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Nicaragua

What can you expect from Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a country of lakes and volcanoes, where colonial cities coexist with wild Pacific surf and serene Caribbean beaches. Despite its complex political history, Nicaragua offers one of the most authentic travel experiences in Central America, with welcoming locals, an amazing cultural heritage, and landscapes that vary from dense cloud forests to big volcanic plains.

You can expect a slower pace of life, fewer crowds than in neighboring Costa Rica, and a lower cost of living. Whether wandering the colorful streets of Granada, climbing an active volcano near León, or catching waves in San Juan del Sur, you’ll be in awe of Nicaragua.

Things to See and Do in Nicaragua

Explore the colonial charm of Granada
Hike and volcano board down Cerro Negro
Surf the Pacific waves in San Juan del Sur
Visit the twin volcanic island of Ometepe
Wander the lively streets of León
Take a boat tour of Las Isletas on Lake Nicaragua
Relax on the Caribbean beaches of Corn Islands
Discover wildlife in Indio Maíz Biological Reserve
Kayak through the Apoyo Lagoon Nature Reserve

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: Hostels range from $9–$22 per night, while mid-range hotels or guesthouses can cost between $33–$77.

Food: Meals at local eateries, also known as comedores, are budget-friendly and often cost under $6. Western-style restaurants and cafés may cost $9–$16 per meal.

Transportation: The so-called chicken buses are the cheapest option at under $1 per ride. Intercity shuttles or taxis will cost more, typically $6–$17, depending on the route.

Suggested Daily Budget

$28–$50 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Following the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Eat at local comedores Small, family-run eateries offer delicious meals at a fraction of tourist prices.
2
Use chicken buses The colorful public buses are not just cheap, but they’re also part of the local culture.
3
Travel in the off-season May to November sees fewer tourists and lower prices across the board.
4
Use free walking tours Many cities, like Granada and León, offer tip-based walking tours led by locals.

Travel Tools & Resources for Nicaragua

Make your trip smoother with tools like Booking.com to find affordable guesthouses and hotels.

Consider getting a Holafly eSIM (-5%) for reliable mobile data across the country. For safety and peace of mind, purchase Heymondo travel insurance (-5%) before your trip.

Offline apps like Maps.me are useful for navigating areas with weak reception, especially around volcanoes or remote beaches.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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