The Top 3 Places to Visit in Nicaragua
Photo Credit: @errezuniga / Unsplash
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and offers more than a healthy dose of sun, sand, and surf. Even though Nicaragua is a less popular travel destination than its southern neighbor, Costa Rica, Nicaragua offers a fair share of adventure, wildlife, and culture.
In Nicaragua, you’ll find everything from luxury resorts and world-renowned waves to lush wildlife and adrenaline-pumping activities. Here, you can discover stunning landscapes, active volcanoes, majestic cathedrals, and flavorful cuisine.
If you’re considering traveling to Nicaragua this year, we’ve put together a list of the top 3 places to visit in Nicaragua! Keep reading to uncover where to go and what to do in this vibrant Central American country.
Getting to & Traveling Around Nicaragua
You can get to Nicaragua by land, air, or sea. The main international airport, Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA), is in the capital city of Managua. It’s also possible to cross the borders, in the south via Costa Rica, or in the north through El Salvador and Honduras.
While traveling in Nicaragua, it’s recommended that you prearrange private transportation for safety, convenience, and efficiency. Private shuttle services and transportation ensure door-to-door drop-offs, while avoiding unexpected delays or stops. With private transportation, you can focus on sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the ride. For commuting within the cities and larger towns, opt for local taxis, especially at night.
Public transportation is a readily available and affordable option. The iconic chicken buses are cheap but at times crowded. Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore the country at your own pace. But the driving conditions can be dicey, especially in rural areas where the roads may be poorly maintained and/or unpaved. If you decide to rent a car, be sure to research the local driving laws, roadside signage, and requirements for an international driver's license.
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
#1 - León
We’re kicking off our 3 favorite top places to visit in Nicaragua with one of the most popular destinations: León.
Located three hours north of Granada, León is a beautiful melting pot of different cultures. Home to a great university, the city has an intellectual vibe and is full of poets, artists, activists, and creative thinkers. There are also several impact businesses here, as the government forced nonprofits to become for-profit entities for tax purposes.
León is the birthplace of the revolution and the Sandinista Movement (FSLN), which overthrew the Somoza dictatorship in the 1970s. This political movement is at the heart of the country, and its political spirit can be experienced in León through its murals and its museums.
León is raw, gritty, and authentic. It’s not quite as polished as Granada, yet it’s one of the best places to visit in Nicaragua, capturing travelers' hearts. While exploring the city on foot, you can appreciate the colonial architecture and white-washed buildings. Volcanoes and nature surround León, making it an ideal destination for adrenaline-pumping activities. Additionally, the Pacific coastline is just 30 minutes away. Beach day, anyone?!
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
Places To Visit in León
Museo de la Revolución - Dedicated to the history of the Sandinista Revolution
Ruben Dario Museum - Honoring the literary heritage of the country’s national poet
Cerro Negro - This active volcano is the youngest in Central America—go hiking or sandboarding
Telica Volcano - Nicaragua’s most active volcano. Catch sunrise or sunset from the top!
León Cathedral - This is one of Central America’s largest cathedrals and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The roof is a great place to watch the sunset!
Join a cultural walking or food tour
Take a day trip to the beach
Photo Credit: Hotel La Perla Leon
Places To Stay in León
How long should you stay in León? And where should you stay? Generally speaking, 5 nights is a sufficient amount of time in León. There’s plenty to do in and around the city.
During the dry season, it gets hot here, so it’s wise to find an accommodation with a refreshing pool or air conditioning. While León is safe, it’s important to take precautions and not travel outside the city limits at night.
La Posada Del Doctor - 3-star hotel within walking distance to main attractions. Free daily breakfast, WiFi, air conditioning, and more.
Poco a Poco Hostel - Clean rooms, a small pool, and air conditioning. Not a party hostel.
Poco a Poco Junior - Caters to digital nomads. Dorm-style and private rooms with free WiFi, a shared kitchen, daily housekeeping, and full security.
Hostal La Tortuga Booluda - Centrally located, and in a restored colonial house. There’s a pool, air conditioning, a courtyard, and rooms with private bathrooms and work desks. Start your day with the free breakfast and coffee.
Hotel and Coffe Azul - Good location, a swimming pool, air conditioning, and modern updated rooms. There’s free breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and a paid airport shuttle.
Hotel La Perla Leon - This boutique hotel is in a colonial-style, historic mansion. There’s a beautiful pool, a great breakfast, and modern amenities.
Hotel El Convento - Historic charm meets luxury in this boutique hotel that’s in the former Convent de San Francisco. It’s a five-minute walk from the city center. The property has internal courtyards, sprawling gardens, spacious rooms, and a small pool.
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
#2 - Jinotega
The second location on our list of places to visit in Nicaragua is a bit more off-the-beaten path. Centrally located, Jinotega is a beautiful farming region in the mountainous countryside. This area produces about half of Nicaragua’s coffee.
Situated in the Northern Highlands, Jinotega is 130km north of the capital. The higher altitude, about 2,300 ft (700m) above sea level, makes this region warm without being scorching hot. Here, you can enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Birdwatchers can spot warblers, wrens, parrots, toucans, and, if you’re lucky, the resplendent quetzal.
Things To Do in & Around Jinotega
Selva Negra - A private nature reserve and eco-resort with farm-to-table food, horseback riding, coffee tours, and more
Hiking
Birdwatching tour
Cycling & horseback riding
Macizos de Peñas Blancas - Part of the extensive Bosawas Biosphere Reserve, a nature reserve and Cloud Forest northeast of Jinotega.
Museum of Coffee - Located in Matagalpa
El Chile Indigenous Community Tour - Hiking to a viewpoint, partaking in a weaving workshop, learning about the history of the community, and enjoying a traditional lunch
Black pottery workshop at Las Cureñas
Municipal Museum of Jinotega
Photo Credit: Montebrisa Boutique B&B
Places To Stay in Jinotega
Vera Eco-Resort - A top-rated accommodation with full daily breakfast included. There’s an on-site restaurant, free WiFi, and a spa.
Montebrisa Boutique B&B - Start your morning with a hearty breakfast. Enjoy free WiFi, air conditioning, and the garden area. A 24-hour airport shuttle is available.
Finca Eco Turística Aguas del Arenal - Serene farm stay surrounded by lush nature. The private rooms have a terrace, bathroom, and free toiletries. American-style breakfast served daily.
Selva Negra - Eco-resort in a private nature reserve with farm-to-table food, tours, and meeting and event spaces.
Hotel Cafe - Guest favorite with air conditioning, a tour desk, exceptional breakfast, a friendly staff, and incredible views.
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
#3 - Granada
Last but not least, the third spot on our list of the best places to visit in Nicaragua is the vibrant and colorful city of Granada. It’s one of the oldest cities in America, celebrating its 500th anniversary in 2024.
This unique destination captivates travelers with its authentic charm and vibrant markets. It’s smaller than Antigua, Guatemala, but Granada is also a colonial city with well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. There are several cathedrals from different ages, and you can ascend their towers for impressive 360-degree views of the area.
Located on Lake Nicaragua, Granada is home to abundant wildlife and nature. Head to the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge for sightings of alligators, turtles, and iguanas. The Jicaro Island Lodge is a sustainable luxury hotel, offering a private getaway.
Things To Do in Granada
La Merced Church
San Francisco Convent and Museum
Night tour of the Masaya volcano - watch glowing lava inside the crater
Boat tour of the Islets of Granada
Walk around the waterfront of Lake Cocibolca
Granada City tour
Dine at NM, one of the World’s Best 50 Restaurants. The innovative kitchen has farm-fresh dishes and is redefining modern Nicaraguan cuisine
Take a chocolate-making class
Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the beautiful and sustainably-minded Garden Cafe
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Places To Stay in Granada
Lakeview Granada Hotel Boutique - Close to Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho, this boutique hotel has an outdoor pool, modern amenities, and free WiFi. Begin your day with a cooked-to-order breakfast.
Hotel Plaza Colon - Take a dip in the top-rated outdoor pool. Centrally located, close to the Granada Cathedral. There’s a bar, a lounge, a coffee shop, and a 24-hour front desk.
Estrada Hotel & Bistro - Noted for its exceptional staff and service. It’s within walking distance of local attractions. Relax at the on-site bar and restaurant. Enjoy the free WiFi throughout the property.
Hotel Dario - A luxurious, rare find conveniently located. There’s free WiFi, a 24-hour airport shuttle, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool.
Mombacho Lodge - Sleep in nature, surrounded by jungle. Walking distance to the Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho. Rustic accommodations, vegetarian cuisine, free WiFi, and horseback riding trails.
Hotel La Pergola Granda - This guest favorite boasts comfortable accommodations, a year-round swimming pool, a lush garden, a bar area, and a free airport shuttle.
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
Bonus Places To Visit in Nicaragua
The Pacific coast of Nicaragua, also known as the Emerald Coast, is a surfing mecca, with a wide range of breaks along the 300 km of coastline. There’s everything from surf camps and gentle breaks for beginners to big wave opportunities for experienced surfers. One of the most popular spots is the beach town of San Juan del Sur, which is a coastal gem with parties, pools, bars, and beaches.
There are places to visit in Nicaragua, where you can hike a volcano in the morning and catch some waves at sunset.
Here are a few more highlights when it comes to places to visit in Nicaragua:
Witness flowing lava at the Masaya Volcano National Park
Head to the birdwatcher's paradise of Ometepe Island
Hike through the cloud forest at Miraflores National Park
Tips For Traveling to Nicaragua
Peak tourism is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. However, traveling during the wet season, from May to October, means fewer crowds and cheaper rates.
Check the latest news for current events, government advisories, and up-to-date information about weather, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
The currency in Nicaragua is the Cordoba (NIO). Exchange rates vary, but one US dollar is about 36 NIO. US dollars are often accepted in main tourist areas, but it’s wise to have local cash on hand. Make sure to inform your bank of plans before traveling, and check exchange rates and fees when conducting transactions.
It’s smart to brush up on your Spanish! You can also always opt for professional tours with local and bilingual guides.
Don’t drink the tap water, or order drinks with ice. Go for bottled and filtered water to be safe. Be a sustainable traveler and refill your reusable waterbottle!
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
Thanks for Reading Our Guide to the Best Places To Visit in Nicaragua
We hope this guide to the best places to visit in Nicaragua has been helpful and inspiring! The beauty of Nicaragua awaits! As always, if you have any questions or need help planning an upcoming trip to Nicaragua or elsewhere in Central America, get in touch.
Naturally Smart Travel is a woman-owned, Guatemalan-based eco-tour company that’s focused on sustainable travel and supporting the local community.
We hope to see you here sometime soon!
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The time zone in Nicaragua is Central Standard Time (CST) year-round.
There is no Daylight Saving Time in Nicaragua.
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The rainy season is from May to October, bringing frequent afternoon showers. This means slippery, muddy trails and more mosquitoes. However, traveling during the rainy season also translates to lush greenery, fewer crowds, and lower prices!
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Yes, most international phones will work in Nicaragua; however, roaming charges can be high.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card before traveling or at the airport, but make sure your phone is unlocked to use international SIM cards.
You can also connect to local WiFi networks available in many hotels and restaurants.
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Having travel insurance is always a wise idea when traveling abroad! It will cover you in case of unexpected situations and give you peace of mind along your journey.
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The cost of living in Nicaragua is fairly cheap, especially when compared to Europe and North America.
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