Paradise Found - Nicaragua Travel Guide
There are many reasons tourism is rising in Nicaragua, lush jungles, wild waves, colourful colonial cities, volcanoes you can climb, and beaches where you might chase a sunset beer after surf. In fact, the country saw a 28.9 % increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, with more than 1.2 million non-resident visitors.
If you’re into exploring somewhere a little under-the-radar but full of character, pack your bag — Nicaragua’s calling.
Why Nicaragua
Nicaragua sits between the Pacific and the Caribbean — a country of surf, volcanoes, and warm-hearted people that’s quietly stepping into the spotlight. Once nicknamed the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” it’s the largest country in Central America and one of its most diverse. Here, history and nature live side by side: colonial cities painted in every shade of pastel, towering volcanoes that glow at sunset, and coastlines that still feel undiscovered.
After years of being Central America’s best-kept secret, Nicaragua is really getting the flowers it deserves. Travellers talk about it the way they once did about Costa Rica fifteen years ago — raw, beautiful, and full of possibility. Reddit threads and backpacker forums are full of love letters to its mix of affordability, safety, surf, community, and culture. It’s the kind of place that hooks you with its personality and the variety of experiences you can search out in this beautiful country.
Regions & Top Activities
Nicaragua is compact, but the landscapes feel massive. Each region feels distinct, from surf towns bursting with waves and nightlife, quiet colonial streets brought alive with live music, and islands that slow time down to a crawl. Here’s what not to miss:
San Juan del Sur (Pacific Coast)
Nicaragua’s surf capital and soul of its coastal scene. San Juan del Sur blends wave culture with vibrant nightlife, it’s as social as it is scenic.. and surfers, don’t forget those offshore winds.
Surf breaks: Playa Maderas (consistent all year, great for beginners to intermediates) and Playa Hermosa (long right-handers, occasional offshore winds). Boards can be rented beachside.
Eat: Ding Repair for incredible and big breakfasts, Simon Says for smoothies and veggie wraps, Dale Pues for tacos, and El Timón for fresh ceviche at sunset.
Nightlife: The town’s legendary Sunday Funday Pool Crawl connects beach clubs like Arribas, The Naked Tiger Hostel, and Pelican Eyes — expect music, dancing, and views.
For calm energy: Watch the sun set from Jesus of the Mercy statue or grab a hammock at Maderas Village for yoga sessions.
Popoyo & Tola Region
Further north up the Pacific, Popoyo is a surfer’s dream. It’s remote, peaceful, and blessed with some of the best reef and beach breaks in Central America.
Surf breaks: Popoyo Outer Reef for experts, Santana Beach for all levels, Beginner’s Bay which lives by its name, and nearby Playa Colorado (private but accessible via local surf camps).
Stay: Magnific Rock (clifftop sunsets and infinity views), Malibu Popoyo (wellness-minded luxury), or Hostel Popoyo for budget surf vibes.
Eat & Drink: Finca Popoyo for fresh seafood and craft cocktails, Café Con Leche for brunch, Waves & Wifi for a great coffee, lunch and of course wi-fi, and NicaWaves Bar for a post-surf beer.
Energy: Quieter than San Juan del Sur — think sunrise yoga, sunset surf, and bonfires under the stars.
Granada & Masaya
Granada is a living postcard. It has pastel colonial façades, horse carriages clopping through cobblestone streets, and a beautiful lakeshore. Founded in 1524, it’s one of the oldest cities in the Americas and still the heart of Nicaragua’s cultural identity.
Do: Climb Iglesia de La Merced Bell Tower for panoramic views, kayak through Las Isletas de Granada (tiny jungle islands in Lake Nicaragua), or explore the Mombacho Volcano Reserve.
Masaya Volcano: A 40-minute drive from Granada — watch lava glow at night inside an active crater. (Yes, it’s safe – just surreal.)
Eat: Pita Pita (Mediterranean fusion), Garden Café (farm-to-table brunch), and Boca Boca Wine Bar for tapas.
Stay: Tribal Hotel or Casa Lucía Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat.
León
Once the revolutionary capital, León now pulses with youth, art, and adventure. It’s the cultural counterweight to Granada — less polished, more expressive.
Volcano boarding: Hike Cerro Negro, strap on a board, and literally surf down black volcanic sand — it’s the country’s most famous thrill.
Art & Culture: Explore Ortíz Gurdián Museum of Art or catch live music in Parque Central.
Eat: Pan & Paz Bakery for morning coffee, El Bodegón for traditional Nica fare, and Kiss Me Ice Cream to cool off after sightseeing.
Nightlife: University bars around Calle Real host live salsa and open-mic nights; travelers often end up at ViaVia Hostel Bar.
Ometepe Island
Formed by two volcanoes — Concepción and Maderas — rising from Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe feels otherworldly. It’s all slow travel, jungle hikes, and barefoot authenticity.
Do: Hike Volcán Maderas to a crater lagoon, kayak the Rio Istián Wetlands, or swim at Ojo de Agua Springs. Also a great place for an ATV and jetting off around the island, taking it all in.
Eat & Stay: El Zopilote Permaculture Farm for backpacker-meets-eco-retreat, Totoco Ecolodge for views and local cuisine.
Vibe: Think “off-grid detox” — motorbikes, hammocks, fireflies, plenty of yoga, and slowing down.
Corn Islands ( Big & Little )
Off the Caribbean coast, the Corn Islands are everything you picture when you think “tropical escape” — turquoise water, colorful houses, and lobster for breakfast.
Getting there: Fly from Managua to Big Corn (1 hr), then hop a panga (boat) to Little Corn Island (30 min).
Do: Snorkel coral reefs, dive shipwrecks, take a yoga class at Firefly Yoga Studio, or rent a bike and circle the island.
Eat: Turned Turtle Restaurant, Tranquilo Café, or Desideri Bar & Grill.
Vibe: No cars, no stress — just hammocks, reggae, and stars.
Matagalpa & Coffee Country
The lush highlands of Matagalpa and Jinotega are the lungs of Nicaragua — cooler, greener, and steeped in coffee.
Do: Visit coffee cooperatives like Selva Negra Eco Lodge, hike in Peñas Blancas Massif Reserve, or tour La Bastilla Coffee Estate.
Eat: Café Girasol in Matagalpa serves some of the best espresso and homemade pastries.
Why go: Perfect change of pace if you’ve had your fill of beach sun and need mountain mist.
Cultural Norms & Etiquette
Nicaraguans are great people, used to happy travellers, and proud of their country. The culture here is grounded, warm, and unhurried — a mix of Latin passion and small-town kindness.
Whether you’re sharing gallo pinto at a roadside café, catching a ride in a tuk-tuk-style taxi, or chatting with locals after surf, these small gestures of respect make a big difference.
Dress & Respect
In beach towns, flip-flops and swimsuits are standard. But in cities like Granada or León, keep it casual-modest — shoulders covered, light fabrics, no shirtless wandering.
Inside churches, remove hats and avoid loud conversation.
Personal space is smaller here, greetings can include a quick hug or cheek kiss among friends.
Useful Sayings & Gestures
1. “Hola” (OH-lah) — Hello
Simple, friendly, and universal. A warm Hola with eye contact goes a long way.
2. “¿Cómo estás?” (KOH-moh es-TAHS?) — How are you?
Reply: Bien, gracias. (bee-EN GRAH-see-ahs) — I’m good, thank you.
3. “Mucho gusto” (MOO-choo GOO-stoh) — Nice to meet you
Use it when meeting anyone new — it’s polite and common everywhere.
4. “Gracias” / “Muchas gracias” (GRAH-see-ahs / MOO-chas GRAH-see-ahs) — Thank you / Thank you very much
Pair it with a smile or small nod — gratitude is big here.
5. “Por favor” (POR fah-VOR) — Please
Still the magic word in Spanish. Use it when ordering food or asking for help.
6. “Con permiso” / “Perdón” (Cone pair-MEE-so / pair-DOHN) — Excuse me / Sorry
Say con permiso when passing through a tight crowd or leaving the table, perdón if you accidentally bump someone.
7. “Pura vida” / “Todo bien” (POO-rah VEE-dah / TOH-doh bee-EN) — All good / Everything’s great
Borrowed from neighboring Costa Rica but used freely here — laid-back and friendly.
Cultural Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Do greet everyone when entering small shops or cafés — a simple Buenos días / Buenas tardes is polite.
✅ Do tip about 10 % at restaurants; small bills appreciated.
✅ Do ask before photographing locals or children.
🚫 Don’t raise your voice or appear impatient, calm energy gets you help faster.
🚫 Don’t flush toilet paper (trash bin beside toilet).
🚫 Don’t assume everyone speaks English, even basic Spanish effort is appreciated.
Nicaragua is friendly and real. If you meet people with openness — learning a few words, slowing your pace, and smiling first — the country opens itself up in ways no guidebook can describe.
Practical Travel Logistics
Alright, time for the real-world stuff: money, visas, timing, transport, and packing — everything that keeps your trip smooth from touchdown to take-off.
Currency & Arrivals
Nicaragua’s official currency is the Córdoba (NIO), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist towns. ATMs are common in cities like Managua, Granada, and San Juan del Sur; smaller surf villages often prefer cash. Bring low-denomination bills and keep both currencies handy.
Airports:
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua – main gateway.
Liberia (Costa Rica) – viable if you’re headed straight to San Juan del Sur; the border at Peñas Blancas is 1–2 hours away.
Visa & Entry Basics
For most travelers, Nicaragua is refreshingly easy:
Visitors from Canada, U.S., U.K., and most EU countries receive a 90-day tourist entry on arrival.
This falls under the CA-4 Agreement (Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala) — you can move between those nations within 90 days on one entry stamp.
Bring: passport valid 6 months beyond entry, proof of onward travel, $10 USD cash for the entry fee.
Overstays = small fine (~$2 USD per day).
Check entry requirements via immigration.gob.ni or your embassy for updates before flying.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (High Season): November – April → sunny, dry, best for surf and travel.
Green Season (Low Season): May – October → lush landscapes, afternoon showers, smaller crowds.
Festivals: Semana Santa (Easter Week) and Granada Poetry Festival (February) fill towns with music and energy.
Getting Around & What to Pack
Buses & Shuttles: Reliable and cheap for intercity routes.
Taxis & Private Drivers: Easiest option from Managua to San Juan del Sur (~$90 USD).
Ferries: To Ometepe Island from San Jorge port (1 hour).
Packing List:
Reef-safe sunscreen & bug spray – musts.
Light linen or cotton clothes for the coast.
A sweater or rain shell for highlands.
Reusable water bottle (filtration cap ideal).
Flashlight for island stays with low lighting.
Power adapters (110 V, U.S. plugs work).
Health, Safety & Medical FAQs
Nicaragua is generally safe and laid-back. Common sense travelling — daytime transit, registered taxis, secured valuables — goes a long way.
Hospitals & Clinics: Managua has private hospitals like Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas and Hospital Monte España with English-speaking staff. Smaller towns have clinics for minor care.
Emergencies: Dial 118 (police) or 128 (ambulance).
Vaccines & Health Tips: CDC recommends Hepatitis A and Typhoid; malaria risk is low except in remote Caribbean areas. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Safety: Petty theft can occur in busy bus stations or nightlife areas, keep an eye on bags. Locals and travelers consistently describe the country as friendly and safe.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance that covers adventure sports and evacuation is non-negotiable if you’re surfing or trekking remote areas.
Keep hydrated, use sunscreen, and respect the sun, it’s closer to the equator than it feels.
Wellness, Movement & Surf Travel
Travel can be pure magic — but also a lot to coordinate. Flights, gear, schedules, surf reports, finding the right crowd to explore with. That’s where SALTY comes in.
If you like the idea of seeing a country through movement — surf in the morning, train under palms, hike a volcano, dance at night — you’ll fit right in. Our retreats blend daily classes and adventure with plenty of freedom to wander and rest.
The SALTY Nicaragua Retreat: Paradise Found | Nov 22–29, 2025 is seven nights and eight days of surf, sweat and connection — coast to culture, sunrise to sunset. A little guidance, a lot of good energy, and a crew you’ll never forget.
Final Checklist
Packing for Nicaragua is about being ready for everything — beach days, volcano hikes, sunset sessions, and maybe a Sunday Funday or two. Here’s your checklist.
✅ Passport & Visa: Valid 6 + months, $10 USD entry fee, 90-day CA-4 stamp.
✅ Insurance: Covers surfing, trekking, and medical evacuation.
✅ Health: Vaccines checked, first-aid kit packed.
✅ Money: Mix of USD and córdobas in small bills.
✅ Dress Code: Lightweight coastal gear, layers for highlands, modest outfits for cities.
✅ Eco Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent.
✅ Tech & Docs: Offline maps, Waze app for GPS, hotel bookings, digital copies of ID and insurance.
✅ Mindset: Stay curious, flexible and open — this is a country that loves spontaneity.
Ready to Dive In?
Join the SALTY Nicaragua Retreat: Paradise Found | Nov 22–29, 2025.
A week of movement, surf, connection and culture — from beach to volcano and back again.