Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, with volcanoes, colonial cities, two big lakes and long Pacific beaches. It is inexpensive and far less crowded than Costa Rica next door.

Why it is on my list

Sandboarding down an active volcano and empty surf towns. Cerro Negro near Leon and the Pacific breaks of Popoyo and San Juan del Sur are the draw.

Best time to go

• November to April: dry season and best for most travel.

• May to October: green season with afternoon rain and fewer people.

• Surf: swell is best from about April to October.

• Semana Santa: crowded and hot.

Where to stay

• Granada: colonial streets and a lake. La Gran Francia is a landmark hotel.

• Leon: an intellectual, artistic city near the volcanoes.

• San Juan del Sur: surf and social beach town.

• Ometepe: volcano island in Lake Nicaragua.

• Popoyo: quiet surf camps.

Getting there and around

• Airport: Managua (MGA).

• From the US: direct or one stop via Miami, Houston, Atlanta and other hubs.

• Internal: shuttles link major towns. Chicken buses are cheap, and taxis are plentiful.

• Ferry: boats cross to Ometepe.

• Permits: none needed for most sights.

What to eat

• Gallo pinto: rice and beans.

• Nacatamal: a corn dough tamale, a weekend breakfast.

• Vigoron: cabbage salad with yuca and pork rinds.

• Fritanga: grilled street food plates.

• Quesillo: a tortilla with cheese and cream.

What to drink

• Flor de Cana: the famous rum.

• Toña and Victoria: common lagers.

• Coffee: from the northern highlands near Matagalpa and Jinotega.

• Pinolillo: a corn and cacao drink.

Don't miss

• Cerro Negro: a volcano boarding hike near Leon.

• Masaya Volcano: a crater rim at night.

• Granada: the cathedral, the lakeshore and Calle La Calzada.

• Ometepe: twin volcanoes and hikes.

• Laguna de Apoyo: a clear crater lake for swimming.

• Corn Islands: a Caribbean escape.

Day trips and side trips

• Somoto Canyon: a river canyon near the Honduran border.

• Selva Negra: coffee farm and cloud forest.

• Mombacho Volcano: cloud forest and zip lines.

• Pueblos Blancos: artisan villages near Masaya, known for pottery and crafts.

Festivals and events

• Granada International Poetry Festival: usually in February.

• La Purisima: December 7 and 8, with altars and singing.

• Santo Domingo festival: in Managua, in August.

Music and dance

• Marimba: a wooden xylophone that carries folk dances.

• Palo de Mayo: a Caribbean coast dance.

Nightlife

Nightlife centers on small bars, beach nights and Granada's pedestrian street. Locals gather for rum and music.

• When people go out: dinner around 7, bars from 9.

• Where the action is: Calle La Calzada in Granada and San Juan del Sur.

• Good to know: Sunday Funday pub crawls are a San Juan del Sur tradition.

Photography spots

• Granada from the cathedral tower: colorful roofs and the lake.

• Cerro Negro: black ash slopes.

• Ometepe: twin volcanoes at dusk.

• Leon rooftops: the cathedral at sunset.

• Drones: permission may be required. Check current rules.

Cost of living

• Overall: $ versus New York.

• Coffee: $1.50 to $3.

• Local lunch: $3 to $7.

• Dinner for two: $20 to $40.

• Beer: $1.50 to $3.

• Mid range hotel: $50 to $100 per night.

• Daily budget: $50 to $100.

Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

• Wi-Fi: decent in Granada, Leon and San Juan del Sur.

• Coworking: a few spaces.

• Time zone: 2 hours behind US Eastern in summer, 1 in winter.

• Longer stays: a 90 day visitor stay is common. Check current rules.

• Nomad rating: 3/5.

Good to know

• Language: Spanish. English is limited outside tourism.

• Currency: Nicaraguan cordoba. US dollars are widely accepted.

• Plugs: Type A and B, 120V.

• Entry for US citizens: a passport and entry fee are required. Check current rules.

• Getting around apps: taxis and local apps.

• Tipping: about 10 percent.

• Water: use bottled or filtered.

• SIM/eSIM: local SIMs are cheap.

Useful phrases

• Hola: hello.

• Gracias: thank you.

• Cuanto cuesta: how much.

• Tuani: cool, a Nicaraguan favorite.

Meeting people

• Social scene: hostels in Leon and San Juan del Sur are lively.

• Apps: travel groups are useful.

• Etiquette: be polite and greet before asking.

• Stay smart: use trusted shuttles.

Staying safe

• Advisory: check the current US State Department advisory. Political conditions can change.

• Volcanoes: follow guides and closure notices.

• Travel: use registered taxis and avoid walking at night.