3 weeks in Nicaragua

An itinerary that will make you discover the musts of Nicaragua in 20 days: a perfect balance between relaxing and partying.

During the first three weeks of August, I got the chance to discover the inexpensive travel destination of Nicaragua. Throughout this trip, I learned how to surf, watched mind blowing sunsets by the beach, enjoyed Sunday Fundays way too much and relaxed on the beach to the sound of the waves. Here is a little resumé of our itinerary and the activities we did:

Approximately a 7 hour flight from Montreal to Managua, with a layover in Mexico City (2 hour time difference with Quebec). We then took a taxi from the airport to go directly to Granada, our first destination.

Capital: Managua

Currency: Cordobas (1 $CAD= 24 NIO)

Language: Nicaraguans speak Spanish and rare are the ones who understand or speak English; therefore knowing some basics in Spanish could be very useful.

1. Granada in 3 Days

Magnificent colonial architecture

Hostel: Surfing Donkey by the Lake,

12 $CAD/night.

In August, this hostel was pretty quiet; so there wasn't any ambience even with a bar and a pool. We also decided to take a private room (30$/night), since we were told that the dorms on the 2nd floor of a balcony we pretty noisy at night. It was hotter, but worth it.

To Do: Granada's Cathedral, Laguna de Apoyo, Mombacho Volcano.

We spent a whole day at the Laguna de Apoyo, where we enjoyed the beach, the kayaks, the dock and the water tubes. The next day, we reserved a tour to go on the Mombacho Volcano at sunset to be able to see the lava, but due to the weather, we had to wait hours before entering the site. When we finally arrived, the view was pretty disappointing as it was already dark. I'd suggest you to go only if it's a sunny day and if you have time to watch the sunset on top, otherwise it's not worth the price.

2. Ometepe Island in a Day

Mystical island of volcano twins

Getting to Ometepe by ferry doesn't cost more than 3-4$. Be careful of the locals who will want to sell you tickets for a lot more!

Hostel: La Urraca Loca, 10 $CAD/night

We only stayed one night on Ometepe Island, because we really wanted to hike the Maderas Volcano before getting to San Juan Del Sur for the Sunday Funday, so we were kind of short on time there. La Urraca Loca was a perfect place for our needs, but if I'd have to re-do it, I would of enjoyed this island for a longer period of time. Going to a hostel like the Little Morgan's where there is a lot more ambience, my experience in Ometepe would have been a lot more fun.

To Do: Maderas Volcano

The hostel where we stayed was right next to an entry to the Maderas, which allowed us to hike it early in the morning and be able to get back down on time for the last ferry departure to San Juan Del Sur, our next destination. Unfortunately, the view from the top was spoiled by the clouds, so went back down pretty quickly, full of mud (about 5-hour hike up and down).

*To know: I suggest you withdraw some money before getting on Ometepe's Island, because ATMs are pretty rare there.

3. 11 Days in San Juan Del Sur and the Surroundings

With a constant flow of international travellers, this town is ideal for surfing, its restaurants and shops and its memorable nightlife.

Hostel: Pacha Mama, 12 $CAD/night

(+ 50% discount for Sunday Funday - 15$US instead of 30$US)

It is impossible to reserve a bed in advance at this hostel, therefore you should plan arriving earlier in the day or before Sunday if you want to truly enjoy Sunday Funday (the biggest pool crawl in Central America). Be careful, there are two Pacha Mamas in San Juan, one where the party happens and one more quiet. I definitely recommend you to stay at Pacha Mama if you want to benefit the most from San Juan's activities and meet its welcoming tourists.

To do: Sunday Funday x2, Pub Crawl, Cristo de la Misericordia, Surfing

You cannot go to San Juan without experimenting its famous Pool Crawl. We personally did it twice, but once will definitely be enough to get lifetime memories. It's as if once you arrive in this surfer's town, where everybody is chilling 24/7, you are unable to leave. There are many surf beaches close to San Juan's center and a bunch of shuttle busses (5-10 $US) that bring people there for the day. You will definitely make memorable friends and do amazing activities in this town!

Little advice for new surfers, be careful, there are many stingrays on the West coast of Nicaragua, and believe me they can cause a lot of pain!

My Favorite: The Beach House Nica, Restaurant-Bar-Lounge with a beach view and a menu that will definitely excite your tastebuds, what more could you ask for? It is worth the stop!

4. A Day in Gigante Bay

Popular stop for its sandy beaches, constantly attracting surfers and sun-seekers.

Hostel: Gigante Bay, 26 $US/night (double room)

Since we prolonged our stay in San Juan Del Sur and that we already had reserved our last 3 days in Popoyo, we were looking for a stop in between to stay for a night. Other travellers suggested us this pretty quiet but beautiful destination, Gigante Bay.

5. 3 Days in Popoyo

An empty shoreline in a surfer's paradise

Hostel: 99 Surf Lodge, 25 $CAD/night

Without any doubt, this is the most luxurious hostel in Nicaragua. Honestly, it is really worth it if you are at the end of your stay and you want to enjoy a few days resting on a mind-blowing beach.

To do: work on your tan.

To be considered: We did not go to Leon, since we prioritized the South of Nicaragua, but we heard only good things about this town from other travellers, who loved its architecture, the nightlife ambience and obviously the volcano boarding. Therefore, if you have more time or if you want to spent less time in the South, it is a stop I would recommend!

Thank you for reading, and leave me a comment if you've already been to Nicaragua or if you're planning on going soon!

Valérie xxx