8 of the Best Things to do in Nicaragua

Amongst the issues to do in Nicaragua is visiting colonial cities, stress-free on tropical islands, chilling out on seashores, exploring volcanoes and naturally occasion.

Nicaragua is the proper vacation spot for journey lovers and people who get pleasure from spending time open air. When planning your journey

Take a look at the total record of issues to do in Nicaragua here.

8 Issues to do in Nicaragua

When planning your journey to Nicaragua, make sure that to incorporate just a few 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 primary exercise on this record 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’s 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). Due to 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 depart your issues. From right here, a fast hike will carry you to the canyon the place the motion begins.

You’ll have the ability to bounce and swim lots. Swimming is necessary so you need to be a assured swimmer however just one bounce 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 greater relying in your climbing expertise.

In case 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. Discover the gorgeous 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. Based in 1524, it is likely one of the oldest cities within the Americas. Subsequent to its gorgeous avenue artwork and scrumptious avenue meals, the outdated church buildings are its most distinctive characteristic.

Make sure that to stroll round and discover the colorful Iglesia El Calvario, the yellow Church of the Recollection, the San Francisco Church, and lots of extra.

After all, the spotlight is the white Leon Cathedral. Make sure that to climb to the highest to benefit from the view. It’s important to take off your footwear to stroll over the white floor of the roof. This place positively makes for the perfect picture spot in Leon.

In our opinion, the perfect time to go to is round sundown. You’ll be able to 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 in addition the perfect. In distinction to what you would possibly assume, it’s not just for daredevils. Sure, you’ll be able to go down the volcano at 100 km/h (60 mph) however you can even break together with your toes and go method slower.

Associated tour: Hike and Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro

After all, each boarding down a volcano begins with climbing up a volcano. The hike itself is sort of manageable and you can even pay one of many guides to hold your board (which I discovered reasonably unwieldy) for you. On high 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% wish to carry. Make sure that to cowl up as a lot of you as doable as a result of the little rocks will go in all places. We have now 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. Moreover, you’ll get a shirt making you a part of the volcano boarding workforce you see backpacking round the entire of Central America.

Seek for availability and e-book your tour beneath:

4. Get together at Sunday Funday in San Juan del Sur

That is by far probably the most well-known occasion in Nicaragua (subsequent to the Tree Home Get together in Granada) – perhaps even in all of Central America so make sure that to not miss it.

San Juan del Sur is a stunning city on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua filled with surfers in addition to surf and yoga retreats. Each Sunday the scene adjustments as dozens of backpackers flock to the city to affix the legendary pool occasion.

The occasion 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 night time of partying. Eat one thing prematurely because the places don’t provide any meals however loads of low-cost drinks.

Presently, the associated fee is 30$ together with free photographs and shuttles in between the locations in addition to the compulsory shirt you’ll see throughout Central America.

Professional tip: It can save you 15$ if you happen to keep in one of many hostels that take part in Sunday Funday.

5. Lease a scooter on Ometepe Island

Whereas 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 allure. Ometepe is the biggest island of Lake Nicaragua and is fashioned by two volcanoes.

We have been uncertain after we arrived however renting a scooter is by far one of the best ways 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 offers you an identical freedom as exploring a spot with a scooter and Ometepe is likely one of the greatest locations in Nicaragua to take action. The roads usually are not in the perfect situation however there’s not a lot site 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 probably the most magnificent sunsets, bask in chocolate and a lot extra.

6. Go snorkeling on Little Corn Island

In case you solely go to one place on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua let it’s Little Corn Island. When you have the cash, it’s a fast little airplane trip away from the capital Managua. When you have the time, it’s an extended and exhausting bus and ferry trip away from it.

When you arrive, it’s a real Caribbean paradise. There aren’t any automobiles and barely even bicycles. However 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 beautiful seashore bungalows for hire and probably the most stunning seashore on the island is Otto Seashore on the north shore.

Otto Seashore is the perfect spot once you wish to go snorkeling by yourself from the seashore. There’s even a small hut renting snorkel gear. Our recommendation is to go on a guided snorkeling journey you must have the ability to e-book in each lodging. You’ll be able to see way more wildlife together with sharks. If you wish to check out scuba diving otherwise you’re a licensed diver you can even go on some good and comparatively low-cost dives right here.

7. Mix tradition and occasion in Granada

The attractive 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 occasion scene is the place Granada wins towards its rival Leon: Starting 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.

In order for you much more occasion, go on the Booze Cruise. Each Wednesday, you’ll be able to mix exploring the gorgeous Isletas in lake Nicaragua with – properly – a booze cruise. The perfect? 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 price 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

That is our favorite day journey from Granada, presumably in all of Central America. Why? As a result of you’ll be able to see an energetic volcano with none mountaineering.

In case you book a tour, your operator will choose you up within the night to drive you all the best way to the parking zone subsequent to the rim of the crater. Stroll just a few steps on paved floor and growth – you’ll get rewarded with views of lava within the crater. Because the solar units, you’ll have the ability to see ever extra clearly and presumably even see the lava effervescent. The perfect 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 purchasing paradise.