Travel to Nicaragua

Often referred to as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” Nicaragua is a vibrant country that offers adventure, natural beauty and sooo much culture.

From the colonial architecture in Granada and León to the surf beaches of San Juan del Sur and the unique landscapes of Ometepe Island, Nicaragua offers a diverse array of experiences for travellers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion!

Best Time to Visit Nicaragua

Dry Season

The dry season, from November to April, offers sunny days ideal for exploring cities and beaches.

We visited in March and the weather was very hot, dry and sunny!

Wet Season

The wet season (May to October) brings lush landscapes but may include travel disruptions due to heavy rainfall.

Transport in Nicaragua

Public Bus

Known as “chicken buses,” these are former U.S. school buses that operate on fixed routes between cities and towns.

They are an affordable way to travel but can (will) be crowded and may not (won’t) adhere to strict schedules, so you’ll have to be prepared to be a bit more flexible.

This is the way we got around Nicaragua and it was affordable, easy and fun!

Shuttle

Private tourist shuttle companies offer more comfortable and direct transportation between main highlight destinations.

These can be arranged through your hostel or travel agencies.​

Be prepared to pay a lot more than the local bus ticket though!

Taxis

Taxis are available in urban areas, but it’s advisable to agree on the fare before getting in.

Flights

You may wish to fly to more remote locations like the Corn Islands (from Managua Airport). This will save you a considerable amount of time over the bus option, but will cost you!

Safety in Nicaragua

Don’t feel discouraged from discovering this surf paradise – we felt safe everywhere we went in Nicaragua.

Stick to well travelled areas such as Granada, León, Ometepe and San Juan del Sur, and exercise regular caution due to petty theft.

Avoid taking busses at night as much as possible and do be wary of unsolicited assistance, which may be a tactic for theft.

Use reputable tour operators, have your wits about you, and get ready to have the time of your life!

Solo Female Traveller Safety

Our first impressions were that Nicaraguans were extremely kind, helpful and respectful.

Safety is a unfortunately a necessary consideration for women travelling alone anywhere, but you won’t feel like you’re constantly looking over your shoulder in Nicaragua.

Just remember to be aware of your surroundings, travel in groups at night and stick to areas that are known as traveler-friendly. Stay away from bigger cities such as Managua.