Don’t Go To Nicaragua And Not Do This
Currency: Córdoba & Dollar
Visa: Yes, On arrival $12
Language: Spanish
34.12 Córdobas = $1
Visits: 2
Visit Again? Yes
Oh, Nica! That’s short for four syllable country Nicaragua that delighted and enhanced my travel experience beyond my initial thoughts. We often hear people speak about the beauty of Central America, but it always seem as though Nicaragua is skipped over. I get a great deal of comfort traveling to places that aren’t plastered all over Instagram. I have had Nicaragua on my list for a long time as flash deals constantly flashed in my face saying “GET HERE!”. I was a little bit uneasy about going due to rumors and negative opinions. Once I saw my fellow travel slayer @victoriaaloa there having the time of her life. She reassured me that everything is platonic from her experience.
With its natural appeal and affordable lifestyle, Nicaragua quickly earned it’s place in my top 5 countries. Once tarnished by its rough violent pass, Nicaragua has now become the destination for backpackers, expats and retirees. In my own words, I call it the “Bali” of Central America. I went to Nicaragua completely solo and I must say I had the time of my life! I was supportively around other solo travelers and open minded individuals that welcomed me with open arms to join their crew. After falling in love with this country so much, I ditched touristy Costa Rica and went back for a round 2. Here are a my recommendations on how to enjoy this beautiful secret with limited time.
Getting There
Plane
If you choose to fly, you will be flying into Managua airport. It is the only airport in Nicaragua. Flights can be as low as $200 from New York to Managua with Spirit Airlines.
Bus
Traveling by bus is great because you can either start in the north in a town like Leon if coming from El Salvador. Or start in the south in a town like San Juan Del Sur if coming from Costa Rica. If you are traveling by bus I recommend using Tica bus because they will guide you through everything. If you are traveling by public bus from a surrounding country by border, for instance coming from Costa Rica, the cost can be as low as $5.
Safety
When I am speaking safety I am always speaking, in my opinion as a solo, female, African- American traveler in my late twenties. While in Nicaragua, at no time did I ever feel in danger. I am also a very observant and cautious person who pay attention to energy and vibes. Everywhere I go, I always analyze situations as where are emergencies exits and my strengths. It is just my natural instincts.
My only con about my entire trip was the street harassment/cat calling. In all of the countries I have visited, this was by far the most I have ever dealt with. Even with this, I personally didn’t feel in danger but another woman who doesn’t have the same traits as me can feel differently. The men would do it at a distance and nowhere close. Cat calling is one of biggest pet peeves in men, I absolutely HATE it, what gives you the entitlement to call out at a woman. However, this was more annoying than a fear. This is the only drawback to prepare for.
Where to Go & What to do
I initially was only supposed to spend a maximum of 4 simple days here but ended up cutting my trip in pricey a** Costa Rica short and did a total of 10 days. The best way to explore Nicaragua is to pick either the North or South and make your way around stopping in each town along the way. This makes for easier and hassle free traveling instead of putting more time being on the road unnecessarily. Filled with refreshing beaches, rainforests, volcanos and lots of pink sunsets, Nicaragua is perfect for the person who appreciates tranquility while binge eating galla pinto.
MANAGUA
This is just somewhere you fly in to. If you are thinking to spend some time here please divert that thought. It is just another noisy city with nothing to do in my opinion. Depending on the time you get in, either rent a car or head straight to the bus terminal across the street from UCA. Here you will find buses that will take you to various locations. A bus to Granda (30 minutes away) is 40 Cordoba and a bus to Leon (3 hours away) was 70 Cordoba.
Leon
Leon was actually Nicaragua’s capital until 1857. Leon is a perfect mixture between a city and town. The streets are always busy, and markets fill the old square. This place is very much an old town so don’t expect any kind of fancy accommodations whatsoever. During my time here there was a parade filled with bands and dancers, not sure what the celebration was, but the acts were impressive and reminded me of my HBCU’s homecoming. Walking around the square will lead you into my top three recommendations while here.
The is the largest cathedral in Central American, but the beauty is the roof. So divinr with Santorini vibes. Entrance to the roof of Leon Cathedral is $3.
A museum dedicated to the brave revolutionists who stood up against the Somoza dictatorship. Museum of the Revolution highlights this time along with moving artwork
Volcano Surfing is rated by CNN at #2 for the most extreme thing you can do in the world. A thrilling and exhilarating experience that I highly recommend. You are in control of your speed you and can stay at a pace you are comfortable with. Not to brag or anything haha, I was the fastest person out of my group when I did this activity at 65 km/ph. This tour leave everyday from Big Foot Hostel for $25 + $5 park fees and an additional $5 if you would like a worker to carry your board to the top. Read my review here.
The oldest town in Nicaragua, Granda is where the Spanish settled first. An old colonial town, you will find beautifully colorful architecture that the Spaniards are known for having. What’s great about this town is that it is a central hub. Meaning you can get to other parts western Nicaragua from here. While here be sure to:
Visit Granada Cathedral, the most beautiful and eye catching building in Granada. Located in Granada Square, you can go inside this yellow and maroon cathedral and climb to the top for $1 for a birds eye view of the city.
Join a free walking tour to learn additional insight about the town, be sure to leave a tip!
Rent a bicycle for 60 cordobas an hour ($1.74) and explore the small city.
Visit ChocoMuseo and go on a tour for FREE. Treat yourself to a chocolate massage, something that was on my bucket list for a long time ($40).
Where To Stay:
Laguna De Apoyo & Masaya Volcano
Laguna De Apoyo view stop
Laguna De Apoyo or Apoyo Lagoon is crater that has been filled with water naturally. Located about 20 minutes from Granada, a shuttle is $2, and the views are incredible. Many of the accommodations offer day passes for as low as $6. The best option is book the Lagoon and Masaya Volcano tour. The shuttle depart at 9 am, where you will spend all day at the lagoon at Paradiso Hostel, relaxing, swimming, lounging in beach chairs and unlimited kayaking. Then at 4 pm you will visit Masaya Volcano to see active lava, all for $30.I’ve seen tours online for triple that amount. Paradiso Hostel was beautiful sanctuary with an extensive food menu and palm trees everywhere. If you have extra time I would recommend exploring Masaya as I heard it was also a beautiful town. Let me know!
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The only island formed by two volcanoes Concepción and Maderas, Ometepe is as remarkable as the way it was conceived. Sitting in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, this place is a nature lovers dream. There are many options for getting there, you can drive, take a taxi, a shuttle or take public transportation to San Jorge, where you will catch the ferry to Ometepe.
I took public transportation, a chicken bus (what the locals call their public bus) to Rivas for 50 cord ($1.46), then a taxi to San Jorge for $1. Once at the ferry dock, I had to pay a departure tax of 30 cord and the ticket for 50 cord. The ferry runs everyday, every hour from 7 am to 5:30 pm. A helpful note is that you can take your rental vehicle on to the ferry for $25. The best way to explore the island is to rent a scooter (from $10) or 4 X 4 (from $50) self driven or with a driver for either half day (morning to evening) or a full 24 hours. I rented my scooter from 1 pm tp 6 pm for $7. I got that rate because my scooter broke down on the side of the road and I had to find a mechanic. The struggle was real. Here are highlights of Ometepe, whatever interests you depicts the amount of time you should spend there.
click on images to enlarge
Join others for free yoga at El Pital- Chocolate Paradise, everyday at 7:30 AM & 4:40 PM.
Hike Volcano Concepcion, a total of 10 hours up and down, I opted out, but that doesn’t mean you have to! The entrance fee is 100 cords and you can pay up to $40 to hike with a guide which is highly recommended.
Waterfall San Ramon consists of 2 hours up to get to see this beauty. It is said it is only visible during wet season. There is a $3 entrance fee.
Have a thing for black sand? Punta de Jesus Maria is a must see, the sunset is incredible to watch from here. The best part is that there is no entrance fee.
You can also kayak here, for a different scenic view than in Apoyo Lagoon. It won’t be free and will cost a minimum of $15.
Ojo De Agua is a natural hot springs pool. A fun place to relax and cool off from the scorching sun. The entrance fee is $5 which I thought was pretty high for Nicaragua but comparing it to the hot spring I went to near Aspen Colorado for $30, of course $5 can suffice.
San Juan Del Sur is on the pacific coast and top rated amongst surfers. No wonder it is a popular destination with beach lovers (something I am not). As much as it is know for its surf scene, there are just as much parties to match. Although it has other things to do, beaches and parties are always my least favorite of things to travel. As much as I love meeting new people, I am a huge introvert and prefer not to be in social settings like parties. And sand, yea it just never seems to get out of anything. San Juan Del Sur is usually the first stop for someone traveling by bus from Costa Rica, otherwise it is two-hours from Managua. There is no shortage of fun in San Juan Del Sur.
Tree Casa, a huge tree house complete with water slide. You may see mny travelers spending the day here spending their money booze because there is NO entry fee.
Since this place is popular amongst surfers why not surf lessons. Especially for only $25 compared to $35+ in Costa Rica.
For a smooth relaxing day take a catamaran or go horse riding on the beach. ($75)
Many travelers plan out their trip to be in San Juan Del Sur Sunday Funday, a massive pool and bar crawl. Tickets are $30 if you start at very beginning and 2 pm and $20 if you just go to the party at Naked Hostel. There is a shuttle that picks you up from each bar and take you to the other.
Christ of Mercy is the second largest statue of Christ, after Christ The Redeemer in Brazil of course. It is a short hike to the top, but you can also opt for a taxi to take you up there. Entrance fee is $2 for foreigners.
Take my word, Nicaragua is truly incredible and breathe of fresh air for a common traveler. I encourage you to visit before it become the new Costa Rica a.k.a. expensive and touristy. Right now is to perfect to take advantage of binge eating gallo pinto for less than $2 and coconut water. I hope this post has encouraged someone.
xoxo,
Aunt Abi
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