Amongst the issues to do in Nicaragua is visiting colonial cities, enjoyable 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 take pleasure in spending time open air. When planning your journey
Check out the complete checklist of issues to do in Nicaragua right here.
8 Things to do in Nicaragua
When planning your journey to Nicaragua, be certain to incorporate a couple 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 checklist is a bit off the overwhelmed 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 in the event you 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 attention-grabbing geology, the realm can 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 deliver you to the canyon the place the motion begins.
You’ll have the ability to leap and swim lots. Swimming is obligatory so you need 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 optionally available jumps as much as 12 m (40 ft) and even larger relying in your climbing expertise.
If you’re within the space and you’ve got the time, we advise you to spend not less than two full days as a result of Somoto is a cute little city and there are lots extra issues to do within the space like vising scorching 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 high issues to do in Nicaragua. Founded in 1524, it is without doubt one of the oldest cities within the Americas. Next to its gorgeous road artwork and scrumptious road meals, the outdated church buildings are its most distinctive function.
Make certain to stroll round and discover the colorful Iglesia El Calvario, the yellow Church of the Recollection, the San Francisco Church, and plenty of extra.
Of course, the spotlight is the white Leon Cathedral. Make certain to climb to the highest to benefit from the view. You need to take off your footwear to stroll over the white floor of the roof. This place undoubtedly makes for the very best picture spot in Leon.
In our opinion, the very best 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 essentially the most well-known day journey from Leon but additionally the very best. In distinction to what you may suppose, it’s not just for daredevils. Yes, you’ll be able to go down the volcano at 100 km/h (60 mph) however it’s also possible to break together with your toes and go approach 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 kind of manageable and it’s also possible to pay one of many guides to hold your board (which I discovered somewhat unwieldy) for you. On high you’ll placed on the sturdy onesie and glasses you’ll get supplied in addition to a canopy in your mouth and nostril you 100% wish to deliver. Make certain to cowl up as a lot of you as doable as a result of the little rocks will go all over the place. We have combed them out of our hair for days.
Most excursions include some form of meals and drinks. Morning excursions may include a volcano-cooked breakfast and night excursions with drinks. Additionally, you’ll get a shirt making you a part of the volcano boarding group you see backpacking round the entire of Central America.
Search for availability and ebook your tour beneath:
4. Party at Sunday Funday in San Juan del Sur
This is by far essentially the most well-known get together in Nicaragua (subsequent to the Tree House Party in Granada) – perhaps even in all of Central America so be certain 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 5 completely 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 prematurely because the areas don’t supply any meals however loads of low-cost drinks.
Currently, the price 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$ in the event you 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 attraction. Ometepe is the most important island of Lake Nicaragua and is fashioned by two volcanoes.
We had been uncertain after we arrived however renting a scooter is by far one of the simplest ways to see the island. Public transport is sparse making it laborious to actually transfer round and taxis and tuk-tuks are surprisingly costly by Nicaraguan requirements. Nothing offers you a similar freedom as exploring a spot with a scooter and Ometepe is without doubt one of the finest locations in Nicaragua to take action. The roads should not in the very best 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 contemporary spring waters, discover waterfalls, hunt for petroglyphs, hire kayaks, see essentially 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 could have the cash, it’s a fast little airplane trip away from the capital Managua. If you could have the time, it’s an extended and exhausting bus and ferry trip away from it.
Once you arrive, it’s a real Caribbean paradise. There are not 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 lots of pretty seaside bungalows for hire and essentially the most stunning seaside on the island is Otto Beach on the north shore.
Otto Beach is the very best spot once you wish 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 it is best to have the ability to ebook in each lodging. You can see way more wildlife together with sharks. If you wish to check out scuba diving otherwise you’re a licensed diver it’s also possible to 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 energetic.
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 finest? 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 charge secures you a shuttle and – you guessed it – a shirt!
The subsequent morning, you’ll be able to calm down in one of many quaint courtyard cafes in Granada.
8. See lava at Masaya Volcano
This is our favorite day journey from Granada, presumably in all of Central America. Why? Because you’ll be able to see an lively volcano with none climbing.
If you ebook a tour, your operator will decide you up within the night to drive you all the way in which to the parking zone subsequent to the rim of the crater. Walk a couple of steps on paved floor and increase – you’ll get rewarded with views of lava within the crater. As the solar units, you’ll have the ability to see ever extra clearly and presumably even see the lava effervescent. The finest effort-to-effect ratio in the event you ask us.
Some tour operators mix a go to to the volcano with a go to to Masaya market which is a buying 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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