Things to Do in Nicaragua

About Nicaragua

Nicaragua gets less attention than its Central American neighbors, and that works in your favor. Volcanic peaks rise through morning fog, colonial streets hold centuries of history, and you can surf at dawn then hike cloud forests by lunch. Granada's pastel buildings line cobblestone streets where horse-drawn carriages still operate. Indigenous markets sell cacao and hand-woven textiles. The heat is constant, but locals move through it without rushing—conversations happen slowly, and that pace changes how you travel. Ometepe Island has volcanic landscapes that don't look quite real. The Corn Islands have clean beaches. Nicaragua works best if you care more about what a place is than how it photographs, and the country has enough substance to keep you interested beyond the standard tourist circuit.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use chicken buses (retired US school buses) for authentic local travel at $1-3 between cities, but book private shuttles or rental cars for comfort and time efficiency. Domestic flights to remote areas like Corn Islands save hours of overland travel.

Money: Carry US dollars—widely accepted and often preferred over córdobas. ATMs are scarce outside major cities, so withdraw extra cash in Managua or Granada. Small bills ($1-20) work best for markets, tips, and local transportation.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Buenos días/tardes' before asking questions. Dress modestly in churches and rural areas. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially indigenous communities. Tipping 10-15% at restaurants shows appreciation for typically excellent service.

Food Safety: Street food is generally safe from busy stalls with high turnover. Try gallo pinto (rice and beans), nacatamales, and fresh tropical fruits. Drink bottled water outside major hotels. Seafood is excellent on the coasts but avoid it inland.

When to Visit

Nicaragua's dry season (December-April) offers ideal conditions with minimal rainfall, temperatures of 75-85°F, and constant trade winds that keep humidity comfortable. This peak season sees hotel rates increase 30-50%, especially around Christmas and Easter week (Semana Santa), when domestic tourism peaks. February-March provides the best balance of weather and crowds. The wet season (May-November) brings afternoon showers, higher humidity, and temperatures reaching 90°F, but accommodation costs drop 20-40% and the countryside explodes in lush green beauty. September-October sees the heaviest rainfall (8-12 inches monthly) but also fewer tourists and dramatic storm-watching opportunities. Hurricane season (June-November) requires monitoring, though direct hits are rare. Festival lovers should visit during La Purísima (December 7-8) for elaborate street celebrations, or Palo de Mayo (entire May) in Caribbean regions for Afro-Caribbean cultural festivities. Adventure travelers prefer May-July when rivers run full for white-water rafting, while surfers find consistent swells year-round on both coasts. Budget-conscious travelers should target September-November for the lowest prices, accepting trade-offs in weather predictability.