Nicaragua is a worthwhile tourist destination that harks back to simpler travel times in the past.
The verdant coast is dotted with old-school fishing villages, where you can surf in near-empty lines as if you were still in the 70s.
I once sailed around the Pacific coast in a catamaran and stopped on a desert island to watch dolphins play. I used to dance salsa in a corner bar in Granada, one of the oldest colonial cities in Latin America. I rode my motorcycle through the dense jungle trails of Boboyo, drank gallo pinto on the side of the Pan-American Highway, and made the friends of a lifetime. But those experiences barely scratched the surface of what makes Nicaragua one of my favorite destinations.
First, Nicaragua is only for some. It’s rugged and traditional, with a bit of an edge and a bloody past. But it’s also home to a rich cultural heritage and friendly locals who will bring you the most delicious seafood, help you catch a wave, or show you your way around the country roads.
I first went to Nicaragua in 2015, when the country was experiencing something of a golden age. Affordable prices, a reputation for obscurity, and the rise of surf tourism have made small towns like SAN Juan del Sur popular. This lasted a short three years. It was a reasonably peaceful time, the economy was growing, and tourism was booming. Since then, positive headlines about the country have become less common due to civil unrest and epidemics, but the factors that draw people back to Nicaragua – stunning nature, pristine beaches, and lively culture – remain intact.
Nicaragua lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. After landing in the capital, Managua, most flock to the Pacific Ocean, where surfing is among the most consistent in Central America, and the cities of Leon and Granada offer profound cultural insights into this beach destination. However, you will find the most pristine land on the Caribbean coast. In this area, you will find the influence of the indigenous, Creole, and British peoples on the fishing communities living in the mangrove jungle.
Best time to go to Nicaragua
While many tropical countries worldwide experience extreme drought and rainy seasons, Nicaragua’s dry and rainy seasons are mild. The dry season here lasts from November to May, although it is not as barren as in neighboring Costa Rica. Meanwhile, the rainy season (from April to October) can bring downpours (especially in October). However, it’s rare to see rain every day.
The only constant in Nicaragua is the temperature. Weather Spark states, “Temperatures in Managua vary very little throughout the year, making it completely pointless to discuss hot and cold seasons.”
Another weather forecast you may be interested in is ocean waves. According to Giant’s Foot Surf, to see waist-to-head waves, it’s best to go to Nicaragua between March and September. But if you’re looking for more giant waves, you might want to come in the middle of the rainy season – between May and August – which Giant’s Foot Surf calls “prime time” in the United States.
Nicaragua must do
Every trip to Nicaragua is complete with an in-depth understanding of the world of surfing, sun, and beach surfing.
Nicaragua’s Pacific coast has beaches for all surf levels. Some must-see attractions include Playa Madras, Popoyo, El Transito, Playa Colorado, and Playa Hermosa, and it is possible to experience all of them on a week-long trip.
Managua airport can be reached in 90 minutes by car from El Transito. In El Transito, you’ll immerse yourself in a tight-knit community of locals and a few expat families. Stay at Mandla, a boutique hotel designed by a couple from the UK and South Africa. Be sure to eat everything on the menu, especially fresh oysters.
Further south, you can stop at Boboyo, where constant offshore winds and epic waves make it one of Central America’s best places to surf. Malibu Popoyo is a 12-room resort tailored for surfing families. It is opposite the beach, and staying here will have a great surf instructor and guide.
Next, head to Playa Maderas for a softer, family-friendly beach experience perfect for beginners. If surfing isn’t your thing, don’t worry; these beaches are also full of local life, seafood restaurants, and the occasional live music show.
Want to see more land but want to continue surfing? Volcano Boarding is your best option. Yes, we’re talking about sliding down Negro Mountain after hiking to the top of 2,300 feet. The trek was challenging, but the journey back was unforgettable. All you have to do is tie the rope to the board and slide to the bottom at an average speed of 50 miles per hour.
Finally, visit Ometepe Island, an island formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua. To get there, hop on a wooden transport boat that might also carry anything from chickens to motorcycles. In Ometepe, you can hike up volcanic peaks, swim in natural ponds, get lost on nature trails, or taste coffee next to fields where coffee beans are grown.
Best Hotels in Nicaragua
Anyone who landed in Managua could head north or south, opting for densely populated areas or seclusion. Whatever the direction, Nicaragua is full of small boutique hotels by well-known designers and hoteliers who flock to the country for a more laid-back lifestyle.
A property design is needed, so check into the Granada Tribal Hotel. In addition to its location on a colorful street, the New Yorkers who own this hotel travel the world in search of unique pieces to complement the craftsmanship of local artisans. From Copacabana pool tiles to Indonesian batik fabrics, the tribe feels like a world in an unremarkable corner of a bustling colonial city.
For those who want to surf the unique Playa Colorado in a gated community near Boboyo, Aurea is your best bet, guaranteed access to world-class waves. Agro-brutalist styles were used to design this guesthouse, and it feels like a hotel and more like a home for the expatriate and affluent Nicaraguan community.
For a more convenient stay, book the Popyo Malibu, a 12-room boutique hotel owned by a female surfer and entrepreneur who fell in love with the area during a surfing trip. Perfect for families looking for adventure, comfort, surfers, and creative types, the hotel is located a short walk from the beach and boasts an on-site organic restaurant.
