volcano is located just a short distance from León, the northern colonial capital that features the largest cathedral in Central America.

Léon exudes the vibrant atmosphere of a university town, featuring a mix of museums like the Museo Histórico de la Revolución, along with a range of art—from contemporary works at the Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián to vibrant street murals.

4. Relax in the Caribbean

Located about 70 km (43 miles) off the eastern coast of Nicaragua, the small Corn Islands check all the boxes for a Caribbean getaway—palm-lined beaches with powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere—all without the high costs.

Accessible only by flight and a bumpy 40-minute boat ride from Great Corn, car-free Little Corn Island invites you to snorkel and dive among its untouched reefs, relax in a hammock while watching the sunset, and savor freshly caught fish dining with your feet in the sand, all set to a reggae rhythm.

5. Embrace the volcanic island lifestyle

The twin-peaked Isla de Ometepe rises majestically from the shimmering surface of Lake Nicaragua, featuring the lush, dormant Volcán Maderas and the rugged, active Volcán Concepción, both offering adventurous climbs.

For a more leisurely experience, enjoy a scenic hike through the cloud forest to San Ramón waterfall, go wildlife watching from a kayak along the lush Istián River, spot howler monkeys at Reserva Charco Verde, or explore ancient petroglyphs. You can also visit a community-run coffee finca or a tree-to-bar chocolate farm before indulging in a delicious organic meal at Café Campestre.

My top recommendation in Nicaragua

I adore savoring Nicaragua’s unique culinary delights. Nacatamales are delicious parcels made of corn dough filled with marinated spicy pork or chicken, along with rice, chilies, olives, and more, all wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed to perfection.

Vigorón, Granada’s most popular street food, is a hearty mix of boiled cassava and crunchy chicharrones (fried pork rinds), garnished with a zesty cabbage salad.

The nation boasts a rich array of tropical fruits like mangos, guanábana (soursop), and calala (passion fruit), often blended into refreshing batidas (shakes). Top-quality coffee flourishes on its fertile volcanic slopes, while Flor de Caña’s 12-year-old rum is recognized as one of the finest in the world. Additionally, artisan chocolatiers like Argencove in Granada are crafting award-winning chocolate bars from the country’s cacao.

How much should I budget for a trip to Nicaragua?

Nicaragua is among the most affordable destinations in Central America. Accommodations cater to all preferences, ranging from hostels and family-operated guesthouses to eco-friendly boutique hotels and luxury resorts. Public transportation is inexpensive, and you can indulge in street food, dine at a comedor (local eatery), or enjoy a fine dining experience.

• Hostel bed: starting at US$8

• Budget hotel room for two: starting at US$27

• Bus ticket: starting at US$1

• Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: starting at US$25

• Nicaraguan coffee: starting at US$2

• Local beer: starting at US$1.30

Is it safe to travel to Nicaragua?

According to statistics, Nicaragua is the safest country in Central America after Costa Rica. Just exercise the same caution you would at home. Avoid displaying cash or valuables in public and steer clear of isolated or poorly lit areas at night, especially if you're alone—it's wise to consult locals about neighborhoods to avoid.

Whenever possible, order a radio taxi, and if you choose to rent a car, avoid leaving valuables inside it overnight. If you encounter a protest, it's best to move away from the area. Editor's note: This article was sponsored by Nicaragua Tourism following the city's selection for Dinogo Planet's Best in Travel 2024. The inclusion of destinations in Best In Travel is solely determined by Dinogo Planet's editorial team, with no influence from sponsors.