Nicaragua was my big trip of 2018, and from there I brought hundreds of photographs. I couldn’t resist pulling the camera around every corner I crossed, every city I visited.
From Managua to Granada, from León to San Juan Del Sur, with a visit to Ometepe. A trip made in three weeks here reported with the best pictures.
Sunrise
It was the first sunrise in Nicaragua and the most striking one, as it could not be otherwise. I love the early dawn when I come to a new country. It’s a feeling of novelty and expectation of what the day and the journey will bring.
Cattle
Traveling along Nicaraguan roads, especially outside large cities, we often encounter cattle, free or driven by men or young men.
Food
What about the food in Nicaragua?… Brilliant! Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) is a presence in any meal, even at breakfast. Eggs, tortillas, fried plantain, chicken and meat, are always good bets.
I was a fan of this breakfast in a restaurant called Dona Haydee’s Cocina in Managua. In such a way that it was my last stop before going to the airport and returning home.
Laguna de Apoyo
The Laguna de Apoyo. Neither more nor less than a large lagoon inside the crater of a volcano. Water heated by underwater smokers, surrounded by incredible green. To access the water, you will have to do it by one of the hotels that fill the lagoon shore. Even if you don’t want to stay, you can do as I did and pay daily admission. It gives access to the bathing area and bar, and you can also take a kayak to navigate those beautiful waters.
Granada
Granada is one of the main cities of Nicaragua. Its colonial charm lives on the streets and buildings. The colors are intense, such as the presence of Christianity represented by the old churches — the most emblematic being the beautiful Cathedral of Granada — that stretch high into the sky.
There’re many scenarios worthy of a postcard, so go and discover the city on foot. Don’t miss the climb to the bell tower of La Merced Church. The view is unbelievable!
Seacoast
From Pochomil, Gran Pacifica and Miramar, the beaches offer excellent conditions for surfing or just to enjoy the beach. If you want to escape the confusion of San Juan Del Sur, these are great bets.
Fishing Villages
Bathed in the Pacific, the coastal villages of Nicaragua make their way to life. Around here, the days are made of tides, the departure, and arrival of boats, the sale of fish and small restaurants where you can have a great meal at very low prices. Escape the tourist restaurants and look for these small villages to feel the local experience and eat the best fish and seafood of the trip.
The People
Nicaraguans are incredible people! Always well disposed, humble, ready for good conversation. It’s worth stopping and getting to know them.
León
The Cathedral of León is one of the most outstanding buildings of what was once the capital of the country. Widely known for its white-domed terrace, this building is just one of the 16 prayer sites scattered throughout the city.
But León isn’t just churches. It’s worth discovering the streets, restaurants, bars, and shops. Be sure to also admire the street art that adorns some sites.
Transportation
The bus network in Nicaragua is vast, covering much of the country and especially the main cities. I personally prefer to rent a car as I like to have mobility and set my own routes and schedules. How else could I venture into a dry lake like this?…
Nature
Only two of the dozens of photographs I took of the incredible trees and shrubs I found along the way. Never stop enjoying the scenery wherever you go!
Revolution
Since the beginning of 2018 Nicaragua has experienced moments of internal upheaval with popular demonstrations against the current government. During this trip, I experienced quite some tense episodes, but fortunately, at no time did I feel genuinely at risk.
San Juan Del Sur
San Juan Del Sur is the ideal destination if you are looking for a relaxed village with good restaurants and plenty of commerce, feeling the spirit of travelers and wave lovers. The Cristo de La Misericordia lurks from the top of a mountain seeming to bless this piece of coast.
TreeCasa Resort
The TreeCasa Resort was one of my favorite lodgings in Nicaragua. In San Juan Del Sur, out of the confusion and set in the middle of the forest, is this hotel that stands out for the bungalows in the trees and an outstanding pool. Check out the article I wrote to learn more about this paradise.
Beaches
And what about these beaches of the coast that extends to the border with Costa Rica. Unbelievable!
Maderas Village
Another of my favorite stays in San Juan Del Sur: the Maderas Village. Close to the beach of Maderas, this accommodation is the perfect getaway for those who enjoy quiet and tasty meals in the company of other travelers. Get ready to share experiences and learn about other parts of the world. Of course, there is no shortage of surf and a dream space for yoga sessions.
Horses
Have I told you that all over Nicaragua there are wandering horses? Whether owned by someone or wild, you can count on their presence in the most incredible places.
Ometepe
One of the most amazing sites I visited was the island of Ometepe, right in the center of Lake Nicaragua. Impressive for its two twin volcanoes — Volcán Concepción and Volcán Maderas —, in the center of the island you’ll find a real gem: Ojo de Agua.
This paradise of greens offers a pool of natural waters, whose freshness is the remedy for the high temperatures that sometimes make themselves felt in the country.
Playa Colorado
My last stop to close this trip with a golden key. The Hacienda Iguana is a luxury condo next to Playa de Colorado, one of the best surf spots in the country. Unfortunately, to go there, we have to book a stay, the only access possible. Everything would be perfect, other than the slightly over-budget values that are charged. At least for my wallet. But if at the end of the trip there is a little money, it’s worth the investment. After all, it’s not every day that we can bathe in the pool watching the surf.
What do you think of Nicaragua? Have you ever been there? Is it part of your bucket list? Share your opinion in the comments box below.
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16 COMMENTS
Jean
5 years agoWhat an epic adventure. I had no idea that Nicaragua was so colorful
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORIt´s really colorful! And Nature also does its part 😉 Aloha!
Mei and Kerstin
5 years agoWe’ve never visited Nicaragua, but your photos are really inspiring us to go there. We’d love to visit the colorful fishing villages to taste some fresh fishes and chat with the locals! And the Cathedral of Léon with its white doomed terrace looks interesting too. We’d probably end our trip at Playa Colorado as well. The pool view at the Hacienda Iguana looks stunning at both daytime and sunset! From what we see, it was worth the investment even if they overcharged you a bit. Thanks for sharing your experience from this three-week long trip!
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORSo glad you liked the post! It was a beautiful trip and even now I could put so many other pictures here. The country is really amazing and people are so nice 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and Happy Travels!
Kathleen
5 years agoWow! Nicaragua is such a beautiful place. How wonderful that you could spend so much time exploring. I love that there are while horses on the beach and the water in the pool at Ojo de Agua is so clear and pretty. Love your photos.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThanks, Kathleen! Ojo de Agua was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. That place is pure magic!
Debbzie Leksono
5 years agoOh wow! Nicaragua is one of my dream destination because I really want to visit the dog sanctuary. Looking at your beautiful set of pictures makes me realize that Nicaragua is actually have a lot more to offer. The beach, the food and else. I can’t wait to explore it soon!
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORHi Debbzie! Nicaragua is a super cool country and you’ll be amazed with all the things it has to offer. I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun!
Vaisakhi Mishra
5 years agoNicaragua seems like a less populated southern Indian state – rustic and beautiful in its own way. Granada and Leon are totally my kind of cities with the right amount of history and architecture! Also, stunning pictures!!! I really wanna visit Nicaragua someday.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThanks, Vaisakhi. Nicaragua is super colonial, so I think that’s why it remembers some parts of India. It’s a beautiful country and I think you’ll love it if you go there one day. 🙂
Stevo joslin
5 years agoI love how colorful everything is! Even the fences and the buses are stunning works of art! Your pictures are stunning and oh so colorful. You’re very brave to drive in Nicaragua, I’m not brave enough to face the roads and the other drivers. But I guess you’ll always see the bus coming! I’m glad you didn’t feel like you were in danger even while snaps of the unrest. Thanks for sharing!
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORHi, Stevo. Thank you so much for your comment. Nicaragua is really a beautiful and colorful place, and the people was so nice. As for driving, it wasn’t that bad. You should try driving in Sri Lanka… madness! Thanks for stopping by and happy travels!
Christopher Rudder
5 years agoYour pictures are beautiful and I’m grateful to you for sharing them. You pictures show beautiful nature, beautiful food and beautiful people. Until this post I was still left in the dark about whether or not it’s safe to be there.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORHi, Christopher. I didn’t feel unsafe when I was there, but it’s true that the country is still dealing with some internal political conflict. So, I always say: don’t scratch Nicaragua from your travel plans, but do inform yourself and do your research before going.
Kate Flores
5 years agoNicaragua doesn’t move me until I read this post! The Twin Volcanoes and Granada are the two of my favourites! The horses are incredibly cute esp when seen everywhere! Did you get a chance to ride with them? The tree flowers are very warming – I’m in love with their nature! Great photos!
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThank you so much, Kate! I wasn’t able to ride the horses… to tell you the truth, I’ve never ridden in my life! Maybe one day… 😉