Nicaragua’s history of fiery politics and unstable governments has traditionally kept visitors at arm’s length. Even now that the country has entered a period of peace and relative prosperity, it remains on the periphery of most people’s travel ambitions. Which is good news, say our specialists. It means you can explore its riches (which include volcanoes, island wildernesses, Spanish colonial churches and cloudforest reserves) in peace and quiet. And, you’ll be greeted with warmth and enthusiasm wherever you go.
Your vacation to Nicaragua could see you sampling the city of Granada’s café culture, or volcano boarding down the charred slopes of Cerro Negro. Boat down the Rio San Juan in search of macaws, and stare at the Pacific from the remote beaches of San Juan del Sur. Our specialists can assemble a trip that takes in all of these experiences, and more.
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Nicaragua.
Volcano Cerro Negro Hike
Rising out of the green trees the black walls of Cerro Negro create a bizarre contrast with the surroundings. You hike first on trails and later on a kind of black dune created by former lava. As you reach the foot of the volcano you begin an easy climb up to the first of two active and colorful craters.
Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge
You can expect to see great egrets, blue and green heron, kingfishers and cormorants as well as parakeets and many other species. There is also a healthy population of alligators, caiman, turtles and iguanas.
Indio Maíz Biological Reserve
Expect to see howler monkeys, brightly colored poison dart frogs, a wide range of birdlife including trogons, manikins, tanagers and if you're lucky scarlet macaws. There is also an endless variety of flora and the chance to see larger mammals such as ocelots.
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Nicaragua, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua. There are also three Indian languages — Misquito, Mayangna, and Rama — spoken along the Atlantic coast. English is spoken in some visitor destinations and along the Atlantic coast.
The currency in Nicaragua is the córdoba (C$ or NIO). You’ll find ATMs in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and in larger shops and restaurants.
If you’re planning to bring cash, take US dollars rather than sterling as it’s easier to exchange. You can pay in US dollars in some hotels and restaurants, but you’ll be given change in córdoba and at a lower rate than you might expect.
In Nicaragua, you should try nacatamales (meat tamales), indio viejo (beef stew), and sopa de albondiga (meatball soup). Rice and corn are staple parts of the local diet, and often served with meat, chicken, or fish.
Most dishes are a mix of Amerindian, Spanish, and West African influences and you’ll see gallo pinto (rice and beans), rondón (a spicy seafood stew), and quesillo (tortillas topped with cheese, cream, and pickled onions) on many menus and street stalls.
Popular sweet treats include buñuelos (a cassava and cheese dough ball soaked in cinnamon syrup), atolillo (a corn and cinnamon custard), and perrereque (corn cake). Corn is also the basis for drinks such as pinol (a drink made from roasted cornflour) and chicha (a spirit made from fermented corn).
As a rough guide, tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants in Nicaragua. Your specialist can help with deciding on appropriate amounts to tip drivers and guides.
For the latest travel advice for Nicaragua, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website.
Nicaragua’s diverse attractions include dramatic volcanic landscapes, little-visited wildlife reserves, neo-classical cities, and tranquil beaches. Nicaragua’s lack of visitors gives it an authentic charm and whether you want to explore the cobbled streets of its vibrant cities or track wildlife in one of its jungle reserves, you’ll find it has an unspoiled allure.
You can also hike to the top of volcanoes for expansive views, explore wildlife reserves home to alligators, caiman, turtles, and iguanas, tour coffee plantations, or take a guided city tour to learn about Nicaragua’s long and complex history. And when you’ve done the sights, quiet beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts await with clear waters, the freshest of seafood, and a sleepy, laid-back air ideal for serious relaxation.
Nicaragua offers a good range of places to stay from beachfront hotels offering yoga and spas, to antique-filled heritage properties, and remote lodges where you can walk straight onto a forest trail.
In the cities, you’ll find historic hotels with plenty of local character including an elegantly restored mansion in Granada and a 17th-century convent in León. Elsewhere, hotels are usually simpler, but we’ve found some luxurious options including a wellness resort with suites and villas right on the waterfront, and a jungle ecolodge and spa overlooking the sea that also offers an insight into sustainable forestry and farming methods. For some more ideas, browse our collection of places to stay in Nicaragua.
In Nicaragua, most visitors head for Granada, León, San Juan del Sur, and Masaya Volcano National Park. Refined Granada, with its cobbled streets and neo-classical architecture sits between a glittering lake and an imposing volcano, while León is Nicaragua’s intellectual and cultural capital and a cosmopolitan hub with a vibrant energy.
For volcanic landscapes around a giant crater, head to Masaya Volcano National Park where you can hear the lava broiling underground. More volcanic peaks await on Ometepe Island where a network of trails offer good walking and riding opportunities and the chance to see ancient petroglyphs.
You’ll find dense jade forest thick with howler monkeys and brightly coloured birds in the Rio San Juan wildlife reserve, while for relaxation, you could explore the coastline around the up-and-coming fishing-village of San Juan del Sur or escape it all on the little-visited Corn Islands on the Caribbean coast.
It takes around seven hours to fly from the US to Nicaragua.
The time zone in Nicaragua is UTC-6 hours. Daylight Savings Time isn’t observed.
The best way to get around Nicaragua is with a private driver who can negotiate the sometimes-difficult roads and leave you to enjoy the scenery.
Although Nicaragua is an absorbing standalone destination, it also combines well with a visit to Costa Rica or Panama City. We can arrange overland transport to Costa Rica and a short flight to Panama.
US citizens don’t need a visa to visit Nicaragua, but you’ll need to buy a tourist card on arrival. If you’re entering Nicaragua by land, you’ll also be asked to pay a customs fee and a municipal fee. You may also be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel and sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay.
Speak to your doctor about immunization advice for Nicaragua and ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations at home. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Your passport should be valid for six months beyond your stay in Nicaragua and have at least two blank pages.
