Nicaragua might not first country to spring to mind when you consider places to visit, but it certainly should be near the top of your list, especially if you want to travel to Central America.
Nicaragua is the largest country in this region, and there is so much to see and do. With a good mix of colonial towns, wildness, beaches and local hospitality, Nicaragua is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable countries I visited.
Check out my Nicaragua travel tips perfect if you would like to plan the backpacking trip of a lifetime.
Reasons to Visit Nicaragua
Need some convincing this country is safe, or worth checking out? Here are some reasons why I loved Nicaragua:
•You’ll get to wander around the splendid colonial towns, visiting many Instagramable churches along the way.
• Party with the local students and friendly people (especially if you know Spanish).
• Surf big waves, enjoy deserted sandy beaches which you’ll have all to yourself.
For nature lovers, you can spot howler monkeys in a cloud forest or swim in a lake at the top of a volcano.
• The food is cheap and tasty – stuff yourself with pastries or mangos. Nicaragua really does offer the perfect destination to relax and get your energy back.
Nicaragua Travel Tips
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The climate in tends to depend on the altitude at which you travel. Along the Pacific lowlands, visitors will find temperatures that tend to be quite hot. The countryside can be somewhat refreshing, especially during the rainy season that runs from May to November.
The dry season arrives in December and lasts until April, bringing with it dry winds that blow massive amounts of dust across the plains. Generally, the mountains tend to be far cooler than the plains or lowlands, so you should plan to pack according to the area in which you plan to travel.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Whether you need a visa for your travel will depend largely on your country of citizenship. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with and some do not.
Generally, citizens of the Scandinavian countries and the European Union countries will not need a visa in order to enter. Upon arrival, you will receive a tourist card that is good for 90 days. All other travellers will need a visa; which will allow them to stay for 30 days.
Best Time to Visit
From the weather or touristy point of views, on-the-track Nicaragua can basically be visited year-round.
Getting to Nicaragua
Traveling to Nicaragua is much simpler than one might think. Flights arrive in Managua from a number of cities throughout North America, Europe and various Latin American countries. Travellers can also arrive to this fascinating country via overland border crossings at several locations from Honduras and Costa Rica. For those who are adventurous, there are also river border crossings from these countries.
Getting Around
Once in Nicaragua, there are several modes of transportation you can use for getting from one place to the next.
One of the most reliable forms of transportation for overland travel is the bus system. While the bus routes tend to be quite regular, they also tend to be crowded, so be sure to anticipate this in advance. Keep your belongings secure and within sight at all times.
Depending on where your travel is taking you, it may be necessary to rely on a boat to arrive at your destination, as this is the only viable means of transportation for traveling to some areas in the country. These trips tend to be rather expensive; be sure to include this in your budget if you’re planning to travel to certain areas near the Rio San Juan or San Juan del Norte.
I recommend tours of Nicaragua and Central America, especially if you are travelling solo or don’t know Spanish very well.
Budget
$10 per day or less if eating in basic restaurant.
Safety
When many people think of Nicaragua they think of the uprisings that have been suppressed by the government over the past decades. It is much more than a once war torn country though and is safer than you might think. Managua is where most caution should be given, but in most tourism hotspots like the coastal areas, it is very safe.
Drawbacks?
The need to cross Managua, the dangerous capital. The costs while changing money means that you need to carry some US$ banknotes. The entry and exit taxes. The humidity, temperature, higher cost, lack of transport and insects of the Atlantic Coast.
Cultural Highlights
There aren’t any major cultural sights but the two colonial cities of Leon and Granada boosts a fair number of charming structures and a few museums.
Natural Highlights
The deserted wild beach of Poneloya. The sight of the two Ometepe’s volcanoes rising from the waters of huge lago de Nicaragua. The foggy lake at the top of Volcan Maderas at 1345m. The surf spots near San Juan del Sur. Hiking near the mountain town of Matagalpa. The jungle wildness of the Atlantic Coast.
How Long to Stay For
Two weeks for a relaxed tour of the main attractions. Another few weeks for an adventure around Bluefields.
Top Things to Do in Nicaragua
These are some of my favourite places I visited which I think you should add to your Nicaragua itinerary.
Explore Pretty Granada
While there are many interesting activities to keep you occupied during your travel, perhaps one of the most interesting and relaxing is simply taking in the sights and enjoying the beautiful and resplendent Spanish architecture lining the streets of one of Granada.
Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro
If you’re looking for action sports and adventure, here you can kayak, surf, zipline through the jungle, and even sled down the side of an active volcano. Intrepid travelers love to climb up the 2,388-foot Cerro Negro and then “volcano board” back down (an activity where you sit or stand on a piece of plywood and slide your way down the slopes).
Definitely go with a guided group tour with this one. Bigfoot Hostels is one of many companies available—for $25, you get transportation to the volcano, boards, safety equipment, snacks, and your speed clocked by a radar gun.
Leon
This big town is often overlooked by backpackers on their way to more famous Granada. Travelers who take the time to leave the ugly bus station will be rewarded by a charming colonial town full of churches, atmospheric streets, small gardens and friendly students. And a wild beach is only 30mn away…
Ometepe Island
For a fantastic introduction to Nicaragua, look no further than Ometepe Island. This was announced as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010 and is located in the country’s largest freshwater reservoir – Cocibolca Lake, otherwise known as Lake Nicaragua. Although it is freshwater, the reservoir is home to species such as the Nicaraguan freshwater shark and sawfish.
Another amazing feature of Ometepe Island is the stunning sight of its two volcanoes that meet in the middle. Concepcion is the tallest at 1,610 m and Maderas the smallest at 1,394 m. One activity you will not want to miss out on is climbing to the crater of the dormant Maderas. Be warned; the route is a little tricky and can get very muddy, but once you trek to the top and glance out across the breathtaking views, you will understand why so many tourists make the effort.
In addition, another draw to hike to the crater is the abundance of flora and fauna. As you pass through the forest, you can spot lots of monkeys, as well as pretty flowers and plants. On the southern slopes of Maderas is the San Ramon waterfall, which cascades for 56 m. Again, the uphill walk can be a bit steep and will take you around an hour, but the sight of the beautiful waters will no doubt be your reward.
For something less strenuous, there are lots of easier routes you can follow around Concepcion. These enable you to discover pre-Columbian petroglyphs, which should be on your agenda if you are into your history and culture.
Pacific Coast Beaches
Nicaragua boasts more than 70 different ecosystems and around seven per cent of the planet’s biodiversity, so it is easy to forget that the country is not just about jungles and forests. Its Pacific coast is brilliant for swimming, fishing, sailing, snorkelling and surfing thanks to its beautiful stretches of sand.
After spending a few days on nature treks and climbing volcanoes, scout out one of the country’s beaches and relax for a while, topping up your tan and planning your next backpacking destinations. Indeed, the beaches in this corner of Nicaragua are often described as some of the best in the whole of Central America.
Wildlife Reserves
After chilling out on the beach, you might like to end your time in the nation by having one last glimpse at its fantastic wildlife. A relaxing nature walk is a great way to round off your time in the country, especially if you head to one of its parks.
The Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve should be on your list, and it will pay to have an expert guide with you, as they provide you with interesting facts about its flora and fauna. The Los Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve is also fun to explore, not least because it is packed with different monkeys, caimans and birds.
Bahia Majugual
Nicaragua is an up-and-coming place for tourism, but for me kicking back at this beachside backpacker-style retreat is what the country is all about. The dirt road leading the way still has a rugged feeling, like you are heading to find some undiscovered paradise.
The most incredible beach is only metres from your tent, hammock or front door, and one of the best surfing beaches is only minutes away. You can kick back with a cold beer and watch the world go slowly by, soak up the rays or hit the beach with surfboard in hand.
After a long day the sunset blows you away with its array of colours, as it slowly melts into the horizon, offering endless photo opportunities.
Ecotourism in Matagalpa
Are you looking to head off the tourist trail and discover somewhere new? Consider adding Matagalpa to your Nicaragua itinerary. This hidden gem offer a really authentic experience, and there are lots of outdoor activities available all year round. View my Matagalpa travel tips for more information.
Culture
Geographically Nicaragua is divided into three regions, the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Central Zones. These divisions influence different cultural expressions. The traditional folkloric dances of each region are well-known. Each department of the country has its own dances, myths, and legends. The dances generally convey stories and the dancers’ clothing is very elaborate with details specific to each region.
Nicaraguan Literature
Reading is a great way to learn more about a country and Nicaragua boasts lots of highly rated literary work. One such is the “Masterpiece of Oral Patrimony and Immaterial of Humanity” called “El Güegüense or Macho Ratón,” reflects, in the manner of musical theatrical works, a satire by the indigenous people of the conquering Spaniard.
Among the Nicaraguan novelists most well-known in modern Latin American literature are Sergio Ramírez who wrote “Divine Punishment,” “Margarita, How Beautiful the Sea,” and “Adiós Muchachos, A Remembrance of the Sandanistan Revolution,” and the writer and poet Gioconda Belli who has written “The Woman Inhabited,” “The Country Under My Skin,” and the “The Scroll of Seduction”.
Art
Nicaragua has a history with many ups and downs, and this turbulence has influenced the arts. Artisan products abound in specific zones. In the archipelago of Solentiname in Lake Nicaragua, they have created their own style called “primitivista” in the bosom of the communities founded by the poet and political critic Ernesto Cardenal.
You can find other craftwork in many areas of the country, the city with the most excellent artisan crafts is Masaya (the city of flowers). Artisan pieces of northern Nicaragua have their own styles. The black ceramics of Matagalpa and Jinotega, for instance, are easily recognizable because this style exists in only three Central American countries. In Esteli, you can find clay pottery molded into different forms and figures.
Poetry
One of the great figures in Nicaraguan poetry is Ruben Dario, who brought many innovations to the poetic style. He is called the “Father of Modernism,” a movement of great importance in Latin America in the latter years of the 19th Century. Other great contributions to Nicaraguan poetry were made during the Post-Modern movement, by Leon poets Azarías H. Pallais, Alfonso Cortés, and Salomón de la Selva.
Following the Post-Modern movement, there was a surge in Granada called the “Movement of the Vanguard” led by José Coronel Urtecho, Pablo Antonio Cuadra, Manolo Cuadra, and Joaquín Pasos. Nicaragua has many outstanding poets, like Daisy Zamora, Michele Najlis, Vidaluz Meneses, Julio Valle Castillo, Claribel Alegría, Julio Cabrales, and the renowned poet, writer, and sculptor Ernesto Cardenal.
Music
The music of the Pacific Zone is unmistakable. In the department of Masaya, the marimba accompanies the representative folkloric dances, such as those of “The Güegüense or the Macho Raton,” that on many occassions are accompanied by guitars and maracas.
In the Northern Zone, mostly in Matagalpa, Esteli, and Jinotega, the people dance to the sound of the guitar, mandolins, small guitars, and accordians, instruments that play in the most famous polkas, mazurkas, and jamaquellos.
“Chiceros” are very popular Nicaraguan folklore music groups that play at important events. The instruments that give the music its distinctive sound are the drums, big bass drum, and the symbols. The Atlantic Coast is characterized by its own type of afro-caribbean music, called the “Palo de Mayo,” (May Pole) which has a very intense rhythm and inspires erotic dance.
Several musical pieces that are representative of Nicaragua are the “Mora Limpia,” “Alforja Campesina,” “Son Tus Perjumenes Mujer,” and “El Nandaimeño.” Among the most talented Nicaraguan singers are the brothers Carlos and Luis Enrique Mejia Godoy. Listening to their songs is a great way to learn popular Nicaraguan phrases, customs and traditions, and historic events.
Other outstanding composers and singers are Camilo Zapata, Otto de la Rocha, Norma Helena Gadea, Salvador y Katia Cardenal, Philip Montalván, Erwin Krüger, José de la Cruz Mena, and Jorge Isaac Carvallo.
Dance
Dance is a very important aspect of Nicaraguan culture and reflects in great measure the customs of the Mestizo people.
Many cities have their own typical dances. For example, in Massaya they dance the “Son Nica,” which is played on the guitar and the marimba; in Carazo, they dance the “Toro Guaco” and the “El Güegüense or Macho Ratón”; in Managua, they dance the “Baile de la Vaca,” mainly during the festival of the patron saint Domingo; in the north, they dance the polka, influenced by European immigrants; and on the Caribbean side, they dance the sensual “Palo de Mayo” (May Pole).
Among the most famous dances are the “Baile de Las Negras,” the “Baile de Las Inditas,” “El Viejo y La Vieja,” “El Mate Amargo,” El Torovenado,” and the “El Güegüense or Macho Ratón.”
People
Pablo Antonio Cuadra, who has studied Nicaraguan language and culture, defined with some humor twelve characteristics that typify Nicaraguans, including: expressive, informal, irresponsible, always late, gossipy, exaggerators, mythical, and family-oriented.
The most outstanding characteristic about Nicaraguan people is their kindness, which you will notice almost immediately because they are always helpful without hesitation. On arriving in Nicaragua, you will notice that people here ask a lot of questions, which is one of the best ways to get to know each other better.
Unless you have experienced this kind of direct questioning before, you may perceive it as a lack of respect, unsuitable conduct, or sheer boldness. But you must understand that for a Nicaraguan, it is quite common and is the natural way of making social contact.
Questions like the following will be asked of you many times: What is your name? Where are you from? How old are you? Are you married? How many kids do you have? What are you doing in Nicaragua? How long will you be in Nicaragua?, etc.
If you speak Spanish, you will immediately note that in Nicaragua, locals use “vos” instead of “tu.” “Vos” is used more between people who already know each other, between young people, and between those who have established intimacy. Some people use “usted” to be more formal or to show respect.
Nicaraguan men and women are generally very open during social interaction. However, you will observe a big difference in those people living in rural areas, who are generally more closed, less expressive, and more introverted. There are typical Nicaraguan behaviors and characteristics that can cause culture shock upon your return, especially if you are here for a prolonged period of time. Of course, this depends on the kinds of social interactions that you have.
Throwing garbage in the streets or any other place. You will notice right away that the streets are generally dirty and that it is very common that passers-by and bus passengers throw garbage out their vehicle windows.
Nicaragua’s culture is also very patriarchal, even though there has been a struggle for women’s rights for many years. You will quickly notice the “machismo” conduct of Nicaraguan men towards women in the streets. Rude gestures and abusive verbal and physical contact are acceptable behavior in our culture. Punctuality is also not a Nicaraguan trait.
Nicaraguans call all foreigners or Nicaraguans with light skin or European traits “cheles.” This word does not have a completely negative connotation. An important thing to remember is that for many Nicaraguans every person who seems foreign is from the United States.
To say “chele” is simply a culturally learned habit. It is also common that Nicaraguans call all foreigners “gringos,” even though the term has negative origins. It does not have the same connotation today; it is simply a name that refers to foreigners.
Food
There us a wide variety of Nicaraguan dishes for all tastes. Nicaraguans are popularly called “Sons and Daughters of the Corn” because corn forms the base of most traditional meals. Gallo Pinto is the most common Nicaraguan dish. It is a combination of rice and beans fried together, normally served at breakfast and at dinner.
Because Nicaragua has a tropical climate, there is a huge variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. The vegetables are normally very fresh and can be found in all of the markets and supermarkets in the country.
The famous “fritangas” are characterized by vendors selling fried food and grilled meats. They are very popular in the cities and are very affordable. When eating out the majority of street stalls are clean, but you should always take care when choosing where to eat, as you can get sick, especially when eating meat.
The Atlantic Coast has different foods than the Pacific Coast. The coconut is the fundamental base of most coastal dishes. The principal dishes of the Bluefields are coconut bread, breadfruit, the Rondón, gallo pinto with coconut, the Patí, cakes of quequisque, yucca, bananas, “Jorny Cake,” a special type of cookie eaten with ginger tea, popular during the May Pole festivals.
Some Nicaraguan dishes and drinks that you should sample include:
• Nacatamal – Nicaraguan tamale—meat, cornmeal, potatoes, rice, tomatoes, and onions
• Tamal Dulce – tamale with only corn, nothing else
• Tamal Relleno – tamale colored by wood ash and stuffed with ground beans
• Baho – yucca, green and ripe plaintains, and beef eaten with cabbage salad
• Güirila – thick white corn tortilla filled with crumbled white cheese
• Atol de elote – thick warm corn drink
• Elote asado y cocido – corn on the cob cooked or boiled
• Indio Viejo – small, long strings of breaded meat
• Guiso de Chilote – premature corn cob cooked with cornmeal
• Rosquillas – doughnuts
• Tortillas – corn tortillas
• Chicha fuerte – fermented corn drink
• Chicha tierna – refreshing bright-pink corn drink
• Pinolillo – drink of ground toasted corn and cacao
• Pinol – drink of toasted corn
• Cususa – indigenous alcoholic beverage made from corn
• Quesillo – thick corn tortilla wrapped around soft cheese, pickled onions, and a sauce of sour cream or liquid cheese and vinegar
Plan Your Trip to Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a land full of breathtaking landscapes and surprising cultural icons. If you’re looking for a unique and interesting travel destination in Central America, think no further than Nicaragua.