Nicaragua is one of the largest countries in Central America, but despite its recent growth, it remains one of the least visited. However, many travelers believe that the extraordinary landscape with volcanoes, lakes, mountains, and large areas of rainforest makes this country one of the most amazing. Find out more about the top places to visit in Nicaragua

Nicaragua is one of the most attractive countries in Central America, combining virgin rainforests, sandy beaches, charming colonial cities and boiling volcanoes. Unlike its neighbor, Costa Rica, Nicaragua has a smaller flow of tourists, but no fewer places of interest. In particular, north of the capital Managua is a huge lake of the same name and the famous stratovolcano Momotombo. To the south is Granada, famous for its Spanish colonial architecture and an archipelago of navigable islands rich in tropical birds.

What to visit in Nicaragua in 2024? Let's talk further.

Best time to visit Nicaragua

Nicaragua has a tropical climate with little seasonal variation in temperature between 21 and 27˚C and two distinct rainfall seasons: a "wet" season (May-October) and a "dry" season (November-April).

When planning a vacation in Nicaragua, consider that:

- From November to May, the country has a high season, the weather is dry and sunny, but at this time there is a maximum number of tourists.

- From March to November is the rainy season, but very green. Also, this period is best suited for a surfing safari on the Pacific coast.

- From September to November - hotels are cheap, but the end of the hurricane season can spoil your plans.

Do I need a visa to visit Nicaragua?

The rules of entry to Nicaragua depend on the tourist's nationality. In particular, representatives of EU countries, Japan, Great Britain, the USA and many other countries of the world need only a valid passport to travel to Nicaragua, because residents of these countries have the right to stay here for 90 days without a visa.

At the same time, citizens of Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Serbia, India, Indonesia and almost 70 other countries of the world must obtain a visa before traveling to Nicaragua.

Detailed rules for entering Nicaragua and a list of documents depending on the tourist's citizenship can be found at the link.

Festivals in Nicaragua

- Carnaval Alegría por la Vida (Joy of Life Festival) is a local Carnaval in Managua, held at the beginning of March. It includes a costume parade, live music, food, dancing and the crowning of the festival queen. Every year a certain theme is chosen for the event.

- Palo de Mayo (end of May) – a series of small parties that lead to a bright and boisterous carnival on the last Saturday of May.

- Día de la Revolución (July 19) - festive events dedicated to the Day of the Revolution.

- Noche de Agüizotes is a spooky festival held on the last Friday of October in Masai.

- La Purísima (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) is celebrated in the first half of December throughout Nicaragua, with the culmination of celebrations on December 8. In Managua, the celebration is particularly colorful, with massive altars of the Virgin Mary set up along blocks of Av. Bolivar leading to the lake. After dark, the avenue turns into a huge street party with food stalls and live music.

Top 5 places to visit when traveling to Nicaragua

Granada

Granada is one of the most famous cities in Nicaragua, attracting tourists with cobblestone streets, bustling markets, pastel-colored colonial buildings and an amazing variety of gourmet cuisine. The historic center is full of large square houses with lush interior gardens. Located on the western shore of Lake Nicaragua, Granada was effectively the westernmost Caribbean port, thanks to boat traffic across the lake and the San Juan River.

While walking around the city, be sure to stop by the central cathedral and climb to the top for a dollar or two to see one of the best views in the city. Then stroll along the main street of La Calzada

It is worth noting that a large part of the city is a real labyrinth of the local market, where you can buy souvenirs.

From Granada, it is easy to reach many important places of the country: Las Isletas, Lake Nicaragua, Masaya volcano.

- Where to stay? Palacio de Santa Ines, Hotel Casa 1800 Granada and Occidental Granada.

- The most popular restaurants are Margarita Empanadas Argentinas, Antojitos Mexican Food and Aisushi restaurante Arabian.

Managua

Managua is located along the southern shore of Lake Managua, and because it is completely covered in trees, it is almost invisible from the air. It is a capital without a center, six crater lakes are located within the city limits. Dozens of fault lines also pass here, one of which destroyed the old center in 1972. That is why there are no tall buildings here.

Tourists are advised to visit the ruins of the old center, enjoy the revolutionary places, the cultural palace, the new and the old cathedral, as well as one of the crater lakes, which offers a view of the entire invisible city. Managua is also one of the greenest capitals in the world, with no air pollution and relatively low traffic.

- Where to stay? Hyatt Place Managua, Best Western Las Mercedes Airport, Hilton Princess Managua.

- The most popular restaurants are Los Ranchos, Restaurante Don Candido, Cocina de Doña Haydée.

Cerro Negro volcano

The Cerro Negro volcano is relatively small, its height is only 675 m, but it is interesting because it is the youngest and most unpredictable volcano in the Western Hemisphere. As you can understand from its name, Cerro Negro is black as pitch, because it is made of black gravel , hardened black lava flows and massive black sand dunes. A hike along its cone can truly provide a surreal otherworldly experience.

Tourists are also offered volcano boarding here - riding on special boards from the slopes of the volcano.

The volcano is located 45 minutes from León, so you can stop and visit the restaurant in the city.

Corn islands

Two islands in the Caribbean that live mostly on fishing and a bit of tourism. Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island impress with white sandy beaches, and the reefs are washed by crystal clear turquoise water. Despite their small size, they offer a beautiful and peaceful place to relax. There are small family-run hotels here, and the locals are extremely friendly.

On the islands you can explore stunning reefs or go diving. To see the reefs go to the beaches of Little Corn Island, while the diving is best around Big Corn Island. The local cuisine is also worthy of attention.

The best way to get to the Corn Islands is by plane. There aren't that many flights going there every day, so plan your trip in advance.

- Where to stay? Yemaya Reefs Colibri Boutique Hotel, Little Corn Beach and Bungalow, Paraiso Beach Hotel.

- The most popular restaurants are Turned Turtle Bar And Restaurant, Sea Side Grill, Cafe Desideri.

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur used to be a small fishing village, but now this place is a dream for surfers and nightlife enthusiasts. Every Sunday, the city hosts Sunday Funday, a wild and legendary party with the added bonus of incredible sunsets.

However, you will have to get to the rest of the places of interest by means of transport: taxi, boat, transfer, bicycle or ATV. Head north to Playa Maderas, the best place to learn to surf or improve your skills.

Climb to the Christ of Mercy, which stands on a rather steep hill and enjoy amazing views of San Juan.

- Where to stay? Verdad Nicaragua, Chica Brava Surf Retreat or Rapture Surfcamp Nicaragua - Maderas.

- The most popular restaurants are The Beach House Nicaragua, Simon Says Smoothie Bar, El Timon.

What else to see in Nicaragua?

- Ometepe Island - climb to the top of the local volcano to enjoy the views.

- Leon - this is where the largest cathedral in Central America is located. Another landmark of the city is the Historical Museum of the Revolution, dedicated to those who challenged the Somos dictatorship.

- Pacific coast - charge the big waves and relax in the surf towns.

- Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo - swim in clear waters or relax in a hammock.

- Rio San Juan - Take a riverboat trip to explore the bird life on this scenic river.

- Matagalpa – discover the heart of the highlands.

Nicaragua is a fantastic country that everyone should visit at least once in their life. So definitely consider a trip here when planning your next vacation.

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