Nicaragua offers a unique blend of natural beauty, unique experiences, and cultural richness. Culture lovers will love to explore colonial cities, and adventure-seekers can relieve stress by volcano boarding or kitesurfing. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, Nicaragua will exceed your expectations for a truly unforgettable getaway.

Find out more about this vibrant Central American destination here.

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Where to go in Nicaragua?

León
Granada
Ometepe Island
Corn Islands
San Juan Del Sur
Masaya
Popoyo
Las Peñitas
El Tránsito

Travel itinerary for Nicaragua

Want to explore Nicaragua? Great choice! Let’s help you build the best holiday with these model itineraries. One is a two-week-itinerary in Nicaragua, the other one is three weeks in Nicaragua.

Practical information about travelling to Nicaragua

You probably have a lot of questions before starting to plan your holiday to Nicaragua. Hopefully this overview will help

Best time to visit Nicaragua

Nicaragua has three seasons: dry season, shoulder season and rainy season. The best time to visit Nicaragua depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, activities and of course when you’re able to take your holiday. Find out more below:

Dry season in Nicaragua is from December to April

Generally, the dry season is considered the best time to visit Nicaragua, with sunny days, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall. It’s ideal for when you want to go hiking and explore water sports. However, December to February is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. When traveling during this period, it is better to book your accommodation and transportation more in advance.

On the Pacific coast, you can witness the humpback whales migration between December and March.

May and November are shoulder seasons

In May and November, the weather is transitioning from dry to rainy season in Nicaragua, so there may be occasional showers and increased humidity. It’s a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds, not only in your hotel, but also during activities.

Rainy season is from May to October in Nicaragua

Typically, rainy season in Nicaragua lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall happening from June to September. You’ll experience lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. However, do keep in mind that tropical storms may occur during these times as well.

If you are interested in cultural festivals and events, be sure to check out Palo de Mayo festival in May on the Caribbean coast, and the San Jerónimo festival in September in Masaya.

How to get to Nicaragua?

Getting to Nicaragua mostly depends on where you are traveling from.

Most people arrive in Nicaragua via international flight arriving at the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua (MGA), the capital city. Most countries however do not offer direct flights, so a layover in the U.S. is possible.

If you’re traveling through multiple countries in Central America, you can cross the border by land. Nicaragua shares land borders with Costa Rica in the south and Honduras to the north, via which you can go directly to El Salvador. It is essential to check current border crossing procedures before your trip online or in your hotel. Between major cities and neighboring countries there are direct bus services such as Tica Bus and TransNica.

How to get around in Nicaragua?

Getting around in Nicaragua is not super hard. Options are mostly limited to road transport. Although the public transport, using the local chicken busses might be a fun experience for once, it is not the most reliable way of traveling as itineraries are pretty much non-existent. Shuttle services for longer journeys are recommended. They are more comfortable and more convenient than public buses. They often offer door-to-door service and travel time will be faster. For shorter distances, you could opt for taxis. Taxis are widely available in Managua, León and Granada. Don’t forget to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. There is no Uber in Nicaragua.

Especially on Ometepe Island renting a scooter or an ATV is recommended if you are planning to explore the island. Those visiting the Corn Islands will probably travel by domestic flight.

Vaccinations

Check your vaccinations before traveling to Nicaragua and be sure to talk this through with your healthcare provider to give you all the information that you need, following your needs, health history and travel plans.

Be sure to check the vaccinations needed when travelling to tropical countries such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and yellow fever. However, don’t forget to ensure that you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, influenza and polio. Note that in most tropical countries like Nicaragua the antibodies for rabies coming from dog or batbites are very hard to get and when bitten without a rabies vaccines, there is a high likelyhood of having to cut you trip short and go to the hospital in your homecountry.

Travel documents

Passport

You need to bring a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended date of departure in Nicaragua. It is advised to make copies of your passport and keep them in a separate and secure location during your trip.

Visa requirements

Before traveling to Nicaragua check visa requirements for your nationality on official websites, to ensure that you have the necessary visas or entry permits before traveling. It’s important to note that visa requirements and application processes can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the official website of the Nicaraguan Directorate General of Immigration for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

For stays under 90 days for tourism purposes citizens from the European Union, United States, Canada and most Latin American countries can receive a tourist card. Be sure to hold onto your departure card, because you will need to show it, exiting the country.

Money in Nicaragua

The local currency in Nicaragua is the Cordoba (NIO). ATMs are available in most tourist towns. Credit cards are mostly accepted, but there might be a fee up to 10%. It’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller purchases and in case cards are not accepted. US dollars are widely accepted in Nicaragua, but not with the most beneficial exchange rates.

Tipping is not mandatory in Nicaragua but is appreciated for good service. Sometimes a service charge may already be included in restaurants. A tip of 10-15% is generally appropriate for exceptional service.

What to pack to Nicaragua

It is essential to consider the climate of Nicaragua during the time that you’ll be there, planned activities that need special clothing and cultural norms.

Here’s a checklist to help you pack for your trip:

0. The most important and irreplaceable item: your passport. Don’t forget to carry copy of your passport and travel insurance information.

Clothing: pack light and bring breathable fabrics to fit Nicaragua’s tropical climate. Other than the obvious swimwear, shorts, skirts, t-shirts and dresses, it can come in handy to bring a light sweater for cooler evenings and a rain jacket. If you’re planning on climbing one of Nicaragua’s many volcano’s don’t forget to bring appropriate footwear.
Sun protection, mosquito repellent
daypack, beach bag or tote bag.
Reusable water bottles are the sustainable choice, but unfortunately you won’t be able to refill your bottle everywhere and you might need to buy plastic bottles anyway. But bring it for the 75% of places where you can refill your bottle.
Traveling from outside of the Americas? Bring a travel adapter as Nicaragua uses Type A and Type B outlets.
Don’t forget to bring your prescription medications, basic first-aid kit including bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal medication.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.
Hand sanitizer: Carry hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes for times when soap and water are not available.

What not to pack: drones are prohibited in Nicaragua.

Economy

Nicaragua’s economy is driven by several sectors. Agriculture employs a large portion of the population and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. Important agricultural products include coffee, bananas, sugar, tobacco, and beef. The export of these agricultural products also plays an important role in its economy. So does manufacturing. The textile and apparel industry is growing as an alternative for low-cost production. Another increasingly important sector is tourism.

Quick Nicaraguan history overview

Nicaragua has a complex and multifaceted history. Be sure to dive into it, to have a more remarkable experience when visiting. Here is a brief overview from the indigenous civilizations, the Spanish colonization, political issues to social movements.

Nicaragua’s history starts with the Pre-Columbian Era, when there were multiple of indigenous tribes inhabiting the region. Artifacts and archaeological sites from these civilizations can be visited.

In the 1520s Spanish colonization began in Nicaragua, establishing cities such as Granda and León.

300 years later, in 1821, Nicaragua gained its independence from From Spain. After becoming independent, Nicaragua was part of the Federal Republic of Central America, consisting of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. However, there were a lot of internal conflicts, dissolving the federation in 1838. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, there were multiple interventions by foreign powers.

In 1937 the Somoza family rose to power, ruling the country for over four decades, with repression, corruption, and authoritarianism. The Somoza dictatorship ended with the Sandinista Revolution in 1979. The Sandinistas, a left guerilla group, established a socialist government, changing Nicaragua’s political landscape drastically. They immediately faced opposition from the U.S.-backed Contra rebels, starting a decade-long civil war known as the Contra War. In 1990 the Sandinistas lost power via elections, starting yet another period of political transition.

But in 2007, Ortega, the leader of the Sandinista National Liberation Front, was re-elected as the President of Nicaragua. Up to this day, the country knows a lot of political polarization, social unrest, environmental issues, and economic inequality. Ortega, still the president, has been criticized for authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and allegations of electoral fraud.

Particularly in 2018, protests erupted over social security reforms and evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. These protests were met with a crackdown by security forces, resulting in casualties and human rights concerns.

Nowadays it is calmer in the country and travelers notice nothing about the political situation in the country but it is advised to For the most up-to-date information on Nicaragua’s political situation and leadership, it’s advisable to consult recent news sources.

Safety

Nicaragua is generally safe for travelers. But as in any destination it is important to remain vigilant, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. Mind your beleongings, avoid walking alone at night and be aware of scams.

Fun facts about Nicaragua

Did you know that Nicaragua is often referred to as the ‘Land of Lakes and Volcanoes’, counting over fourty volcanoes and having sizeable amounts of lakes, such as Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America.

Between December and March you have the opportunity to spot the humpback whale migration on the Pacific coast. It’s worth booking a sustainable tour to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Fiesta de Santo Domingo is a festival celebrated every year on August 1st. Don’t miss the ‘Baile de las Negras’, a traditional dance performed in the streets of Managua and witness their cultural heritage.

In Masaya, a city close to Granada, you can chill in the world’s largest hammock, which is over 100 feet long.

Originally, plans to construct a canal connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean were made to go through Nicaragua.

Bianca Jagger was born in Managua in 1945; as her last name suggests, she was married to Mick Jagger. She has been actively involved in humanitarian causes, focusing on human rights, environmental protection, gender equality, and social justice.

Traditional Nicaraguan dishes

Nicaraguan cuisine is distinct, flavorful, and influenced by indigenous, African, Spanish and Caribbean culinary traditions. Here are some delicious local foods to try whilst in Nicaragua:

Gallo Pinto: the most common traditional Nicaraguan dish. It’s made from cooked rice and beans seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. Gallo pinto is often served for breakfast with eggs, cheese, plantains, or tortillas.

Nacatamal: nacatamales, similar to tamales, are made from masa dough filled with seasoned chicken, pork, or beef, along with rice, vegetables, and spices. The ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked.

Vigorón: a traditional street food dish consisting of boiled yuca topped with chicharrón and curtido. It is a favorite snack or appetizer.