Highlights of nicaragua
Top Places to see and be in Nicaragua
Ometepe Island is of course our number 1 spot- but we’re biased, we based ourselves here! Check out why in this link.
One of the Top Places To See in Nicaragua, Ometepe island is a hidden gem and a must-see on your Central American trip. Made of a perfectly-formed strata-volcano and it’s dormant twin, complete with cloudforest. It’s the highlight of many people’s time here. It’s lush, hospitable, easy to get to and has great coffee plantations.
For other Nicaraguan highlights…
The Pacific Beaches are a sight to behold and a perfect combo for a short visit to Nicaragua; whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or the perfect wave and some lively company overlooking a fabulous sunset with a cocktail in hand, there’s a spot for you somewhere along the coast. For the surf addicts out there 300+ days of offshore winds throughout the year promise you a good time.
Ask about our surf & jungle combo package.
GIGANTE - QUAINT hospitality
A cute fishing town in Tola, with some great food and welcoming vibes. You can catch perfectly groomed barrels along this coast line and have a room-with-a-view and some privacy too. This area is unique and romantic with stunning houses available. Esmerelda airpot is conveniently located nearby.
Playa Popoyo - up & coming
Popoyo is a trendy area of Tola further north, it’s personality lies somewhere between Gigante and San Juan. There are great restaurants, beautiful cabins and - again- great waves. This area has been developing its name for a while, and with reason!
SAN JUAN DEL SUR - CATERED TO YOUR NEEDS
The most popular and populated of all the beach towns along the coast. You can find many international foods here. This is the spot to visit if you want to watch a match or get in on some party action. Take a boat trip to the nearby beaches of Maderas or Marseilla.
Granada - La Gran Sultana
Granada is a town seeped in history, boasting impressive colonial architecture and pre-colombian statues alongside its conquerors cathedrals.
Its fondly known as ‘the city of doors’. It is a great base point for exploring Volcanoes Masaya and/or Mombacho. and cruising around the islets or heading to Laguna de Apoyo.
It is a picturesque place that is well-designed for visitors and has a range of food and activity options and tours along with plenty of markets, art and gifts/keepsakes for sale.
Leon - the political and intellectual capital
Leon is a student city in the west of Nicargua, full of culture and famed for its comtemporary art and - of course - its volcano boarding.
A great base to hike a variety of styles of volcano, such as the contrasting Telica and Cerro Negro. Our pro tip is to head to El Tigres to hike the beautiful, swimmable crater lagoon, Asososca.
There is a sense of a city that, although popular on the gringo-trail, hasn’t sold out to tourism and still retains a very Nicaraguan feel. There is lots of street food and a great local food market.
Esteli - Diamante de las Segovias
Esteli in the North is cowboy country, mixed with one of the largest cities economically in Nicaragua. A little off the beaten path it remains a typical Nicaraguan city which is fun to explore.
The city of Esteli is known for its football, the Miraflor nature reserve, ‘Cuban’ cigar production and the nearby Somoto Canyon.
You can visit Don Alberto and his 40 year-old rock-carvings in Tisey, walk to waterfalls in Estanzuela, see local goats-cheese production in La Garnacha and tour the city’s museum.
Laguna de Apoyo
A nature reserve nestled between Granada and Massaya, the laguna is 48km2 and great for swimming, kayaking and enjoying the views.
Conveniently located near major cities, its on the way to Ometepe if coming from Managua or Granada. Its a very tranquil place.
Corn Islands
Get diving with Dos Tibuones and 80 feet under. There are two islands, Big Corn and Little Corn. Both slices of Caribbean paradise with great waters and chill vibes.
You can fly from Managua on La Costeña airline or take a boat from Bluefields.
Rio San Juan
A 200 km long river flowing from the carribean into Lake Cocibolca. The river unites Nicaragua and Costa Rica. San Carlos is its main town.
You can access this town by ferry from Ometepe or by road via Managua.
Are you looking to make a more permanent move to Nicaragua? Perhaps you have dreams of building your own retreat in the tropics; as a homestead or a sustainable business idea… Contact us at We Plan for the Good:Life for consultancy with experience in land acquisition, landscaping design and development and successful business planning.