Backpacking Nicaragua was without a doubt my favourite adventure in Central America. With chilled surfing beaches, crazy party towns, towering volcanoes and stunning landscapes, backpacking across Nicaragua is an experience unlike any other.
Travelling to Nicaragua is relatively easy and you can arrange pretty much all of your travels yourself. Best of all, Nicaragua is a very easy country to go backpacking in; it’s cheap, safe, and small – meaning the travel distances aren’t too awful.
While its southern neighbor Costa Rica remains the more mainstream backpacking destination, Nicaragua is fast becoming a far cheaper (and better) alternative. Whether you dig beach time, adventure sports, hiking, partying, or all of the above, Nicaragua has some pretty awesome adventures to get into.
This Nicaragua travel guide includes everything I learned in my 6 weeks there and all you’ll need to prepare for your backpacking trip in one of my favorite countries on earth.
Get information on Nicaragua travel itineraries and backpacking routes, maps, travel tips, safety, things to do, and much more. Most of all you will walk away with all the inspiration you need to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. Vamonos Pues!
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Why go Backpacking in Nicaragua?
If you’re backpacking Central America, consider checking out this beautiful country is a no-brainer. Travelling in Nicaragua offers up the opportunity to explore and experience a variety of unique landscapes and local culture. Most people will start their journey on the coast if they are arriving from neighboring Costa Rica or Honduras. The capital city of Managua is home to the international airport.
If you are flying in, you can catch a bus from Managua to most places of interest. There is a booming scene of expats who are committed to spending most of their year surfing Nicaragua’s Pacific coast.
Nicaragua’s colonial cities of Grenada and Leon are full of interesting locals, open-air markets, history, and a good party scene. This is also where you’ll find lots of Nicaragua’s hostels and backpacker accommodations.
The volcanic island of Ometepe is straight outta backpacker heaven. You can explore miles of dirt roads on a motorbike, swim under waterfalls, and hike a volcano. Then there is the rum. The Caribbean coast is isolated, wild, and stunningly beautiful. A journey to Nicaragua’s less-visited Caribbean coast is full of exploration potential. Luckily, the Corn Islands are yet to be touched by the backpacker hordes (probably because they are more expensive than anywhere else in Nica).
- Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Nicaragua
- Psst! Just a sec.
- Places to Visit in Nicaragua
- Top Things to Do in Nicaragua
- Backpacker Accommodation in Nicaragua
- Nicaragua Backpacking Costs
- And Speaking of Plastic… Get an eSIM For Nicaragua
- Best Time to Travel to Nicaragua
- Staying Safe in Nicaragua
- How to Get into Nicaragua
- How to Get Around Nicaragua
- Backpacker Work in Nicaragua
- Nicaraguan Culture
- Some Unique Experiences in Nicaragua
- Final Thoughts on Nicaragua
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Nicaragua
Below I have listed several travel itineraries for backpacking Nicaragua. If you have a month or more to visit Nicaragua, it’s easy to combine a couple of these itineraries and put together a larger backpacking route.
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4 Weeks: Nicaragua Highlights
A month is a perfect timeframe to see a generous swath of the country. This Nicaragua itinerary has you starting off from the capital Managua; however, you can easily start from the north or south as well. Soak in the vibes in Grenada before heading to Ometepe. You can catch a ferry from Rivas to Ometepe for about $2 USD.
For the loudest party, and also most gringofied town in Nicaragua, head to San Juan Del Sur. There are some great places to surf directly around SJDS. The quieter beaches are short drive south. You can check out more great beaches as you cruise the coast north towards Leon.
From Leon, head to Somoto Canyon to explore one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful natural landscapes. From here you can carry on to the interior of the country if you wish, or you can head back to the coast to chill and drink rum on the beach. If you still have a bit of time to work with you can head to the Caribbean coast, either by air or by boat. Catching a boat is way more fun. Like way more fun. Think untouched rainforest, dense jungle, and slow scenic travel.
Two Weeks: Explore Pacific Coast, Cities, and Volcanoes
Some of my favorite places in Nicaragua are relatively close to each other. This means tackling a two week backpacking route is easy and also shouldn’t involve a single 10-hour bus ride. Of course, this backpacking loop can be flexible according to your own interests and tastes. If you love Ometepe, stay there for a week.
Keen for some surf? You can dig into to life at a surf camp. If cities and history are your thing, spend a couple extra days in Leon or Grenada. Some of the best, untouched beaches in the country can be found on the coastal stretch between San Juan Del Sur and El Transito.
10 Days: Explore the Caribbean Coast
When it comes to getting to the Caribbean, you have two options. You can either fly to Big Corn Island from Managua (with returns costing around $180) or you can take a series of buses and boats for around $30. From Managua, catch a bus to El Rama and then a boat down the river to BlueFields, maybe pause a day in BlueFields to check out the legendary cocaine scene.
From Blue Fields, catch another boat to Big Corn Island and then a panga – a small boat – to Little Corn. Little Corn is a great place to spend a few days exploring, swimming and snorkeling. You could also check out the Pearl Keys, but you would need to hire a boat and this would be expensive.
Whilst the Corn Islands do receive a bit of tourist traffic, a vast majority of the Caribbean coast sees far less backpacker traffic than other parts of the country. The potential for off the beaten path travel here is enormous.
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Places to Visit in Nicaragua
Now that we’ve covered some of the best travel itineraries for backpacking Nicaragua, let’s dive in and explore some of the best places to visit in Nicaragua on your adventure…
Backpacking Managua
When I first arrived in Managua I was greatly underwhelmed. The city is not exceptionally pretty and it felt strangely Americanized due to all of the American fast-food joints and strip malls. Managua is a major transportation hub for the country, so if you are traveling around Nicaragua, you are bound to pass through Managua at some point.
There are some fun things to do in Managua, however. If you have a day or two to kill in the city, I recommend a hike to the highest point in the city: the hill of Tiscapa. From here you can escape the chaos of the city while catching some great views.
The Santiago Cathedral is an impressive building worth a visit. Fun fact: the cathedral is one of the few old buildings in the city that wasn’t completely destroyed by the devastating 1972 earthquake that wreaked havoc on most of the urban landscape.
The Santiago Cathedral is an impressive building worth a visit. Fun fact: the cathedral is one of the few old buildings in the city that wasn’t completely destroyed by the devastating 1972 earthquake that wreaked havoc on most of the city.
Backpacking Leon
This stunning colonial city is a great place to get stuck. I ended up lingering here for nearly two weeks in the extremely comfortable Trailwinds Hostel. Wherever you stay, try to find a hostel in Leon with a kitchen as eating out every day get’s expensive.
The Pan Y Paz bakery is well worth finding for delicious bread, pastries and coffee and if you really fancy splashing out head to Carnivore for amazing meat dishes or Antonino’s for big pizzas.
In the evening, there are plenty of hopping bars with one of the liveliest scenes being at the Bigfoot Hostel. Make sure to check out the stunning cathedral in the main square, for just a dollar you can get right up on top of the whitewashed roof where you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city.
The nearby art museum, Museo de Arte fundación Ortiz guardian is also well worth a look and a good place to spend an afternoon. Whilst in Nicaragua keep an eye out for the greatest smoothie chain in the world – Siembras y Cosechas – I recommend going for the raspberry, blueberry and pineapple shake! You can also arrange a visit to a cigar factory from the city and this is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Backpacking Somoto Canyon
This is must for any adventure-junkies itinerary. Exploring Somoto Canyon is definitely worth it if you have the time. Just bear in mind that the canyon is a five hour journey from Leon by chicken buses and so you can end up losing two whole days just getting there and back from Leon.
I do not recommend going with a tour company; it’s a waste of money. Instead, just rock up at the canyon entrance and hire a guide for $25 for the day. The guide will provide you with life-jackets and everything else you need to explore the canyon safely, you will spend the day floating, swimming and jumping into the river winding through the canyon.
Some of the jumps, many of which are optional, are up to eighteen meters high! If you choose to spend the night, I recommend crashing at ‘Henri’s Farm’.
Backpacking Granada
An easy hop from Leon by chicken bus, Granada is another colonial city with gorgeous buildings, a vibrant night-life and historical sites. You don’t need too long, perhaps just a day, to get a feel for this city but make sure you visit the cathedral and bargain hunt for hand-made souvenirs in the central square.
Be sure to stay in the incredibly good value Hostel Oasis and to find the Hot Dog Connection for some of the cheapest and tastiest burgers in all of town.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also check out the nearby Pojo de Rojo Treehouse hostel but be warned, this hostel has seen much better days and the vibe just feels all wrong. Choosing the right accommodation can make or break your trip, choose your Granada hostel wisely!
Backpacking Laguna De Apoyo
My all-time favorite place in all of Central America is Laguna De Apoyo, you should definitely make the effort to head to this enormous fresh-water lagoon, which is a short hop from Granada. Stay in Paradiso for a couple of nights, you won’t regret it. Love photography? Capture Nicaragua’s different shades of color as the tangerine sun dances along the edges of the lake.
Backpacking Ometepe Island
From Granada, take a chicken bus to Rivas and another bus to San Jorge to catch the ferry to Ometepe Island. Most travellers opt to spend a couple of days here: one exploring the island by motorbike (you can hire one for around $20 a day) and another to hike to the top of Maderas Volcano. You can easily spend a week here.
I recommend staying at the Landing Hostel, it is cheap, friendly and right next to the ferry dock. For breakfast, check out the Corner House. Ometepe has it all. Once you have a motorbike you can leave the main traveler hubs to discover an island that is surprisingly underdeveloped. La Cascada de San Ramón is a waterfall tucked back in the hills close to the village of Merida. Hint hint… Go there and cool thyself!
Long story short a hike there is rewarded with a brilliant swim in the pool underneath the waterfall. The water is crisp and cool and feels like heaven with the mid-day sun burning over head.
Backpacking San Juan Del Sur
As soon as you arrive in Central America you will start seeing ‘Sunday Funday’ tank tops upon hordes of backpackers. This near-legendary event consists of getting well and truly plastered on a Sunday pub-crawl. My sources have informed me that both cocaine and MDMA are available in San Juan Del Sur, but I met more than one backpacker who had been screwed over so be careful.
Inside San Juan Del Sur itself, there isn’t much going on, besides an amazing Italian Gelato place (go for the Nutella!). SJDS is mostly just a party town. The real charm is in the surrounding beaches. It makes for a good pitstop if you are enroute to Costa Rica, or just feel like a few days of eating and drinking. To get a proper idea of what the area is about, definitely hit up the beaches just outside of town.
Backpacking Playa Madera
A popular surfer hang-out, this is a good place to rent a board for a day ($10) and hit the waves. Most travelers backpacking Nicaragua want to have a crack at surfing and this is one of the best places to learn.
This beach is however normally pretty busy and the food is very expensive. Bring snacks. Likewise, it is an expensive place to stay although if you have a tent you can camp for free. I recommend turning right (as you face the ocean) and walking along the beach, over the rocks and onto the next beach along.
This is a much quieter place to stay with just one small restaurant and two guesthouses, Matilde’s is the best option. If you have the time, you can rent a house to live in from just $20 a day. The next beach over from Matilde’s is completely isolated – it takes just two minutes to walk there but there are currently no buildings, whatsoever.
It is pretty much like having your own private beach. If you’re there at the right time of the year, you may see baby turtles scrambling down towards the sea.
Backpacking Bluefields
If you’re keen to check out the Corn Island, then you will certainly pass through Bluefields first. One can score some of the best ceviche in Nicaragua from one of the food stalls here.
Rumor has it that Bluefields is a place where drugs, specifically cocaine is abundant. While it can be a good time to sniff a few lines, do not blow your entire budget on getting high. Also, keep in mind that the cocaine trade is responsible for thousands of deaths across Central And South America. Not to make you feel bad, but it is important to keep that in mind when deciding where to spend your cash.
Reserva Silvestre Greenfields is a beautiful nature reserve where you can go hiking or rent a canoe. It is located near the town of Kukra Hill, a 30-minute boat ride from Bluefields. Return transport from Kukra Hill to the reserve costs US$10 per visitor.
It is possible to take a ferry from El Rama or Bluefields to the Corn Islands. The departure times can be vary based on sea conditions. Typically the journey takes 5-7 hours and costs roughly $8 USD.
Backpacking Little Corn Island
Little Corn Island is the clear winner for backpackers between the other Corn Islands. Welcome to paradise amigos! The beaches of Little Corn are something out of a dream. It would be hard to find a better place suited for lounging in a hammock with your favorite book.
The best thing about Little Corn? It is really mellow. You won’t find huge gangs of backpackers slamming drinking buckets (thank god). The stunning natural beauty and the chilled out vibe make the effort to reach the island totally worth it.
Just in case you weren’t psyched enough to visit Little Corn, get this: there are no cars on the island! Cheers to keeping it simple and just walking or biking everywhere! It is possible to take a PADI open water diving course here if you are keen to learn how to dive.
The certification usually takes three to four days and can cost about $300 USD.
Off the Beaten Path Travel in Nicaragua
There is a definitive “gringo trail” in Nicaragua consisting of the popular surf towns and the colonial cities. The river systems of interior and Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua are especially wild.
Exploration potential is endless here. I am sure that as time marches on, Nicaragua will continue to be more and more developed as is the case everywhere. So get yourself to Nicaragua and explore the many hidden gems this country has to offer!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REITop Things to Do in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is bursting at the seams with awesome things to do. No matter what your timeframe is there are many exciting adventures to be had to suit every backpackers’ individual taste. I have listed the top 10 most popular and best things to do in Nicaragua below to get your ideas flowing for your next trip backpacking Nicaragua!
1. Learn about Sandinista history in Leon
The Sandinistas were a Nicaraguan revolutionary organization active in Nicaragua from the late 1970’s to the early 1990’s.
There are many ex-Sandinista folks living in Leon and throughout Nicaragua. Leon was particularly important as it was a strategic base for Sandinistas during the Nicaraguan Revolution.
2. Learn How to Surf
With no shortage of fabulous beaches and surf schools, no backpacking trip to Nicaragua would be complete without hitting up the surf at least once. After catching your first wave, you will be hooked, I promise.
3. Climb a Volcano
Nicaragua is home to 19 volcanoes, and some of the best volcano hiking in Central America. Ometepe Island is home to the impressive Volcan Concepción. The hike takes a lengthy 10 hours round trip, though you will feel like a badass upon completion of the trek.
4. Explore Somoto Canyon
Enjoy one of Nicaragua’s less-frequented destinations at Somoto Canyon. Hire a local guide and hike, swim, and explore. The canyon is stunning; you will not be disappointed.
5. Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua
Flying down a volcano at top speed is one hell of a good time. There has never been a more satisfying way to descend a volcano.
There are several volcanoes to choose from with Cerro Negro being the most popular. It’s easy to arrange a day-trip from Leon or, if you prefer, you can even sign up for a 3 day hike across multiple volcanoes.
6. Hunt for Coconuts on Little Corn Island
It goes without saying that this is clearly the best free thing to do in all of Nicaragua. Once you find some coconuts to enjoy, the next step in honing your coconut-opening skills!
7. Check Out Laguna De Apoyo
The area is home to an excellent nature reserve with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.
8. Camp on the Beach
Camping is at any of the various surf camps found along the Pacific coast is cheap…and awesome. Watching a sunrise from the comfort of your tent is a price experience in Nicaragua that I hope you get to have.
9. See Ometepe Island by Motorbike/ATV
There is simply no better way to explore this beautiful volcanic island. Whilst riding a motorbike, always be safe and remember to wear a helmet for christ’s sake!
10. Explore the San Juan River by Boat
If you love winding rivers, epic jungle scenery, and wildlife spotting, head to San Carlos and explore miles of untouched rainforest by boat through the San Juan River. This area is truly mind-blowing. If you love exploring wild places, you will love a boat trip up the San Juan.
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Get Yours Here Read Our ReviewBackpacker Accommodation in Nicaragua
Most regions in Nicaragua have a wide variety of budget accommodation options. These range from your standard backpacker hostel to crude surf camps on the beach to jungle bungalows. Prices vary but the average price of a dorm bed throughout Nicaragua is between $7-12 USD. If you are traveling as a couple it usually ends up making sense to go for a private room as the price will be about the same.
You will be pleased to know that Nicaragua has some of the cheapest hostels anywhere in Central America. A dorm bed in neighboring Costa Rica can often be double the price of a Nicaraguan dorm bed. If you are keen to camp, many hostels offer camping as an option.
There are many places where you can camp on the beach for free. Otherwise, Couchsurfing is the cheapest (free) way to go, and a great way to meet other locals; however, some of the places will not have much of a Couch Surfing scene. Airbnb is huge in Costa Rica, and you can find some awesome apartments for cheap prices.
While hostels are one of the cheapest accommodation options, eco-lodges in Nicaragua are also incredibly affordable as they are largely off-grid, meaning they don’t have to pay high prices for electricity.
The Best Places to Stay in Nicaragua
Destination | Why Visit! | Best Hostel | Best Private Stay |
---|---|---|---|
Managua | For a baptism of fire for your Nica stay. Explore culturual sites, marvellous museuems and search for the world oldest footprints. | La Bicicleta Hostal | Hotel RDG |
Leon | Visit the largest cathedral in Central America, hike magnificient volcanoes nearby and make friends with some of the coolest locals. | La Tortuga Booluda | Harvest House |
Granada | Marvel at the colonial-era architecture, indulge in delicious traditional Nicaraguan food, and of course, to go volcano boarding! | Selina Granada | El Respiro Eco-Lodge |
Rivas | Because it’s a nature lovers playground. Fish, hike, or partake in a plethora of epic activities. Oh, and mango trees and colourful cobbled streets galore. | Hotel Julieta | Ruamoko Hostel |
Ometepe Island | Because it’s simply stunning. Ometepe is one of my fav places in the world, go and find out why. This volcanic island is a world of it’s own. | La Urraca Loca Hostel | Hotel San Juan Ometepe |
San Juan Del Sur | To surf, chill and soak in the sun by day and to let loose, party your woes away and meet like-minded travellers by night. | Hola Ola Hostel | Beachfront Condo El Torreon |
Little Corn Island | For a little slice of paradise. Litlle Corn Island is a Caribbean heaven. Switch off and sunbathe or scuba dive in crystal clear waters. | Christina’s Guest House | Lighthouse Hotel |
Las Peñitas | Las Peñitas is a backpacking jackpot. With some of the worls coolest sunsets, and an exquisite 5km long beach which is a surfer’s wet dream. | Surfing Turtle Lodge | Surfing Turtle Lodge |
Popoyo | Yoga, hot springs, surfing… do I need to go on? Popoyo is Nicaragua’s most consistent wave and is close to a sea turtle rescue centre. | The Barrell Hostel | Tukasa Surfhouse |
Nicaragua Backpacking Costs
Good news amigos: Nicaragua is one of the cheapest countries in Central America to go backpacking. You can eat well, move from place to place with ease, and score some pretty cheap accommodation.
I spent on average between $25-30 USD a day whilst I was backpacking in Nicaragua. It is certainly possible to do it cheaper than that if you are camping heaps, hitchhiking, and cooking some of your own food.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on your backpacking Nicaragua adventure…
A Daily Budget in Nicaragua
Expense | Broke Backpacker | Frugal Traveler | Creature of Comfort |
---|---|---|---|
Accommodation | $5-10 | $10-20 | $30-70+ |
Food | $3-4 lunch | $5-8 lunch | $20-35 dinner for 2 |
Transport | Hitchhike | $5-10 for the bus | Private Car: $20/hour |
Nightlife | Stay sober | $1-2 for beer from the shop | $3-5 for cocktails in a western-style bar |
Activities | Surf – Free | $10-30 | $30-$100 |
Total Per day | $20/day | $30-40 | $50-100+/day |
Money in Nicaragua
There are lots of international ATMS, but they can be tough to find once you are outside of the cities and are in more remote areas. It’s advisable to avoid small ATM transactions and get out a bunch of cash at once – just make sure you hide it well.
If you need to transfer money internationally, use Transferwise, it’s the fastest and cheapest way to move money around when travelling.
You should always have some emergency cash hidden on you and I’ve written an entire post on the best places to hide your money.
Top Tips – Nicaragua on a Budget
To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst traveling in Nicaragua I recommend sticking to these basic rules of budget adventuring….
- Camp: With plenty of gorgeous natural places to camp, Nicaragua is an excellent place to take a tent. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking.
- Cook your own food: I took a small gas cooker with me to Nicaragua and cooked a lot of my own meals whilst hitching and camping, I saved a fortune.
- Hitchhike: In Nicaragua, it is so so easy to thumb a ride and it is an ace way to keep your transport costs down and instead spend it on smashing experiences. So hitchhike as much as you can when backpacking Nicaragua.
- Tone down the partying: Booze bills add up. If you drink less, you will save money. Simple as that.
Why you Should Travel to Nicaragua With a Water Bottle
Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful
You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.
STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world, be sure to watch the video below.
Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.
Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.
Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!
We’ve tested the Geopress rigorously from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!
View on REI Read the ReviewAnd Speaking of Plastic… Get an eSIM For Nicaragua
You know those tiny pieces of plastic you used to use to connect yourself to the internet abroad? Sim Cards I think they were called? Well yeah, we’re ditching those as well.
These days, wherever you go in the world an eSIM is by far the best way to stay connected from the minute you land. You can download an eSim before you leave home and then activate it when you are still sitting on the plane waiting to disembark.
You skip all the hassle of trying to figure out different providers and navigating airport prices to make sure you’re not getting scammed.
Of all the many eSim providers out there, we suggest Jetpac. Jetpac works just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected before the pilot says you can stand up.
JetPac eSim Packages For Nicaragua
1GB – 4 Days – $1
5GB – 30 Days $19
10GB – 30 Days – $45
Best Time to Travel to Nicaragua
If you can, try to avoid the rainy season and visit the country from November to April. The really popular guest-houses fill up fast so this is a country where it can definitely be worth making reservations.
The best time to go scuba diving or snorkeling in the Corn Islands is December- March. Expect more travelers in general around the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Low season is May to October. As it’s raining all the time, making some rural area are hard to pass & hiking trails super slippery. However, this weather pulls in some of the biggest swells, especially on the Pacific side of Nicaragua, where all the good surfing breaks are.
High season is between December & April, when the sun is shining. Like everywhere prices increase, accommodation books out & the tourist hot spots are packed! Check the weather in Nicaragua here.
Festivals in Nicaragua
Nicaraguans love to party. There are a variety of fun festivals taking place though out the year.
- Magma Festival: Nicaragua’s largest EDM festival in the shadow of a volcano on Ometepe Island. Come on out for an epic couple of days.
- Rio San Juan Carnival: Lucky enough to be in San Juan in January? This festival should not be missed if you’re in town! Expect plenty of dancing, local artisans and delicious food.
- International Poetry Festival, Grenada: An annual international festival that takes place in the city of Granada. More than 150 poets from all parts of the world congregate at this event to recite their best poetry.
- Latin American Surfing Competition: As much as surfing in Nicaragua has evolved, so have surfing-related activities developed throughout the country. This event is the biggest of its kind in Nicaragua. Come out to see some excellent surfing and the associated fun nightlife. This fest takes place just outside of San Juan Del Sur at Playa Madera.
What to Pack for Nicaragua
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Staying Safe in Nicaragua
In general, Nicaragua is a very safe country to go backpacking in. That said, Nicaragua’s population suffers from high unemployment and subsequent poverty. Any time you visit a country with socio-economic problems it is possible that someone will try to take what you have. Targeted robberies against foreigners are rare but they do happen.
Being out late, drunk, and alone is a recipe for trouble anywhere in the world. There have been reports of backpackers getting held up on remote sections of beach on both coasts as well as in cities.
Odds are you should be just fine. If ever you run into a hold-up situation give them what they want and don’t resist. Your iPhone and wallet are never worth dying over, ever!
Be aware that Nicaragua is home to many species of poisonous spiders, snakes, and other dangerous creatures. Always watch your step when trekking through the jungle. Never stick your hand somewhere you haven’t first seen with your eyes.
Always go surfing with a buddy and never get in the water if you have been drinking.
Learn More: Backpacker Safety 101
Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll in Nicaragua
Nicaragua has long been renowned as one of the party capitals for travelers backpacking Central America. Cocaine is cheap and pretty easy to find if that’s your bag. Booze is cheap and Nicaraguans enjoy sinking a few beers in the evening.
The people are friendly, Tinder works a treat to meet up with locals and other backpackers, and there are plenty of beach parties, clubs and raves… if you know where to look!
Avoid traveling with drugs in Nicaragua, the police sometimes search backpackers aggressively – and never cross an international border carrying drugs. If you do choose to indulge in heavier partying whilst in Nicaragua, take it easy – cocaine in Nicaragua is strong, cheap, and addictive.
Travel Insurance for Nicaragua
Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
How to Get into Nicaragua
Citizens of some countries like the US, UK and a lot of European countries can travel to Nicaragua without a visa. Other tourists can obtain a Tourist Card for $10 valid for 1 month to 3 months (depending on citizenship) upon arrival.
Entry Requirements for Nicaragua
You need to have a valid passport with at least six months to run to enter Nicaragua. There is also a $32 departure tax which is included in airfares with major airlines. This departure tax applies only if you are flying out of the country. The exit fee at a land border should be around $3 USD.
Many backpackers fly into the international airport in Managua and start their adventure there. If you’re already backpacking Central America, you can cross to Nicaragua from Costa Rica or Honduras by bus or car.
Bear in mind that you will have to pay $12 at any land crossing. There are no international trains going into Nicaragua, but there are international buses available between Managua and San Jose, Costa Rica, San Salvador, El Salvador and Honduras.
They are air conditioned and make fuel and food stops along the way. If you are planning to go by bus make sure you book in advance as the buses between the major cities can fill up days ahead of departure dates.
The companies Transnica and Tica Bus are fairly reliable.
There are also cheap but terribly uncomfortable “chicken buses” a few times a week between Managua and Guatemala City for $20. It is quite an experience traveling to Nicaragua in a chicken bus, they are seriously funky…
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Nicaragua offers a crazy range of travel experiences. It might take some getting used to, but boy is this country fun! To properly explore Nicaragua I recommend catching buses – they are cheap and very frequent. Be sure to try out at least one chicken bus experience!
This is definitely the main mode of travel in Nicaragua, and a great way to get to know the country’s geography, people, and even the culture. You cannot be polite on a chicken bus; grab a seat and grab it fast or end up sitting on a sack of rice (if you’re lucky!).
Often your backpack will be thrown on top of the bus, never fear; shit doesn’t tend to go missing. Still, keep your valuables in your daypack and your daypack on you. Most long-distance buses have TVs (surprisingly!) that play popular films and they also serve snacks and drinks during the journey and at stops. Beware of the endless loops of terrible Latino movies…
A chicken bus seat would cost you roughly $1. You could also catch an Express Bus, be sure to book it at least a day in advance. A ticket should cost you about $6. Another option could be to catch minibuses.
They run regularly between Managua and nearby cities like Granada, Leon, Masaya, Jinotepe and Chinandega. Like Express buses they make fewer stops but expect them to be overcrowded as jamming more people in means the drivers make more cash… There are many advantages to being a shorter backpacker when traveling in Nicaragua!
This is obviously more expensive than catching buses, but if you’re short on time this is the best way to get anywhere on the Atlantic Coast.
Boat is the only way to get to some of the islands like Isla de Ometepe. You could also take weekly trips if you are comfortable on a boat for long hours. It’s a pretty cool way of exploring Nicaragua.
Taxi – Be very careful and haggle as much as you can in Managua. Check that the taxi sign is on the roof and that the taxi operator license is clearly visible in the front seat. In smaller towns, there is a fixed rate so it’s fairly easy.
Be careful/ use common sense when choosing a taxi and haggle as much as you can in Managua. Check that the taxi sign is on the roof and that the taxi operator license is clearly visible in the front seat. In smaller towns, there is a fixed rate so it’s fairly easy.
Having a knowledge of basic Spanish will help you sort out prices.
Hitchhiking in Nicaragua
Hitchhiking is generally easy whilst backpacking Nicaragua. Most people don’t have cars, so if you are in a rural area, the few with cars or trucks tend to stop for lots of people. They get a kick out of foreigners. So make sure you act like a fascinating and exotic tourist.
Hitchhiking is common in rural areas and small towns, but not recommended in Managua. Nicaraguans themselves usually only travel in the backs of trucks.
Some drivers may ask for a little money for bringing you along but it’s usually not more than a dollar. Like in most of Central America, there are lots of mini buses and it’s not so easy to spot taxis on the road, be sure you know if you’re paying or hitching free when you climb in any type of vehicle.
Onward Travel from Nicaragua
There are several land border crossings between Nicaragua and El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica. It is easy to do this on your own; just catch a local bus to the border town, walk across, and you’re on your way!
Backpacker Work in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is fast becoming a popular base for digital nomads from around the world. Being one of the cheapest countries to live in Central America, Nicaragua has a lot to offer remote workers looking for a beautiful, affordable place to call home for the short or long term.
Outside of cities and along remote sections of coast, the internet is not great so keep that in mind when choosing a place base yourself.
Apart from online work, you may be able to find under the table work as a volunteer bar tender (working for room and board) or as a yoga teacher at one of the many foreign-owned hostels found along the Pacific coast.
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Grab an eSIM!Volunteering in Nicaragua
Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Nicaragua which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!
Nicaragua is one of the poorest developing countries in the Western Hemisphere, so there are plenty of opportunities for backpackers to contribute some skills. Whether you know your way around farming, social work, hospitality, or language teaching, you’ll be making a huge difference to local communities. You’ll also find opportunities in photography, bartending, animal care, and marketing. If you’re from outside the US, you’ll need to contact the Embassy of Nicaragua in order to obtain the appropriate visa.
Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in Nicaragua? Then signup for Worldpackers, a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.
Programs run through reputable work exchange programs, like Worldpackers, are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.
Food in Nicaragua
Eating delicious food is one of the best parts about traveling. There are no shortage of tasty things to try in Nicaragua. Eat local as much as possible! You will find many fast food joints, especially in the cities. But you certainly did not come to Nicaragua to eat at Mcdonalds, right?
Gallo Pinto — A dish as famous in Nicaragua as it is in Costa Rica. This tasty bean and rice combo is a national staple of the country.
Fresh Seafood — If you find yourself on the coast, trying the fresh fish is a must.
Ceviche — One of my favorite foods of all time. A dish made up of raw fish marinated in lime juice, which usually includes onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers.
Chicharrónes — Fried pork belly or pork skin, typically served with a dipping sauce or as part of another dish. A great bar snack.
Arroz con Pollo — Chicken served with rice and fried plantains. A tasty comfort food and often great bang for your buck.
Nicaraguan Culture
I found that Nicaraguan locals were very welcoming people. They have not yet felt the jaded indifference that sometimes accompanies mass tourism destinations.
They are full of humor and dirty jokes. Learn some Spanish so you can understand them! In talking to some ex-Sandinista revolutionaries, I gained invaluable perspective on what life was life in Nicaragua during that period. I found them to be surprisingly open about their experiences.
If you visit any farms in Nicaragua, expect a very warm welcome. Farm owners/workers are happy to tell you about what they do, and you can score some fantastic coffee if you visit a coffee operation. Support fair trade and organic agricultural practices at all cost!
Nicaragua Travel Phrases
Learning a bit of Spanish is a great way to get the most out of your trip. When I became fluent in Spanish, it really changed the way I was able to travel in Nicaragua and beyond. It is such a useful language to know! You can speak it in over 20 countries!
Here are a few helpful Nicaragua travel phrases with English translations for your backpacking Nicaragua adventure:
Here are a few helpful Nicaragua travel phrases with English translations for your backpacking Nicaragua adventure:
Hello – Hola
How are you? – Cómo estás?
Very good – Muy buena
Beautiful – Hermoso
Cheers – Salud
Shit – Mierda! (a very light weight insult)
Shit eater – Come Mierda (for better effect!)
What? – Qué?
Where? – Dónde?
Do you have a lighter? – Tienes un encendedor?
No plastic bag – Sin bolsa de plastico
No straw please – No paja por favor
No plastic cutlery please – No hay cubiertos de plástico por favor
Two beers please – Dos cervezas por favor
Down that beer! – Hasta que la cerveza!
Can you give me a ride – Me puedes dar una vuelta?
What is your name? – Cómo te llamas?
How much does this cost? – Cuánto cuesta?
Can you give me a discount? – Me puede dar un descuento?
Books to Read While Traveling Nicaragua
These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Nicaragua, which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure…
- Lonely Planet Nicaragua Travel Guide – It’s always worth having a Lonely Planet packed away, plenty of useful info on bus routes and where to go.
- The Jaguar Smile – In this intriguing book, Salman Rushdie brings to the forefront the palpable human facts of a country in the midst of revolution and political disturbance.
- Blood of Brothers Life and War in Nicaragua – This book is a vibrant portrait of the Nicaraguan people and their volcanic land, a cultural history rich in poetry and bloodshed.
- A Twilight Struggle: American Power and Nicaragua – A detailed history and analysis of the Nicaraguan Revolution and the American response to it.
- My Car in Managua – Another take on Nicaragua’s political history but the illustrations by Nicaragua’s celebrated political cartoonist Róger Sánchez Flores really enliven the text.
Brief History of Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s modern history is rooted in the story of the Sandinista rebellion, their brief success, and ultimate defeat suffered at the hands of a US backed military apparatus. Wounds from the revolution period have healed to a degree, but there are still many people who currently live in Nicaragua whose lives were changed forever during the years of revolution.
Although the initial overthrow of the Somoza regime in 1978–79 was a bloody affair, the Contra War of the 1980s took the lives of tens of thousands of Nicaraguans and was the subject of fierce international debate. During the 1980s both the FSLN (a leftist collection of political parties) and the Contras (a rightist collection of counter-revolutionary groups) received large amounts of aid from the Cold War super-powers (respectively, the Soviet Union and the United States).
The Contra War ultimately ended following the signing of the Tela Accord in 1989 and the demobilization of the FSLN and Contra armies. A second election in 1990 resulted in the election of a majority of anti-Sandinista parties and the FSLN handing overpower.
It is unbelievable to me that the USA government so openly supported the Contras and were never held accountable for crimes against humanity, which certainly occurred in many forms during the war. CIA trained Contras? Yeah, that was a thing.
Modern Life in Nicaragua
Post revolution life in Nicaragua has seen slow development of the country’s economy and standard of living. In recent years, Nicaragua’s economy is on the rise, especially in the tourism sector.
As Nicaragua’s tourism industry expands, it is my hope that the natural treasures of the country are protected in a reasonable way, the way things have been organized in Costa Rica. Nicaragua is decades removed from war, and there is a feeling of peace felt through out the country.
I hope for the sake of Nicaragua and it’s people that it stays that way. The way things are looking now in Nicaragua, I am filled with positive optimism for this beautiful country.
Some Unique Experiences in Nicaragua
Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.
Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!
Buy on REITrekking in Nicaragua
Do you love trekking? You have come to the right place my friends. Nicaragua offers up some excellent trekking opportunities for those looking to spend time outdoors. There are plenty of awesome day hikes to be found all over the country.
If you are looking for a multi-day backpacking trip, Quetzaltrekkers is a great organization offering just that. All the money they make from running trekking trips goes directly in supporting kids and local schools. A trip with them is very reasonably priced and was a great experience for me. I can’t say enough good things about the folks at Quetzaltrekkers!
Scuba Diving in Nicaragua
The Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua has some excellent places to go diving. If you do not have a PADI certification, you can take an open water course on one of the islands. It is not the cheapest place in Central America to get certified, though to be honest I can’t think of a better location to do it in.
If you already have your PADI cert and,, the obvious choice is to head to the Corn Islands. The water visibility can be terrific when the sea is calm and the sun is shining (which is often, see weather in Nicaragua section).
I recommend shopping around at the different dive shops to see who has the best prices. If you intend to do multiple dives, usually you can negotiate a deal with the price.
My brother Alex is somewhat of a diving sensei and he’s got a great guide on scuba diving in the Corn Islands. There’s even a sexy video to go with it!
Surfing in Nicaragua
If you haven’t figured it out by now, Nicaragua is home to some world-class surf beaches. If you are looking for somewhere to dig in, learn to surf, and become a beach bum, Nicaragua is one of the cheapest places in the world to do that.
The surf in Nicaragua varies, but in general, the waves (on the Pacific side) are perfect for both beginners and those with more advanced levels. Hit the beach, catch some waves, and leave (or not) with immense satisfaction.
Final Thoughts on Nicaragua
I hope you have enjoyed this Nicaragua travel guide. You are now ready to get your boots on the ground and experience this magical country for yourself amigos!
Backpacking Nicaragua was one of the most fun and rewarding times of my life. Nicaragua is one hell of a good time and it remains one of my favorite countries I visited in all of Latin America.
I am certain that you will leave hungry for more. One trip simply isn’t enough to absorb all of the awesomeness that Nicaragua has to offer. Enjoy the hell out of the paradise that is Nicaragua!
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Hey Will,
I came across this article looking for information about travelling to Nicaragua. I live in Costa Rica and often go to either Nicaragua or Panama to get my passport stamped. Granada is where I plan to go next. My friend tells me its a cool city. I went to San Juan del Sur on my last visit and I would recommend this beach town for sure. If you are ever visiting Costa Rica it would be good to see you at Jaco Ropes
I offer free tours to any one with a blog so lets connect
Here is a link to the site if you want to visit it
http://www.jacoropes.com/
Thanks Jason, this looks so amazing. When Im back that way, and Im sure I shall be, I’ll have to come check it out. Thanks again for the invite, man!
Reading your post has got me so stoked!! I’m planning a trek through Central America in October, and Nicaragua is definitely on the itinerary!
Not to be missed, have a blast, Tamara!
I’m heading there with my girlfriend in november ! We’ll backpack the country for 2 months 😀
Great article !
Great read. I have always had Nicaragua high on my list, but my Spanish refuses to become anything other than clumsy. How would I get by with mainly English in Nicaragua?
I’ve managed to make do out here with largely no-spanish… just try and learn a few basic phrases, ‘donde esta bus estasion’, ‘quanta queste’, ‘la quente por favor’ – and you will be fine 🙂 Most Nicaraguans are super friendly and usually there will be other backpackers there who speak some Spanglish…
I always hear great things about Nicaragua, I’d love to visit someday soon. Great guide, I’ll be sharing it with friends
Cheers Craig! Was just checking out your site, love the idea of one day guides!! 🙂
I Loved Nicaragua. Its hard for me to decide which one I liked more, Guatemala or Nicaragua. Laguna de Apoyo was one of my favorite spots. And we ended up staying on Ometepe for 12 days because 1. we got stuck because of Semana Santa and 2. it was amazing!
Nicaragua really was my favourite place in Central, I would love to head back just to, well, hang around Laguna De Apoyo and spend a ton more time surfing on the coast! Thinking of dedicating a whole year to surfing come 2016… yeah, Ok, I know it’s a while away… so I’ll be headed back to Nicaragua for sure! 🙂
HI Will. Great info on Nicaragua. I have been researching a backpacking trip there. I am new to backpacking outside of the USA. Do you know what Vaccinations are required for this trip? Is there a way to avoid vaccinations? Any information would be helpful. The CDC only lists recommendations. Best wishes, Mark
Hey buddy, hmmmm… vaccinations; kind of a hard one as I’m not a doctor so shouldn’t really give out medical advise. However – my advise is get a tetnus jab at the very least. I am all vaccinated up, including rabies, you don’t need to go that way for short trips but if you travel full time like me getting seriously sick can be seriously expensive so it’s better to just get the jabs.
Great post! I really love Nicaragua, it was the first country I visited in Central America so it holds a special place in my heart. I’d love to try the volcano boarding one day and explore more of the north since I spend most of my time in the south. I’m glad you enjoyed Nicaragua!
Volcano boarding sounds beyond awesome Will!
My better half traveled to Nicaragua and loved it.
We’re doing Bali next month, for 4 months, then may just do Central America after that. If so Nicaragua is high on our list of places to visit and I’ll keep these spots in mind.
As for the hitching I do hear you; we had do some in Fiji on Vanua Levu, just to get around. We always hitched with locals because even though most folks in Fiji speak English you’re more likely to find rides if you speak Fijian.
Of course, I had to hold on for my life on the back of a lumber truck, as I was on my tippy toes with tons of lumber load shifting and knocking me off balance lol.
Traveling is a trip!
Thanks for the share.
Ryan