15 things we loved in Nicaragua
- 5 minutes reading
1. Surf at Playa Remanso
Playa Remanso is located on the west coast of Nicaragua, just a few km south from San Juan del Sur. We stayed right by the beach at Casa Maya which is just a few steps away from the waves. We would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a nice and quite place to surf.
2. Wander in the colorful streets of Granada
Oh Granada... The colonial city full of life, colors and history has been our favorite in Nicaragua. Simply walk around, relax at the central park, visit the iconic Cathedral of Granada and end your day with a sunset from Iglesia Señora de la Merced.
3. Get lost in the aisles of Granada Central Market
The main Mercado of Granada is huge and you can find what ever you're looking for there expect your way! Make sure to bring your best bargaining skills and discover a lot of new food / drink and more. We recommend heading there early in the morning to enjoy it the fullest.
4. Swim in an ancient volcanic caldera at Laguna de Apoyo
Laguna de Apoyo is a serene and gorgeous place near Granada. It's possible to sleep by the lake or to go for a day trip. You can reach it by chicken buses fairly easily but be ready to walk. We took a chicken bus from the bus station to Masaya and ask to get dropped at the entrance of the lake. The bus dropped us by the highway. From there, we only had to cross the road and either take another yellow chicken bus or walk our way to the lake (a good 1.5 hour up and down).
5. Drive around Ometepe on a scooter
Ometepe was our favorite place in Nicaragua: volcanoes, lake, waterfall, mangrove, jungle, it has it all. The only thing missing is a good public transportation. However, renting a bike was so much fun and definitely worth it. Expect to spend $15 - $20 a day for a motorbike. Also, beware that the roads aren't great and it can be dangerous if you're not use to drive. A good alternative could be renting an ATV for around $55 a day. Prices tends to be higher in Moyogalpa compare to the rest of the island.
6. Hike a volcano in Ometepe
Looking for a bit of challenge while exploring Nicaragua? Hiking Conception or Maderas volcanoes is just what you need. The hardest part will be to choose between the fire Conception and the water Maderas... If you feel very adventurous, you can always go for both! Conception, located on the northern part of the island is the highest and offers unbeatable views. On the southern side, Maderas has a rain forest and a lake within its crater where you can swim. This also means the hike gets very muddy and slippery. We would only recommend it to people who really enjoy hiking has they are both very challenging.
7. Enjoy a wonderful sunset at Playa Mangos
Playa Mangos is the ultimate spot for magical sunsets. With a perfect view on volcano Conception and a very nice vibe, make sure to spend at least one evening there. You'll also find a swing and a platform to jump in the lake. The place offers food and drinks if needed.
8. Swim and relax in the natural pool in Ometepe
While most people will go to El Ojo de agua, we would recommend Piscina El Manantial. This is a refreshing and peaceful pool surrounded by nature and not nearly as crowded as Ojo de agua. We paid C$100 for 2 (2,5 €) to enter, someone was cleaning it for us and we had it to ourselves the entire time.
9. Learn all about cacao at the Chocolate Paradise
You love chocolate and wanna know more about cacao and the chocolate production process? Meet Justin on Ometepe Island at the Chocolate Paradise and take a tour with him. He knows all about it and is so passionate. It was one of our favorite experience in Ometepe. We learned a lot and could try as much cacao as we wanted.
10. Kayak Istián River
The beautiful river and swamp land of Rio Istián can be explored on a kayak trip. You will be able to see lots of birds like egrets, whistling ducks and jacanas but also reptiles and turtles. Many kayaks rentals are available near the river. We rented them from Playa Mangos. They also offers tours if you want to increase your chances of spoting wildlife.
11. Have a coffee at Finca Magdalena, with a view
Finca Magdalena in Ometepe Island is a hostel / eco-lodge and also a coffee plantation. Make sure to find the balcony on the second floor for the best view (the stairs are facing the bathroom) and enjoy a delicious locally grown coffee. The finca also offers coffee plantation tours.
12. Chill at Simple Beach in Las Peñitas
Las Peñitas is a peaceful surf town on the pacific coast of Nicaragua. We liked spending time there mostly because it has the perfect size and a good mix between locals and tourists, which is rare for a surf town. The best spot to surf is right in front of Simple Beach, where a drink after a session is very gratifying.
13. Go volcano boarding at Cerro Negro
If you're already in Nicaragua, the chance that you've heard about volcano boarding is very high. We had some doubts before doing it as we usually don't very touristy attraction. But honestly, it is so worth it!!! We would recommend those who aren't party people to avoid Big Foot Hostel and to book a tour with one of the other agency (plenty of choices on Big Foot street). Also, the sunset there is stunning. If you can, book your tour in the afternoon to watch it while sliding down ;)
14. Stand on the roof of Leon, on top of the largest cathedral in central America
Did you know Nicaragua has the largest cathedral in all central America? Well, now you do! Basílica Catedral de la Asunción de León is located on the main square of Leon and it's definitely worth a visit. It's fully white and you can actually climb to the top and see the surroundings for $2. We recommend doing so at sunset to enjoy the best views over the city.
15. Try a typical drink: bebida el pinol
You haven't truly explore Central Amercia if you haven't tried at least once bebida el Pinol. We had our first Pinol in Nicaragua. Pinol is made from roasted white corn and milk or water. It can be cold or hot depending on the recipe. We still haven't decided weather we like it or not... Let us know what you think of it!