Amongst the issues to do in Nicaragua is visiting colonial cities, stress-free on tropical islands, chilling out on seashores, exploring volcanoes and naturally get together.
Nicaragua is the proper vacation spot for journey lovers and people who get pleasure from spending time outdoor. When planning your journey
Check out the complete record of issues to do in Nicaragua right here.
8 Things to do in Nicaragua
When planning your journey to Nicaragua, ensure to incorporate a number of of the beneath sights and locations to see.
See additionally: Most Budget-Friendly Destinations To Spend Your Gap Year
1. Go Canyoning at Somoto Canyon
The first exercise on this record is a bit off the crushed path however this makes it all of the extra enjoyable. On our journey, we solely noticed one different pair of vacationers. It is a fast and straightforward cease if you happen to cross the border from El Salvador or Honduras.
The Somoto Canyon National Monument protected space covers an space of roughly 170 hectares (420 acres). Because of the fascinating geology, the world can also be labelled as a geopark.
Your day journey will begin with a drive from Somoto to a spot the place you’ll be able to go away your issues. From right here, a fast hike will carry you to the canyon the place the motion begins.
You’ll be capable to leap and swim a lot. Swimming is necessary so you ought to be a assured swimmer however just one leap of round 1 m (3 ft) is. If we did it, you’ll be able to too! If you’re a extra avid cliff jumper than we’re, there are many non-obligatory jumps as much as 12 m (40 ft) and even larger relying in your climbing abilities.
If you’re within the space and you’ve got the time, we advise you to spend a minimum of two full days as a result of Somoto is a cute little city and there are a lot extra issues to do within the space like vising sizzling springs or petroglyphs.
2. Explore the attractive church buildings of Leon
The charming colonial city of Leon does 100% belong in your itinerary because it’s one of many prime issues to do in Nicaragua. Founded in 1524, it is likely one of the oldest cities within the Americas. Next to its beautiful avenue artwork and scrumptious avenue meals, the outdated church buildings are its most distinctive function.
Make positive to stroll round and discover the colorful Iglesia El Calvario, the yellow Church of the Recollection, the San Francisco Church, and lots of extra.
Of course, the spotlight is the white Leon Cathedral. Make positive to climb to the highest to benefit from the view. You need to take off your sneakers to stroll over the white floor of the roof. This place positively makes for the most effective photograph spot in Leon.
In our opinion, the most effective time to go to is round sundown. You can benefit from the golden hour in addition to see Leon throughout daylight and lit up within the night.
3. Go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro
This isn’t solely probably the most well-known day journey from Leon but additionally the most effective. In distinction to what you would possibly assume, it’s not just for daredevils. Yes, you’ll be able to go down the volcano at 100 km/h (60 mph) however you may also break together with your ft and go means slower.
Related tour: Hike and Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro
Of course, each boarding down a volcano begins with climbing up a volcano. The hike itself is sort of manageable and you may also pay one of many guides to hold your board (which I discovered slightly unwieldy) for you. On prime you’ll placed on the sturdy onesie and glasses you’ll get offered in addition to a canopy in your mouth and nostril you 100% need to carry. Make positive to cowl up as a lot of you as doable as a result of the little rocks will go in every single place. We have combed them out of our hair for days.
Most excursions include some type of meals and drinks. Morning excursions would possibly include a volcano-cooked breakfast and night excursions with drinks. Additionally, you’ll get a shirt making you a part of the volcano boarding workforce you see backpacking round the entire of Central America.
Search for availability and e book your tour beneath:
4. Party at Sunday Funday in San Juan del Sur
This is by far probably the most well-known get together in Nicaragua (subsequent to the Tree House Party in Granada) – possibly even in all of Central America so ensure to not miss it.
San Juan del Sur is a beautiful city on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua filled with surfers in addition to surf and yoga retreats. Every Sunday the scene adjustments as dozens of backpackers flock to the city to affix the legendary pool get together.
The get together itself is a pub crawl by way of 5 totally different hostels and bars. It begins at 2 pm so put together your self for a full day and evening of partying. Eat one thing upfront because the places don’t supply any meals however loads of low cost drinks.
Currently, the associated fee is 30$ together with free pictures and shuttles in between the locations in addition to the compulsory shirt you’ll see throughout Central America.
Pro tip: You can save 15$ if you happen to keep in one of many hostels that take part in Sunday Funday.
5. Rent a scooter on Ometepe Island
While not hidden anymore, Ometepe continues to be undisputedly a gem of Nicaragua. And whereas vacationers have discovered this place, it nonetheless managed to maintain its rustic appeal. Ometepe is the biggest island of Lake Nicaragua and is shaped by two volcanoes.
We have been uncertain once we arrived however renting a scooter is by far the easiest way to see the island. Public transport is sparse making it laborious to essentially transfer round and taxis and tuk-tuks are surprisingly costly by Nicaraguan requirements. Nothing provides you a similar freedom as exploring a spot with a scooter and Ometepe is likely one of the greatest locations in Nicaragua to take action. The roads will not be in the most effective situation however there may be not a lot visitors. Beware that you just want extra sturdy off-road bikes as a substitute of scooters for the extra distant roads, particularly south of Balgue and Merida.
On Ometepe, you’ll be able to climb not one however two volcanoes, benefit from the many seashores and the nice and cozy waters, cool off in recent spring waters, discover waterfalls, hunt for petroglyphs, hire kayaks, see probably the most magnificent sunsets, bask in chocolate and a lot extra.
6. Go snorkeling on Little Corn Island
If you solely go to one place on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua let it’s Little Corn Island. If you might have the cash, it’s a fast little aircraft experience away from the capital Managua. If you might have the time, it’s an extended and exhausting bus and ferry experience away from it.
Once you arrive, it’s a real Caribbean paradise. There aren’t any vehicles and barely even bicycles. But no worries, the entire island is walkable. On the west coast of the island the place the ferry arrives, you’ll discover many bars and eating places, on the east coast of the island, there are various pretty seaside bungalows for hire and probably the most stunning seaside on the island is Otto Beach on the north shore.
Otto Beach is the most effective spot if you need to go snorkeling by yourself from the seaside. There is even a small hut renting snorkel gear. Our recommendation is to go on a guided snorkeling journey you must be capable to e book in each lodging. You can see way more wildlife together with sharks. If you need to check out scuba diving otherwise you’re an authorized diver you may also go on some good and comparatively low cost dives right here.
7. Combine tradition and get together in Granada
The stunning colonial city of Granada is a must-visit in your Nicaragua journey. It’s the oldest colonial metropolis in Nicaragua and the all-time-rival of Leon.
Its get together scene is the place Granada wins towards its rival Leon: Beginning proper on the central park with the cathedral, Calle La Calzada is the nightlife hub of Granada with many bars and eating places. It’s filled with vacationers, loud, and full of life.
If you need much more get together, go on the Booze Cruise. Every Wednesday, you’ll be able to mix exploring the attractive Isletas in lake Nicaragua with – properly – a booze cruise. The greatest? It prices solely 20$ together with 5 drinks.
The Tree House Party is much more notorious. This jungle rave takes place each Friday within the Treehouse Hostel on the base of the Mombacho volcano. The 20$ entrance payment secures you a shuttle and – you guessed it – a shirt!
The subsequent morning, you’ll be able to chill out in one of many quaint courtyard cafes in Granada.
8. See lava at Masaya Volcano
This is our favorite day journey from Granada, probably in all of Central America. Why? Because you’ll be able to see an lively volcano with none mountain climbing.
If you e book a tour, your operator will decide you up within the night to drive you all the way in which to the car parking zone subsequent to the rim of the crater. Walk a number of steps on paved floor and growth – you’ll get rewarded with views of lava within the crater. As the solar units, you’ll be capable to see ever extra clearly and probably even see the lava effervescent. The greatest effort-to-effect ratio if you happen to ask us.
Some tour operators mix a go to to the volcano with a go to to Masaya market which is a procuring paradise.
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We are Carina and Philipp, a 30 one thing 12 months outdated couple from Germany. We are a journey author and an internet developer, who travelling the world.
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