Nicaragua travel guide
Nicaragua is on fire right now. For many years it was considered a poor man’s Costa Rica, but it is now firing on all cylinders in terms of tourism, as investment in infrastructure, from hotels to homestays, islands to national parks, make their own unique mark on the Central American map of adventure travel. A fiery country by nature, given its 19 active volcanoes from Masaya to Mombacho, guided hikes of these sizzling peaks by day and night are highlights of any Nicaraguan vacation. And although Nicaragua has a fiery history, these days it’s more about revelations than revolutions.
To sum up Nicaragua, think luscious, lava and littoral and you got it. And loving too – because Nicaraguans have warm, open hearts, homes and boy do they love to party.
Lake Nicaragua has over 300 islands. You can surf off the Pacific coast. It has paradise Pacific Islands called the Corn Islands. And the food? Nicaraguans bring out the banquets for any occasion. And the music, and the rum, Flor de Caña – the best way to toast and taste real Nicaraguan fieriness. Read on in our Nicaragua travel guide.
Our Nicaragua Vacations
Highlights of Nicaragua vacation
Explore Central America's cloud forests, volcanoes and crater lagoons
From
US $2275
12 days
ex flights
Nicaragua vacation, Cobbled Streets to Coral Reefs
Colonial cities, Volcanoes, Homestays and Caribbean Islands
From
£1525
10 days
ex flights
Costa Rica and Nicaragua self drive vacation
Self drive vacation through the best of Nicaragua and Costa Rica
From
£3130
16 days
ex flights
Central America cycling vacation
Colonial cities, cloud forests and tropical island paradise
From
US $3825 to US $4025
15 days
ex flights
Family vacation in Nicaragua
A great adventure experience with your family in Nicaragua.
From
US $1975
12 days
ex flights
Nicaragua adventure vacation
Discover remote destinations on this exciting adventure
From
£2774
18 days
ex flights
Nicaragua highlights, small group tour
Explore the largest Central American country of Nicaragua
From
£2499
13 days
ex flights
Nicaragua adventure vacation, river canoeing expedition
Stunning tailormade kayaking adventure on Rio San Juan
From
US $3295
12 days
ex flights
Central America tour, Managua to Panama City
Central America tour through Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama
From
US $4295
14 days
ex flights
Nicaragua vacations, tailor made tour
An insight into Nicaragua's fascinating and tumultuous history
From
£3650
13 days
inc UK flights
Central America highlights vacation, culture & nature
Discover the cultural and natural highlights of Central America
From
£3698 to £4155
19 days
ex flights
Nicaragua multisport vacation
An active trip through Nicaragua's beautiful highlights!
From
US $1765 to US $1895
8 days
ex flights
Nicaragua bespoke vacation, fire, water and revolution
Discover the culture and landscape of beautiful Nicaragua
From
£2042
10 days
ex flights
Anchorage to Tierra Del Fuego tour by overland truck
Epic overland trip from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego
From
US $11910 to US $12190
210 days
ex flights
Central America small group tour
Epic Central American journey from Mexico to Costa Rica.
From
US $2492 to US $3350
32 days
ex flights
Central America highlights tour
Experience five Central American countries in just two weeks
From
US $3230 to US $3400
17 days
ex flights
Central America tour
Reggae rhythms, flavoursome food and spectacular landscapes
From
US $2069 to US $2199
24 days
ex flights
Central America tours
Travel through 6 Central American countries
From
£2525 to £2798
22 days
ex flights
Nicaragua is/isn't...
Nicaragua is...
a relative tourism newbie. But it has made a big, colourful entrance.
Nicaragua is/isn't...
a cheap Costa Rica or a budget Belize. It oozes its own special eco cool.
Our top Nicaragua Vacation
Highlights of Nicaragua vacation
Explore Central America's cloud forests, volcanoes and crater lagoons
From
US $2275
12 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 11 Nov
2018: 11 Nov
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Nicaragua or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Nicaragua map & highlights
Nicaragua is natural. Still untouched by tourism, the donkeys and carts in Granada aren’t just for us, they’re for real life. The food, such as in La Plazita de Monimbó market in Masaya, is homegrown and homemade, and banquets are spread out with any excuse for a party. Their love of kids comes naturally too and so, if you are traveling with children, it feels as if you have a constant support system of strangers. Their natural heritage is only now becoming known to the world too, from the eco-eclectic islands of Lake Nicaragua, to the cloud forests of Mombacho. Nicaragua doesn’t need branding. It needs to not go changing.
1. Apoyo Lagoon
2. Granada
3. Lake Nicaragua & islands
4. Leon
5. Los Pueblos Blancos
6. Masaya National Park
2. Granada
3. Lake Nicaragua & islands
4. Leon
5. Los Pueblos Blancos
6. Masaya National Park
Apoyo Lagoon
1. Apoyo Lagoon
A crystalline caldera lake with tropical environs. A tropical dry ecosystem packed with flora including black rosewood, mahogany and orchids. Sounds of howler monkeys and hummingbirds fill the air, just a few of the species spotted on guided naturalist hikes. Don’t miss out on a paddle off the black sand beaches, be it swimming or kayaking. Do wear eco-friendly sun cream in these rightly protected waters.
Granada
2. Granada
Like its Spanish namesake, this is an elegant city, Nicaragua’s oldest colonial one, where shabby chic adds to its charm. The sound of donkeys and carts traipsing over cobblestones is everywhere. The smell of mangoes is too. And the aesthetics are ever teasing to the eye, with multicoloured buildings such as its fine yellow cathedral, blue skies touched by the cloud forested Volcán Mombacho in the distance.
Lake Nicaragua & islands
3. Lake Nicaragua & islands
Aka Cocibolca, this is the largest freshwater lake in Central America. It also has over 300 islands, created by volcanic activity. From tiny ones such as the Solentiname to the vast Ometepe (276km2) meaning "between two hills” as it was formed by two volcanoes. Five hours from shore, it’s another world of wonders, with howler monkeys in the rainforest and freshwater sharks basking around its shores.
Leon
4. Leon
León is a charming fellow. With colonial architectural prowess; the fiery personality of its overseer, Cerro Negro volcano; artistic, with two of the country’s finest galleries; and adventurous. Be it sandboarding down the volcano, cycling around the city, or swimming in the Pacific, just 30 minutes away. He has spiritual moments too, with churches everywhere, including Central America’s largest cathedral.
Los Pueblos Blancos
5. Los Pueblos Blancos
These ‘white villages’, characterised by white limestone homes, are scattered in the hills surrounding Masaya. Villagers are known for their artisan skills, so take your time walking through them to admire and buy the work of ceramicists, potters and wood carvers. One village, Niquinohomo, is famous for being the birthplace of revolutionary leader, national hero and icon of freedom Augusto Cesar Sandino.
Masaya National Park
6. Masaya National Park
The jewel in the park’s crown is the glittering, gurgling Masaya Volcano, with smaller Volcán Nindiri like a backup generator. The most recent explosion was 2001, but on a normal day you can view the caldera Cruz de Bobadilla viewing platform. If you want to experience active Masaya, head to the eponymous nearby town for the lively El Mercado Viejo market and indigenous food area at La Plazita de Monimbó.
More about Nicaragua
The best time to visit Nicaragua is during the dry months of November to April - which also provide a welcome escape from the northern winter. But there's nothing to stop you exploring in the quieter, rainier months - the Pacific is a little drier than the Caribbean. The landscapes and nature here are astounding, but don't overlook Nica culture - with many indigenous and Creole communities ready to share their food, folklore and fabulous music.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: LMspencer] [Is/isnt: La Bastilla Ecolodge]
[Map intro: Délirante bestiole [la poésie des goupils]]
[León: Javier Losa]
[Masaya National Park: By: Ken Mayer]
[Granada: nickelstar]
[Lake Nicaragua & islands: David Amsler]
[Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve: Phayne]
[Los Pueblos Blancos: Jorge Mejía peralta]
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