Things to see and do in Nicaragua

Attractions in Nicaragua

Discover the beaches, turtles and party life of Rivas

The department of Rivas is home to surf and party capital, San Juan del Sur, as well as some of Nicaragua's most stunning – and often deserted – Pacific beaches, including El Coco, Marsella and Ocotal. The beach at La Flor Wildlife Reserve is where thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come to lay their eggs; you can watch them between July and January.

Don’t miss Managua

Most visitors bypass the capital Managua, a sprawling, busy city that’s somewhat less easy on the eye than its counterparts. But if you’re stopping over it’s worth visiting the National Museum, listening to a concert in the Rubén Darío National Theatre, or catching a baseball game, the country’s favourite sport, at the Dennis Martinez National Stadium.

Escape to the Corn Islands

Big Corn and Little Corn are two isolated Caribbean atolls that were once a haven for pirates. Just off the Nicaraguan east coast, Little Corn, in particular, is a pocket-sized paradise that ticks all the boxes – turquoise waters, palm-fringed white-sand beaches, stunning coral reefs and a relaxed vibe. Go snorkelling, diving, horseback riding, or just swinging in a hammock. Get there by plane or boat from Bluefields.

Go eco on Isla Ometepe

Rising out of Lake Nicaragua, this idyllic twin-coned volcanic island is home to friendly fishing and farming communities. Stay in one of the village’s small eco-lodges; climb steep Concepción or the easier but muddier Maderas; search for petroglyphs; cycle around the island or simply lounge on the lakeshore beaches.

Hop around the Solentiname Islands

Set in a remote corner of Lake Nicaragua, this archipelago is made up of 36 tropical islands and islets. A haven for hikers, birdwatchers and art lovers, San Fernando, Mancarrón, La Venada and Mancarroncita are the largest islands and play home to a community of primitivism artists and the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge, a maze of forest and waterways that teems with wildlife.

Learn Spanish in Granada

This picture-perfect, colonial city on the shore of Lake Nicaragua makes an ideal base for exploring. Stroll around its cobbled streets and visit its ancient churches, kayak around its tiny islands, dine in its upmarket restaurants and, if you have time to fit it in around excursions, try some Spanish lessons at a non-profit school or look at volunteering opportunities.

Look out for jaguars in Indio Maíz

For the ultimate jungle adventure, explore the dense forest of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve in the far southeast, home to more species of birds, trees and insects than the whole of Europe. Day hikes are run from nearby El Castillo or San Juan del Norte; go with an indigenous Rama Indian guide and, if you’re lucky, you might spot an elusive jaguar.

Make your weekend with Sunday Funday

One of the more debaucherous activities you’ll find when travelling Nicaragua, Sunday Funday is a hostel, pool and bar crawl through the sleepy beach town of San Juan del Sur that involves a lot of fun, a lot of sun, and plenty of drinking. Beginning at Pachamama hostel on the beach, the crawl finishes up in San Juan’s mountains at the Naked Tiger hostel, which is home to some of the most spectacular views in Nicaragua.

Meet Masaya’s artisans

There are two good reasons to visit the arty city of Masaya. Shop till you drop at the famous handicraft market where you can meet the skilled artisans and learn about the region’s fascinating folklore at the small museum. Or head to Masaya Volcano National Park, where you can hike around the ash-covered landscape and peer into a still-smoking crater.

Paddle down the Rio San Juan

Once an important transit route between the oceans, the river now forms the watery border with Costa Rica. Winding through remote towns and flanked by wildlife-filled forest, it still has an intrepid feel. Explore the fortress town of El Castillo, sail all the way to the Caribbean on a panga boat, or kayak along its banks to spot the diverse wildlife sitting beside the shores.

Penetrate the mists of Jinotega

Known as the ‘City of Mists’ for its wisps of high-altitude cloud, the birthplace of the Nicaraguan Revolution is now a peaceful city known for its cool climate, stunning valleys, pine forests and granite peaks. It makes a good base for exploring the surrounding coffee farms and nature reserves, lakes and rivers.

Rappel into Somoto Canyon

This geological wonder in northern Nicaragua is one of the oldest rock formations in Central America, dating back some 5 to 13 million years. Today, the whole canyon is protected as a National Monument; you can hike along its rocky trails to scenic viewpoints, take a boat tour, try rubber tubing along its crystal-clear water, or rappel down its vertical walls.

Ride down León’s Cerro Negro

Colonial León is the former capital with the lively, cultured feel of a university city. However, now, it’s made famous for its physical adventure attractions. For the thrill-seekers, climb to the top of Volcano Cerro Negro, and then shoot down its face on a purpose-built volcano board. For tours, Bigfoot Hostel run trips up and down the volcano, and if you have the fastest time, you’ll be treated to 3 celebratory shots of spicy chilli liquor.

Stay with a family in Estelí’s nature reserve

Estelí has a friendly, small-town feel with walls still covered in revolutionary murals from the 1980s. Nearby, Miraflor Natural Reserve offers hiking, riding and birdwatching through dry and cloud forest, famous for its hundreds of species of orchids. Accommodation is in basic cabins, or you can arrange a homestay with a local family to get a real taste of rural life.

Surf off San Juan del Sur

This one-time sleepy surfing hangout is now a bustling resort offering a plethora of attractions, from whale-watching cruises to horseback riding, with plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels to cater for all tastes and budgets. Maderas and Remanso surfing beaches are a short drive away, and you can take boats to other popular surf spots.

Wake up and smell the coffee in Matagalpa

If you want an authentic Nicaraguan caffeine hit or a bite of locally made chocolate, visit a coffee plantation in this temperate town in the northern highlands. Nearby, Finca Esperanza Verde is an eco-lodge, nature reserve and organic coffee farm set in tranquil cloud forest. It runs an award-winning reforestation programme and all tourism income is ploughed back into community projects.

Zipline over Mombacho Volcano

Mombacho's imposing cone can be seen from the historic city of Granada and the volcano's nature reserve is the perfect place to discover the flora and fauna of the cloud forest, including beautiful orchids in season. Local guides lead hikes from the peak to its craters, with spectacular panoramic views. Take the Miravalle Canopy Tour for a thrilling zip-line adrenaline rush.

Tourist offices

Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR)