NICARAGUA
POPULAR DESTINATIONSSan Juan Del Sur
San Juan del Sur is the most popular travel destination on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast and offers a lively mix of local culture and tourist options. You will find a wide variety of activities such as surfing, ATV's, fishing, hiking, and exciting nightlife. San Juan is famous for its beach, but in my opinion it's not a beach to lay out on... it is more the shape, length and town that lies on it. There are many beaches south and north you can get to. Playa Maderas or Playa Hermosa are both very close! Corn Islands The Corn Islands lie about 45 miles off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast and are a hidden gem. Stunningly underdeveloped, cheaply-priced, and they aren't going to be a secret for very much longer! I have a feeling prices will be spiking any year now. Get to these idyllic, care-free, tropical paradise islands before their popularity and prices explode. Turquoise waters, palm trees, scuba diving, fishing and more! |
Ometepe Island
The island itself was formed by two volcanoes and is home to an active volcano, in the middle of a freshwater lake. Volcano hiking is one of the most popular things to do on Ometepe, but they are both long, strenuous, and difficult climbs, especially Concepción. It’s a bit rustic, a land of eco-activities, and is a very early-to-bed, early-to-rise place. There are lots of places where you can kayak around Ometepe, including a swamp on the isthmus and a “monkey island” - but don't get too close, they will attack! 
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LOCAL FOODNacatamales
A plantain leaf is filled with a cornmeal dough - called masa . They can also be stuffed with meat, vegetables, rice, or achiote. You’ll find nacatamales at the market, ready to eat. Gallo Pinto Traditional dish of Nicaragua and Costa Rica made of rice and beans alongside fried or scrambled eggs. If you get lucky, you might even get some veggies and fried plantains! Most people in Nicaragua eat this almost daily and it is considered a national symbol. Fresh Seafood Most restaurants didn’t have a set menu and would offer a few fresh catches of the day. Concha negra is a popular local shellfish and sometimes you will have an option of coconut or garlic sauces. If you love Lobster - you are in luck! You can get 3 lobster tails for about $20 at a nice restaurant, with sides. *You can easily find meals for less than $5.
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CURRENCY
$1 USD = 28.5 C$
Using Córdobas is the best option in Nicaragua, but the US dollar is the alternative currency and usually accepted.
BUS TRANSPORT
Most travelers use the run down local buses to get around from town to town or down the coast. If you are traveling a longer distance across country, then there are more updated buses - but don't expect much. Make sure you pay once you get on the bus and not before you get on. People will try to get you to pay prior - but this is only so you go on their bus. Keep your passport with you when traveling by bus, as they are favored by high jackers.
Never... and I'm going to repeat it again... NEVER put your bag under the bus in the storage compartment. They may try to take it from you when getting on, but I always resist them and state that I will be putting it on my lap. I know it seems inconvenient, but I promise you it's not as inconvenient as having your belongings stolen.
Never... and I'm going to repeat it again... NEVER put your bag under the bus in the storage compartment. They may try to take it from you when getting on, but I always resist them and state that I will be putting it on my lap. I know it seems inconvenient, but I promise you it's not as inconvenient as having your belongings stolen.
CAR TRANSPORT
Pickups can be arranged for longer distances as well as short distances. A safe way to arrange a car transport is through the hotel you are staying at or if you are using Airbnb the hosts are always so helpful in setting this up for you. This way you know you are getting a reliable local recommendation. For example: From Managua Airport to San Juan Del Sur you can expect to pay no more than $200 and this will be in a very reliable, mid size, vehicle.
AIR TRANSPORT
Flights within Nicaragua are not an easy way to get around - I wouldn't recommend flying within the country unless you really need to or you're planning on going out to the Corn islands off the Caribbean coast. Most people travel by car or bus - unless you are flying privately. Managua is the only International Airport and near the city center.
For more information, see Nicaragua airports.
For more information, see Nicaragua airports.
WHICH VACCINATIONS ARE NEEDED?
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination, such as measles, tetanus, etc. Although, I have never been asked for proof that I am up to date with vaccinations in other countries - it is still a smart thing to do.
Recommended:
Recommended:
- Hepatitis A: Exposure to the virus Hepatitis A can occur through consumption of contaminated food or water, regardless of where you are in the country.
- Typhoid: Also, through contaminated food or water in Nicaragua - especially is you are an adventurous eater or plan to be in rural areas.
- Malaria: Avoid Mosquitos! Visit your local doctor prior to departing for your trip and your doctor will prescribe you an anti malaria pill that you should begin taking a few weeks before you leave and after you return.
FAQ's
1. LANGUAGES?
- Most commonly spoken is Spanish. Almost everyone I encountered while traveling knew enough English to get by. Some people only knew Spanish and then I was forced to use my broken Spanish and a lot of hand gestures to get by. ;) If you are on the caribbean coast of the country and parts of the northern coast of Central America you may hear some Garifuna - which is a minority language still widely spoken in villages of Garifuna people.
- The short answer is NO. It's not worth the risk - buy bottled water.
- You can expect to pay around $35 per day when traveling on a budget - which would include: accommodation, meals, buses, and a few drinks! It really depends on your style of traveling - there were days when I did nothing, but lay on the beach and snack - which didn't cost much at all!
- Bring $100 USD in $5's and $1's. Trust, just do it. There are ATM's (which don't always work) scattered around in most main towns, but I cannot tell you how frustrating it can be when taxi drivers, grocery stores, vendors, and restaurants don't have change to break your money. Credit cards are widely accepted in larger towns but rarely in rural areas PLAN AHEAD & keep your money close to you.
