Top Things to do in Nicaragua: 10 day guide

Read on for the top things to do in Nicaragua with 10 days there. You can mix and match the activities as you see fit for your own trip.

Discover the Top Things to do in Nicaragua in 10 days

Days 1 & 2: San Juan del Sur – Beaches and surfing capital

San Juan del Sur is a beach town 20 minutes from the border with Costa Rica. It offers easy access to nearby beaches and surf camps, great fishing opportunities, and a vibrant party scene filled with expats.

One of the best beaches in Nicaragua is Playa Hermosa. Here you can sip delicious fresh cocktails after surfing the waves, and you usually have the beach completely to yourself!

Tip: You can rent surfboards at the beach.

Playa Maderas is one of Nicaragua’s most popular beaches. Not only does it feature one of the most spectacular sunsets in Nicaragua, but it is also San Juan’s most popular surfing spot. The waves here attract plenty of surfers and spectators alike.

Note: Make sure to try the delicious maracuya mojito.

Day 3: San Juan del Sur – Fishing and turtle hatchery

Make sure not to miss spending the day fishing on the high seas! Depending on the season in Nicaragua you can catch anything from the emerald Mahi Mahi to the toothed barracuda. Maybe with some luck even a black marlin (which is catch & release)!

Chartering a boat for the day gives you the chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales. You will also get the chance to visit remote beaches accessible only by boat!

One of the most exclusive beaches, accessible only by boat, Playa Blanca, is one of the few on the Pacific coast with white sand. It has crystal clear waters great for snorkeling and warm tide pools to relax in making it easily one of the best things to do in Nicaragua.

Feel free to send me a message if you want recommendations on local charters.

Tip: If you are prone to seasickness make sure to take some medication against it, the seas can get choppy here.

Depending on the season, you can visit the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor and see the turtle hatchery.

Day 4: Isla de Ometepe – Volcano Island

In the middle of Lake Nicaragua is Ometepe, an island formed by two volcanoes. The cone-shaped and active Volcan Concepción and the smaller, densely forested Volcan Maderas. You can easily reach Ometepe Island with a 45-minute ferry ride from the port of San Jorge.

Ometepe is great for hiking and fishing. The hiking trail to the San Ramon waterfall follows a small stream up the volcano through a luscious jungle.

If you want to soak in the cool fresh water under the waterfall, take a towel and swimming trunks. Comfortable shoes and enough water are a must. 

If you go to Ometepe, I recommend getting in touch with Antonio, an ornithologist, and conservationist from Ometepe. Antonio offers kayaking and bird-watching tours. Feel free to send me a message and I can share his contact details.

Day 5: Hiking Volcan Maderas

Day 6: Granada & Mombacho Volcano – Colonial Style

Granada is one of Central America’s oldest colonial cities. The colorful buildings and the rich sense of history make Nicaragua’s old capital a must-see. The bell tower of la Iglesia La Merced offers spectacular views of Lake Nicaragua.

You can also try out the local yuca-based dish called “vigoron” as well as freshly pressed juices in Granada’s central plaza.

Close to Granada, the Mombacho Volcano makes for a perfect day trip. Its cloud forest is accessible by easy-to-follow trails and you can see plenty of wildlife, including monkeys and sloths!

From atop the Mombacho look out over the hundreds of small islands, known as Las Isletas de Granada that were formed from the eruption of this volcano.

Day 7: Laguna de Apoyo – Relaxing in a Volcano

The crater lagoon of Laguna de Apoyo is my favorite spot to swim. Located in the caldera of a now extinct volcano its waters are heated by the volcano. Swimming here is said to provide health benefits by removing toxins from our bodies. Every time I come to Nicaragua I make sure I spend a day at the lagoon.

There are several hotels around the lagoon’s edge where you can relax, have a bite to eat, and rent kayaks and paddleboards. After spending a full day swimming to the sounds of howler monkeys and snacking on “tostones” (fried plantains with cheese, beans, and pico de gallo) you’ll feel completely relaxed.

A common local legend says that if you swim to the middle of the lagoon, there is a whirlpool that will suck you in, but I have never found it myself.

Day 7.5: Masaya Volcano – Stare into the abyss

Day 8: Leon – City of Artists and Revolutionaries

If you’re traveling from South to North like I was, try to spend as little time as possible in the capital Managua as there isn’t much to see or enjoy here. Go North to Leon instead!

The first stop in Leon should be going up to the rooftop of the largest cathedral in Central America. The Basílica de la Asunción is completely painted in white, and the domes adorning the rooftop of this cathedral give the impression of walking on clouds.

After the cathedral, you can search the streets for murals as well as world-renowned pieces of art. Leon is a city filled with history, culture, and museums.

Nicaragua’s finest collection of contemporary modern art, the Ortiz-Gurdián Collection houses masterpieces from Nicaraguan and Central American artists as well as works of art by Picasso, Dali, and Diego Rivera. The museum is located in a wonderful historic colonial house, so you can get a good sense of the colonial style with its long corridors and shaded courtyards.

Day 9: Cerro Negro – Volcano Boarding

The only place to sand-board down a volcano in the world is up the Cerro Negro. The easy 1-hour hike lends itself to panoramic views of the landscape as well as of the volcano’s crater.

I recommend finding a tour that takes you up in the late afternoon to avoid the direct sun in the morning and midday heat.

Once at the top prepare yourself for a rapid descent!

Your guide will explain how to control your speed, so you can go as fast or as slow as you like. Tours will always provide you with jumpsuits, boards, and goggles as the rocky sand can really scratch your skin. We had a great experience with Volcano Day in Nicaragua for our tour.

If you are looking for a thrilling, unique, and rewarding experience, make sure not to miss sandboarding down an active volcano dressed up as a minion.

Day 10: Selva Negra – Cloud Forest Coffee

Selva Negra is a charming eco-lodge reserve perfect for those wanting to escape the heat and get a sense of life up North. The hotel is self-sustainable and has a beautiful restaurant next to a small lake that holds the hydroelectric turbines that generate power for the property.

All of the ingredients used on the menu are produced locally. My favorite of their dishes is the classic Nicaraguan Tres Leches, a sweet cake made of three different kinds of milk.

There are hiking trails to follow on the property leading into the cloud forest where you have great opportunities to spot wildlife.

Selva Negra’s primary function is as a sustainable and organic coffee plantation.

They offer a coffee tour where you are taken through the coffee-making process at Selva Negra from start to finish. Startup in the mountains to chat with the coffee farmers and pick your own coffee. Down to the plants where the cherries are processed into beans. Ending back at the restaurant where the tour concludes with a coffee tasting.

Tip: Bring a jacket, up in the mountains it is much colder when the sun is down.

Read my tips for visiting Nicaragua

Getting Around Nicaragua

The most authentic way to travel around Nicaragua is by old, American donated school busses, known as “chicken buses”. Do keep in mind that these tend to be crowded, hot, and frequented by pickpockets.

If chicken buses aren’t your thing, there is also the option of hiring a local driver. I wouldn’t recommend self-driving, since streets in Nicaragua do not always have names and addresses can be tricky.

Where to Stay in Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur

• Hotel Anamar: Beachfront family-run hotel with a pool. They host weekly parties on Sundays (Sunday Funday).
• Hola Ola Hostel: Located on the other side of town, they host lots of activities and surf packages. They also have free shuttles at night for those looking to party in town.
• Tree Casa Resort: Luxurious tree house room accommodations with an amazing pool. Great food and drinks are also served here.

Ometepe

• Totoco Ecolodge: Eco-friendly lodge with some of the best views of the island. The place also has an infinity pool, where you can enjoy the sunset every evening. They also host various programs to support the local communities.
• Hostel Life is Good: Budget-friendly hostel serving fantastic food. Located in Moyogalpa (the town where you will arrive by ferry).
• Hacienda Merida: Located right on the beach you can rent kayaks and paddle to Monkey Island or the Istien River. They also run a free bilingual school to support the local community in Merida.

Granada

• Tribal Hotel: Beautifully decorated, situated on a quiet street, serves amazing cocktails and a delicious breakfast.
• Casa Bubu Guesthouse: Wonderful colonial house is in the heart of Granada.
• Hotel Plaza Marbella: Spacious, condominium-style rooms in the historical center.

Leon

• Poco a Poco Hostel: Well-located, clean, spacious hostel offering dorms with AC, as well as private rooms.
• Hotel El Convento: A bit on the pricey side. Has a beautiful courtyard.
• Hotel Flor de Sarta: Nice hotel with a refreshing pool.

Did you Know

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Where to Eat in Nicaragua

• Cocina de Doña Haydée: Traditional Nicaraguan dishes.
• Los Ranchos: Best restaurant in Nicaragua. Their steak and refried beans are a must-try!
• The Garden Cafe: Historical building in the historic center of Granada. Serves fresh food and delicious smoothies.
• Kathy’s Waffle House: Great breakfast place in the heart of Granada.
• Café Las Flores: Ideal place to work on your laptop or have a chat with friends. Serves amazingly delicious local coffee choices, food, and desserts.
• Asados Doña Tania: Best Fritangueria in Managua (Fritanga refers to authentic home cooked Nicaraguan food). One portion is large enough for two.
• Quesillos el Pipe: Undoubtedly the best quesillos in town (Quesillo is a popular street food in Nicaragua made of corn tortillas with melted cheese, served with onion and some sour cream). Make sure to eat yours straight from a plastic bag!
• Tacos la salle: Famous taqueria in Leon serving homemade Nicaraguan fried tacos.

Every time I return I am reminded of its beautiful natural landscape and its abundant biodiversity. From hiking to fishing or relaxing on beautiful beaches with no one else in sight Nicaragua remains an undiscovered gem. This Central American nation is waiting to be discovered by the next crowd-weary traveler. If you are ever planning to visit Nicaragua and need some advice feel free to get in touch.

Lots of love,
Julie

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