Countries like Belize, Guatemala, and Costa Rica are considered the top destinations in Central America. However, I am convinced that everyone should visit Nicaragua as it is highly underrated.
I was not expecting much from this small country that I knew nothing about, but I was positively impressed by it to the point that after my first visit in December 2013, I visited Nicaragua two more times since!
Needless to say, I fell in love with it, so much so that I always recommend a visit to anybody that is travelling to Central America.
Reasons to visit Nicaragua
Nicaragua is known for its surfing, but if you are looking for other things to do, these 9 reasons to visit Nicaragua will entice you to put it at the top of your travels.
Here are 9 fabulous things to do in Nicaragua that will make you want to put it at the top of your destination list.
1. It has gorgeous colonial cities
Granada is the perfect example of a colonial city: cobbled street, bright colours, magnificent churches, airy squares and great museums.
Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua it’s just one hour from the capital Managua and is the country’s biggest tourist attraction.
Another stop is León located two hours north of Granada (and one hour from Managua)
It may be rather decadent and crumbling, but this decadence makes it even more gorgeous.
It is the most intensely political city in the country and is packed with young people, interesting museums and great art galleries and beautiful churches.
2. It is a volcano paradise perfect for adventures
Nicaragua is known as the land of lakes and volcanoes.
There are 19 volcanoes in the country and most of them are active.
Anywhere I went in Nicaragua, a volcano was within eyesight.
Nicaragua offers some of the best volcano hikes in the continent.
Be sure to hire a guide for safety.
The tiny Isla de Ometepe (which can be reached by ferry from either Granada or San Jorge, 6 km east of Rivas) has two volcanoes – Maderas and Concepción.
Nicaragua is also where volcano boarding was invented.
It’s an amazing adventure where intrepid travellers slide off the top of a volcano.
Check out Climbing Bali’s Gunung Batur
3. It has its own Caribbean hideout
Surfers love the surf of San Juan del Sur and sun worshippers flock to the beaches on the Pacific.
But Nicaragua has its very own Caribbean hideout at the Corn Islands.
Located 70 km from the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, Little Corn and Great Corn are remote and beautiful.
Getting there may be a bit complicated – it involves travelling to Bluefields, on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, and then either flying or taking a boat to Great Corn Island and then another boat to the tiny Little Corn Island.
But it is worth the effort: picture pristine beaches, white sand, no cars at all, gorgeous seafood, snorkelling, and diving.
Read the story of volunteering in Nicaragua
4. It has great wildlife
Nicaragua is home to various kinds of monkeys, sloths, jaguars and ocelots.
It is also a good places to spot numerous species of birds such as the great green macaw, the motmot and the toucan.
Sea turtles also nest on the coast of Nicaragua.
The best part is that all you have to do is laze on a hammock at an isolated hostel, sit still and quiet and you’ll end up spotting all this amazing wildlife.
5. The food is really good
Food in Nicaragua is not as varied as it is in Mexico.
This small Central America country has some great fruit and interesting dishes.
Be sure to try two of my favourites.
Vigoron is a dish served on banana leaves which is made of a cabbage salad, boiled yucca and pork scratchings.
Quesillos are corn tortillas filled with thin slices of mild cheese and a salad of pickled onions and tomatoes, all wrapped together and over which abundant cream is poured.
6. People are really kind
Nicaraguans are kind and welcoming.
They are always willing to give a hand not only to each other but also to travelers.
Poverty hasn’t toughened the heart of these people, who don’t try to take advantage of travellers but rather show pride for their own country.
Where else in the world can you bump into a Christmas party to seek shelter from rain and be actually welcomed to join the celebrations?
7. Nicaragua is dirt cheap
Compared to Costa Rica, Nicaragua is much cheaper.
5 dollars will land a backpacker a bed in a dorm, and 3 dollars will buy a large meal in a local eatery.
A litre of beer costs $1.30. If you really want to splurge, a gourmet meal will cost no more than 15 dollars.
Transportation is also very cheap.
8. There are chicken buses
The crowded, old buses that have been driven down from North America are the most common means of transportation in Nicaragua.
They are uncomfortable and on the slow side, but they are very cheap.
They go everywhere and they are great to get a picture of the local life.
- Read about: How to Survive Travel on a Chicken Bus
9. Nicaragua is Free From Crowds
Nicaragua is never crowded with tourists like Costa Rica, Belize or Honduras.
Even at its peak season (December through March) the crowds are light.
I’d dare say that this is destined to change though, for more and more people are getting to know this amazing country.
If you are traveling to Central America, be sure to visit Nicaragua, you will fall in love with the country just as I did.
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Clarisa says
I agree with you, Claudia!
I’ m married with Nicaragüense and I have been there few times! The more things that I like apart is beautiful country is never been crowd…
Greeting
Adrienne Spragg says
Awesome post! Have you been back since?
Nicaragua is also a great place for honeymoons. Beautiful, with all the charm of Central America, but so much cheaper than neighboring Costa Rica or even Belize.
Greg says
Just want to update you that the ferry between Granada and Ometepe is no longer running and won’t be for the foreseeable future.
Bob Lee says
Great place with a natural beauty of its own!!
Samantha says
Nicaragua unfortunately is always so overshadowed by Costa Rica which is a shame because it is a truly stunning country. The locals I’ve met there are some of the most humble, and helpful people I have ever met. It’s still not as commercial as Costa Rica but things are quickly changing there which is why I always encourage people to visit now before it becomes like Costa Rica (not that its bad but CR is super touristic and expensive now). The land of lakes and volcanoes is worth a visit!
Amanda Derocher says
Completely agreed! I have been traveling around Nicaragua for the last month and love it! 5 dollars for a dorm bed is only accurate in Leon and Granada, the more remote areas are a little more like 8 to 10. In those areas private rooms can be cheaper if you’re traveling as a couple or in a group.
Samir says
Such a greenery and wildlife 🙂 Thank you.
It’s been a pleasure to see the beauty of Nicaragua.
Raul says
Thank you for sharing this information, I did not know that Nicaragua had such interesting tourist sites. I hope someday to visit the Central American country.
Kate says
We visited Nicaragua last year on a day trip from Costa Rica and we were blown away! It was absolutely stunning. Cannot wait to go back and explore more!
Nick Martin says
Nice summary Claudia! I loved to travel through Nicaragua back in 2013. The only thing I would add to this post, is the fact that it is a stunning spot to learn Spanish! So for students, long term travellers and people who are really interessted to boost up their languages skills, Nicaragua is pretty awesome!
Safe travels!
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