A Guide to Backpacking Nicaragua

Putting aside my personal opinions mentioned in Backpacking Nicaragua, here is my guide to backpacking Nicaragua!

Where you start will be dependent on which neighboring country you come from, a friend and I got a 22 hour bus from Guatemala (slight stop over in El Salvador) and arrived first in the city Leon but if you’re flying, you’re likely to fly in to Managua.

Leon (3-4 days)

Leon is a beautiful city, even when you’re struggling with never ending food poisoning. One of the main highlights is volcano boarding down volcano Cerro Negro. An active volcano which you can climb and race down on a board.

• Volcano boarding – I was petrified at first but it’s SO much fun.
• Free walking tour
• Food market tour (guide or by yourself)
• Lean Cathedral – beautiful white Cathedral. You can climb to the top and walk across the domes and get a beautiful view of the city.
• Experience the night life
• Take a salsa class, we did one at the hostel.

Granada (2-3 days)

Next up was a local bus to the town of Granda – yet another aesthetically pleasing town. The Spanish influence on the architecture is beautiful and very prominent. Here’s my recommendations on what to do:

• You guessed it, new city means new walking tour!
• Tree house party/rave at a beautiful tree house hostel. This party is every Friday during high season and will be advertised in all local hostels with transportation to the tree house. Heads up – the transport is you’re all stood in the back of a pick-up being thrown around and ducking from trees.
• There are lots of day trips that can be done from Granada from lagoons to close by citys, caves and beaches. Research for what you find best!

Ometepe (3-5 days)

A lot of people go from Granda to San Juan Del Sur for Sunday Funday but we didn’t, we went straight to Ometepe which is a beautiful volcanic island with lots to do. We got a moped between two and rode around the island at our own pace visiting all the landmarks we wanted, it saves money and gives you a lot more freedom! If you’re not confident, this is a good place to learn to ride one as the roads are super quiet.

• Rent a moped/scooter/motorbike to explore the island
• Visit La Ojode Agua – some stunning natural pools that give you a break from the sun.
• Hike one of the two volcanoes
• Altagarcia – beautiful walk with a butterfly sanctuary
• Kayaking tour – we saw monkeys!
• San Roman waterfall
• Ask locals/hsotel staff for the best sunset watching spots.

San Juan Del Sur/Playa Maderas

San Juan is essentially a party beach town. The country had been hit hard with some tragic local events when I visitied so it wasn’t as busy as it’s known for, nevertheless it was still so much fun. The main attraction is ‘Sunday Funday’ which is an all day pool party/hostel pool craw across 4 venues which great DJ’s, glitter, incredible swimsuits and everything else you’d expect .

We stopped at Playa Maderas first and stayed in a Selena hostel. It has it’s own pool, slack line and was a 5 minute walk away from the beach. Loved it here! This whole area is surf and party based so my recommendations are as follows:

• Surf lessons and/or rent a surf board for a few days! Spend time chilling on the beach while jumping in and out of the water for a surf. The waves are great for beginners to advance surfers and if you fancy it, there are a lot of surf camps you can spend time at. I wish I had the time!
• Sunday Funday – I honestly had the best time! We stayed at Naked Tiger which is one of the party venues so don’t expect much sleep but for the one or to nights it’s worth it. Everyone gets ready together and hops between venues with the transport provided.
• Walk around the town – San Juan is very pretty and quaint. It’s worth having wonder round for bars, shops and food.
• Have a beach/pool day. Read a book and enjoy the weather.

I only had two weeks in Nicaragua so this itinerary is limited. There is a lot more you can do and see and despite some not so great experiences, I still may visit again one day.

This was my time up in Central America so with some tears, I left all the incredible people I’d met in the two months and flew down to Colombia.