I recently got back from a girls’ trip to Nicaragua and have never felt more refreshed.
Travel is my passion. I try to get abroad at least once a year and am actively working towards my goal of number of countries visited = current age. (I’m only 2 shy!)
If you’re looking for an affordable place to visit that isn’t too far away from the states, I highly recommend looking into “the land of lakes and volcanoes.” Nicaragua is north of Costa Rica and just as full of natural beauty, but truly, it’s in a league of its own. The secret is out, and it’s becoming more and more popular, so get ahead while you still can!
Volcan Concepcion Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua
Here are 10 reasons to visit Nicaragua ASAP.
1. It’s affordable. I generally try to seek out countries that are less expensive than the US when I travel so I can maximize my time there. Maybe one day I’ll choose to spend 6 nights in Bora Bora instead of 16 in Nicaragua, but for now, I’ll take the extended trip with a bit more adventure. I bought a round trip ticket from LAX to Managua for $500. That’s cheaper than a trip to the east coast! The currency is the córdoba and the exchange rate is favorable at approx $1US = 30C. You can easily pay for things like tours and tips in American dollars. Nice hotels cost ~$100/night & there is always the hostel option around for $20 if you’re traveling solo.
It’s $1 to climb to the top of this tower in Granada, but the views are priceless.
Play time is always free.
2. It’s easily accessible. All you need is a flight, passport and a few vacation days. My flight home was direct & only took 5.5 hours. You can definitely see the highlights of Nicaragua in 1 week if that’s all the time you have. My trip lasted 2+ weeks and I was nearly in tears when it was time to leave. I went over Thanksgiving which is the end of rainy season and just before the pricier high season. My friends and I spent time in Granada, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur, and Little Corn Island. Leon and the north are also worth looking into, and I plan to visit those areas on my next trip. We had to prioritize.
Horse drawn carriage rides are a fun and easy way to tour Granada.
The most difficult place to get to was Little Corn Island, but it was my FAVORITE.
3. It isn’t TOO touristy…yet. People like to refer it to as “how Costa Rica was 10 years ago.” I went to Costa Rica 14 years ago, so I guess I’m a trendsetter. (Actually, that was my dad’s doing. I get my jetsetter vibes from him.) There were definitely more tourists there than I originally thought when I heard this, so there’s still the option of doing “touristy” things or going off the beaten path. The locals are quite respectful of tourists as well, and if you tell them you don’t want to buy something, they walk away with a smile and never hassle you. That was a serious breath of fresh air! Have you ever tried to say no to a vendor in India?
My tour guide and I were the only two on this “trail” at Volcan Concepcion.
4. You will experience good vibes. The people. The culture. That Nica lifestyle. All full of good vibes. Nicaraguans are some of the most relaxed and happy people I’ve ever met. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably start to wonder why you live the way you do, especially if you’re in a stereotypical corporate job, commute during rush hour, and spend $200 on jeans (ah hem.) I actually started to develop a list of reasons why I should stay in Nicaragua while I was there. It’s that good. (I decided not to stay so I can continue to support my traveling habit with my corporate job and see other countries before I settle down somewhere. It’s too hard to pick just one place!)
Yoga and meditation at Yemaya on Little Corn Island
Omega hanging on our porch at Xalli hotel (Ometepe)
5. You can get caught up in nature. Nicaragua is quite picturesque. Las Isletas in Granada. The volcanoes and hiking on Ometepe. The beaches, surfing, and neighboring beach towns of San Juan del Sur. The white sand and blue Caribbean sea at Little Corn Island. The cool air and coffee plantations in the north. The views of Costa Rica to the south. All of it BEAUTIFUL. Oh, and if you like monkeys, you will see a lot of those too!
San Ramon waterfall on Ometepe
Peering over the rim of an active volcano is indescribable.
6. You’ll never run out of things to do. I did A LOT while also leaving ample time for relaxation. Some things worth looking into: climbing volcanoes with varying degrees of difficulty, hiking to waterfalls and natural springs, coffee plantations with petroglyphs, horseback riding (check out Rancho Chilamate!), surfing, hammock snoozing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, yoga, meditation, dancing, listening to live music at bars & cafes, eating local dishes & drinking coffee, watching sunrises and sunsets…or whatever your heart desires. The chances are, Nicaragua has what you are looking for in a vacation, particularly if you have a sense of wanderlust and adventure.
Ojo de Agua is a natural spring in Ometepe
Mombacho volcano just outside Granada
7. You’ll learn the meaning of “diakachimba.” This one is hard to explain, but it’s kind of like the Nicaraguans’ equivalent of “pura vida” in Costa Rica – only this one is way more slang & something you would never say to your parents (or so I’ve been told.) I bought a tank top from a local surf shop with the saying on it as a reminder to live in the moment. It basically means “f* yeah!” and both the locals and tourists embody this lively spirit.
Surfing at Playa Hermosa in San Juan del Sur
Welcome to the jungle
8. It’s safe. I traveled with 2 of my girlfriends and it was a breeze. We felt very comfortable walking alone and got around from city to city by hiring drivers through the hotel. Transportation costs can get high this way at around $50-$100 for a 1-3 hour trip, but you can also take public transportation (ex. 20 cents for the chicken bus) if you aren’t in a hurry or going too far. The only caveat is Managua because it’s like any big city with bad areas. It’s the only place we didn’t walk around on our own since it doesn’t have conventional street signs (image taking a right at the cafe, crossing a bridge, and then hanging a left at the yellow sign, etc.) and we only stayed there overnight in between flights. Everywhere else was very female traveler friendly and easy to navigate!
My travel buddies! That’s Ometepe Island behind us.
Granada
9. You will sample delicious local cuisine. I ate plantains every single day in one form or another and tostones were my favorite dish. Picture fried plantains topped with fried cheese! What’s not to like? The national dish is gallo pinto (a mixture of rice & beans) so I had a lot of that as well, usually for breakfast or dinner. It was pretty easy to eat vegetarian, and there was no shortage of fresh, juicy fruit and coconut drinks.
YUM
Yemaya’s juice & smoothie menu. This upscale resort also hosts yoga retreats.
10. You will make incredible memories. You will undoubtedly encounter new people and experiences that will leave a lasting impression. I was so grateful for each day spent in Nicaragua & I would go back in a heartbeat. It’s impossible to describe the feeling, but definitely worth experiencing for yourself. I promise you won’t regret it.
Have you been to Nicaragua? Is it on your list?
I agree! I went to San Juan del Sur and loved it. Warm people, easy vibe and its more off grid thab CR. People are afraid to go–their loss our gain! Great shots!
Do you surf? Isn’t it amazing? You’re right. I’ve probably said too much already. Let’s keep it a secret! 🙂
Sounds amazing! It’s on my list now ! Can’t wait to add some new countries to our lists together in the future!
Glad I could convince you! I’m sure you’ll also do one of the crazy volcano hikes like I did. 😉 I can’t wait to travel abroad again together!
SOUNDS AMAZING. I want to try a yoga (with drinking) retreat there sometime in the next couple of years!
I would highly support that decision! 😉 Def consider Yemaya Resort.
Im from Nica but live in Miami. Thanks for this wonderful article. I just came back after a week and cant wait to go back. Namaste
Hiiii… I am from Nicaragua…. So glad to hear about your great time here!!!! Nice words!!!! Get back soon!!!!
Thank you, Cindy! I hope to visit Nicaragua again soon! I was very sad to leave.
What a great vacation eh? I live in Canada and I love this country but I am looking forward to move to Nicaragua. There are so many luxuries you can have there. I couldn’t ever have that here unless I would be a millionaire. Things like, having a house keeper that does everything for me at home, going to the ocean every weekend if I wanted. (45 minutes away from Managua, the Capital) Going to any place with water! lake, river, lagoon, you name it! They are all over the place. Tasty food, you can even grow your own food all year around. Have a beautiful garden all year around. Oh man, I can go on and on!
Yesss! Nicaragua has so much to offer. I am seriously considering living there one day. I know a lot of people are starting to retire there, but I don’t know if I want to wait that long!
Thank you for this! My husband and I are headed to Nicaragua next week. I am a fairly well seasoned traveler, but I always have a bit of nerves before going some where new.
You’re very welcome! I hope that you find it easy to get around & that you fall in love with the country just as I did. Enjoy every moment!
Beautiful article! I’m from Nicaragua but currently live in Florida. I’m bringing four of my American friends with me this coming up Spring Break. I can’t wait to show them my beautiful country!
Oh that sounds like such a fun trip! Enjoy showing them all that your country has to offer!
but you didn’t try our coffee?
Well then I must go back bc I love coffee! 🙂
Hi there! I am From Nicaragua! I really like the entre article about our lovely Nicaragua, but I hace to say I love your “hace you ever try to say no to a vendor un India”. I’m glad you had a blast, feel free to come back at earliest conveniente 🙂
Next time you need to be in the Indian Sanctuary in the national park of Zapatera Island. Is the hidden treasures. I invite you to visit our website : http://www.hotelzapatera.com and see in fb the picture.
Thank you for the recommendation! Very helpful!
Asia, next time you must stop for a night or two at Villa Chocolate at Gran Paciifca. A beatiful Villa next to the Ocean. Look for it at http://www.airbnb.com
Nice review about my nice country, my name is Engel, I promote turism in Nicaragua, Ocarina del Sol is the name of my agency in Facebook, check it out, anythinng I can help you, I´ll be glad !
Thank you, Engel! I will check it out.
We were there 2 years ago and going back next week. Ometepe and San Juan Del Sur last time. Going north this time. Have you ever heard of the Survival Run on Ometepe….I am much too old and fat for this but you might like it http://fuegoyagua.org/survival-run-nicaragua/
I would love to hear about the north! It’s on my list for next time. Enjoy! My guide on Volcan Concepcion told me about that survival run and it looks INTENSE…Maybe one day? 🙂
Absolutely love your photos. I so want to visit Central America, so will be watching for good flights. 🙂
Thank you! I hope you make it down here soon!
Stunning photos and great tips! One of my friends visited Nicaragua last year and he spoke so highly about it! I haven’t been to South or Central America yet – definitely on my list!
Nicaragua is magical and highly affordable! I hope you can make it down here soon!
I’ve never been to Nicaragua but I just added it to my bucket list! I can tell I’d love this place after reading your article! I’ll probably go to Costa Rica first and then Nicaragua 🙂
Costa Rica is lovely as well! I think combining both countries into one trip is a good idea if you have enough time.
I’ve never really thought about visiting Nicaragua but you’ve definitely persuaded me 🙂 Loved your photos too! X
Thank you, Lucy! I’m so glad I’ve persuaded you. 🙂
Your photos are so pretty! It looks like you had an amazing girls’ trip. I visited boctagua for one week in 2014 and loved it so much I went back and backpacked all of Central America. I agree with all the points you mentioned – Nicaragua is definitely a must see.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you agree!
Nicaragua has been on my list since 2010 and I STILL haven’t gone! The only thing that is really stopping me is the fact that I want to spend at least a few months there (which I currently can’t) and that it’s far away from my corner of the world. Exploring and perhaps even living in Nicaragua is on my life’s bucket list though and it WILL happen haha. I can never explain to people why I’m obsessed with Nicaragua (especially as I haven’t been there yet haha), but this post explains it very well 🙂
Haha thank you, Ella! I’m so glad you can relate…even though you’ve never been! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it when you visit (or live there!) one day! I’m actually headed back to Nica this week!! 🙂
being a cigar lover and since so many of my favorites come from Nicaragua, this place is at the top of my list to travel to!
Awesome! I know you will enjoy it! I went to a cigar factory in Esteli, even though I don’t smoke them.