Things To Do
in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a Central American country of dramatic contrasts—volcanoes, lakes, Caribbean coastlines and colonial cities—where indigenous, Afro-Caribbean and Spanish influences meet. It’s affordable and adventurous, popular with backpackers and eco-travelers seeking surf, volcano boarding and wildlife. The country’s colonial towns such as Granada and León offer colorful architecture, lively markets and easy day trips to nature reserves.
Visitors should expect warm hospitality, simple infrastructure outside major towns and a strong regional diversity between the Pacific, central highlands and Caribbean coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. After checking in to your hotel, take some time to rest and refresh. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Nicaraguan dishes like Gallo Pinto.
Explore Managua’s cultural landmarks, starting with the National Palace and the iconic Old Cathedral. Visit the Rubén Darío National Theatre and learn about the famous poet who is celebrated throughout the city. Relax at the peaceful shores of Lake Xolotlan and take in the stunning views.
Indulge in your first taste of Nicaraguan nightlife with dinner at a local restaurant. Try local specialties like Vigorón and Nacatamales while enjoying live music and vibrant atmosphere. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade.
Travel to Granada, one of Nicaragua's most beautiful colonial cities. Spend your morning exploring the colorful streets, visiting the iconic Cathedral of Granada and the Central Park. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour of the nearby Isletas, a collection of small islands in Lake Nicaragua.
Enjoy lunch at a lakeside café and sample fresh fish dishes while soaking in the sun. Afterward, visit the historic San Francisco Convent and its interesting museum featuring pre-Columbian artifacts. Stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved colonial architecture.
As the sun sets, venture to one of the rooftop bars for panoramic views of the city. Sip on a traditional Pinolillo drink and enjoy the cool evening breeze. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with local street performances and artisans showcasing their crafts.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Short local bus ride | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Dramatic landscapes: volcanoes, lakes, forests and beaches
- Affordable travel costs and good value for budget travelers
- Strong cultural variety—colonial cities and Afro-Caribbean coast
- Excellent outdoor and adventure activities (surfing, hiking, volcano boarding)
- Infrastructure can be basic outside major towns (roads, medical facilities)
- Limited public transport reliability in rural areas
- Seasonal rains can disrupt travel to remote regions
- Safety concerns about petty crime in some urban areas
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - One beer, please
- "Estoy perdido / perdida" - I'm lost
Places to Visit in Nicaragua
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful facades, balconies and cobblestone streets; cathedral views and lively markets make for timeless street photography.
Small volcanic islets on Lake Nicaragua with birdlife, quiet cottages and reflective water—excellent for golden-hour shots.
Cloud-forest trails, lookout points and unique plant life provide moody landscapes and macro opportunities.
Volcanic slopes and black ash landscapes—dramatic scenes and volcano-boarding action shots near León.
Twin volcano silhouettes (Concepción and Maderas) rising from Lake Nicaragua—epic landscapes and rural life photography.
Beaches, surf action and colorful sunsets—great for seascapes and lifestyle images.
Panoramic views across León to volcanoes and surrounding plains; ideal for sunrise or sunset.
Food in Nicaragua
Nicaragua Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice and beans cooked together, often served at breakfast with eggs, cheese and tortillas; ubiquitous and available at small eateries and homes.
Must-Try!
A large, savory corn tamale stuffed with pork, rice, potatoes and spices wrapped in plantain leaves; typically found at markets and for weekend breakfasts.
A street and market snack of yuca topped with chicharrón (fried pork) and cabbage salad, especially popular in Granada and nearby towns.
Thin corn tortilla filled with soft local cheese, sour cream and pickled onions—sold from carts and roadside stands, especially in León.
Grilled fish, ceviche and seafood stews readily available on the Pacific coast and in beach towns like San Juan del Sur.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A colorful indoor market with fresh produce, cooked foods, sweets and stalls selling quesillos and nacatamales; great for photography and tasting local flavors.
Large market selling everything from street food to crafts; try local snacks and observe daily Nicaraguan life.
Food carts around Parque Central offer quick bites—quesillos, vigorón and other typical snacks popular with students and locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and friendly eye contact are common among men; women often greet with a light handshake or a cheek kiss in social settings. Use formal 'usted' until told otherwise.
Show respect in religious settings (modest dress and quiet behavior) and be polite toward elders; conservative values are common outside tourist zones.
Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in indigenous or Afro-Caribbean communities and at markets.
Haggling is normal at markets and for souvenirs; be friendly and polite, and expect to offer about 60–80% of the initial asking price depending on the stall.
Safety
Tipping in Nicaragua
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—round up for taxis, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included and tip hotel porters and guides a few dollars for good service.
The Córdoba is the official currency, but US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas. Cash is king in markets and small towns; ATMs and card acceptance exist in cities, while many remote locations are cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days, lower humidity and cooler nights in the highlands—best for beach trips, hiking and exploring colonial towns; high tourist season means some prices and crowds increase.
Daily afternoon and evening showers, lush green landscapes and dramatic skies; some rural roads can become muddy or impassable, but inland waterfalls and rainforest life are at their peak.
Transitional periods can bring warm weather and sporadic storms; good deals on accommodation and fewer tourists, but weather may be unpredictable.
Nicaragua at Night
Hiking in Nicaragua
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Cloud-forest trails, hanging bridges and viewpoints over Lake Nicaragua—good for moderate hikes and endemic flora.
Short but steep volcanic hike culminating in a unique black-lava landscape—popular for volcano boarding descent.
A challenging hike through humid forest to a summit crater with great views over Lake Nicaragua—often combined with multi-day treks on Ometepe.
One of Central America’s largest rainforest reserves with remote, multi-day trekking and exceptional biodiversity—best visited with experienced guides.
Short accessible trails and viewpoints at an active crater—popular for sunset visits and dramatic lava-smoke vistas (activity and access can vary).
Airports
How to reach Nicaragua by plane.
Main international gateway near Managua with connections to North America, Central America and occasional regional flights; shuttle, taxi or private transfers connect to cities like Granada and León.
Regional airport on the Caribbean coast with limited domestic flights—useful for reaching the Atlantic-side communities and shorter travel times compared with overland routes.
Services the Corn Islands (Big and Little Corn) and supports domestic flights from Managua—key for accessing Caribbean beaches and dive sites.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population of mixed indigenous and European ancestry, found throughout urban and rural areas.
Groups such as the Miskito, Sumo (Mayangna) and Rama live primarily on the Atlantic coast and in remote areas, each with distinct languages and cultures.
Creole and Garifuna-descended communities on the Caribbean coast maintain English-based Creole language, cuisine and cultural practices.
Growing communities of foreign long-term residents and digital nomads concentrated in colonial cities and beach towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Historically one of the country’s most popular sports, with local leagues and enthusiastic regional followings.
Widely played and followed at both amateur and professional levels across the country.
A major draw on the Pacific coast with active surf communities and schools in San Juan del Sur, Popoyo and other breaks.
Boxing and martial arts have local popularity and produce regional competitors.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside major towns—stick to dishes based on rice, beans, plantains and vegetables; ask for приготовить sin carne or sin pollo. Markets and larger restaurants in Granada, León and Managua offer better choices.
Vegan and strict gluten-free options are improving in tourist centers but remain scarce rural areas—communicate needs clearly in Spanish and consider self-catering or staying near towns with specialty cafes.
Eat freshly cooked food, peel fruit if unsure, drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice from uncertain sources to reduce stomach upset.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nicaragua.