What are the best things to do in and around Nicaragua?

One of my favorite things to do in Nicaragua is to take in a movie.  One might think that the movies would all be in Spanish, with Latin actors and story lines set in Central or South America. Not so at hate Galerias, one of several shopping centers in Managua.  

 

When I have a few hours to kill, I'll check out the movie list (there are 8 screens) and see if there is a convenient time for a VIP showing of one of the first run movies that comes out about...

One of my favorite things to do in Nicaragua is to take in a movie.  One might think that the movies would all be in Spanish, with Latin actors and story lines set in Central or South America. Not so at hate Galerias, one of several shopping centers in Managua.  

 

When I have a few hours to kill, I'll check out the movie list (there are 8 screens) and see if there is a convenient time for a VIP showing of one of the first run movies that comes out about two days later than in the states.  All presented in their original language (English, usually) with Spanish subtitles.   So I get a first run viewing of a brand new Hollywood production, and get a Spanish lesson at the same time.  Usually, the language in the subtitles is not near as bad as the actual script, i.e. the word "maldicion" is used for many of the 'expletives' in the movie.  Simply translated, "maldicion" basically means 'bad language'.  There are more literal translations not to be used in blogs!!!

 

Oh, yes....why the VIP movie?  Big leather seats, with enough space for the largest torso, reclining back with only about 30 other people in the audience (you select a reserve seat when you get your ticket), and you have a waiter who'll start you a tab for sandwiches, sushi, hot dogs, or other cuisine, along with beers, sodas, and even wine.  Entry is about $8 for the movie, and you can 'pitch till you win' on the beverages.   And they take you credit card right at the seat.  

This is a country of rich heritage so there is a lot to see and do. 

Nicaragua has traditionally attracted the adventuresome and a lot of backpackers come to visit. This is changing as more tourists are discovering Nicaragua and more people are moving and retiring here. Some people come to surf and trek into volcanoes while others come to just view the beautiful colonial homes and structures. For some it is a chance to learn a new culture while others want to explore places few...

This is a country of rich heritage so there is a lot to see and do. 

Nicaragua has traditionally attracted the adventuresome and a lot of backpackers come to visit. This is changing as more tourists are discovering Nicaragua and more people are moving and retiring here. Some people come to surf and trek into volcanoes while others come to just view the beautiful colonial homes and structures. For some it is a chance to learn a new culture while others want to explore places few people have seen before. It is a country to see lush tropical rainforests, rumbling active volcanoes, beautiful empty beaches and some of the best fishing in the world. There are so many things to do in Nicaragua that you could explore the country for a month and barely sample what it has to offer.

Following are just a few of the things you can do:

Colonial Architecture

See colonial buildings, churches and homes that are hundreds of years old. Granada and León have the most to see but many of the small villages have beautiful structures also. To find the main church of the city or village, just find the central park and there you will the largest church.

Surfing

Nicaragua is becoming well-known for its excellent surfing. Here this means fewer people and empty beaches to enjoy your sport. For these reasons, you may have to take a boat to get there because roads to all beaches do not yet exist.

Volunteer

Nicaragua is a poor country but there are many organizations trying to help. Learn Spanish while helping to build a community library or already know Spanish, teach at a local school. We have a lot of community projects as well. See the section on "Helping Nicaragua".

Family Stay

If you really want to learn another culture, live with a local family and see Nicaragua life as it really is. In Granada Aqua & Tierra allows you to work with the locals for a day. Try fishing with a net or work with a farmer in his fields.

Fishing

We have fantastic salt-water fishing, fresh-water fishing and fly fishing. Charter a boat or just throw in a line from the side of a river. Have the locals cook it up for you.

Mountain & Road Bike

With endless kilometers of pristine beaches, dirt roads, paved roads you can make it as easy or hard as you wish. For those of you wishing less work in their enjoyment, rent a 4WD vehicle and see the country.

Horseback Riding

Did you know Nicaragua is a mecca of horse farms and that some of the largest festivals are Hípicas (horse parades). Horses are available for all skill levels.

The Volcanoes

There are live ones, dormant ones and some are extinct though several have beautiful crater lakes. Visit them, hike them or para-sail over them.

Kayaking, Sailing

Do it in the ocean, off one of the islands or in the 10th largest fresh-water lake in the world. Make a day of sailing along with fishing or just relax with a lunch at an isolated beach. You may see whales, sea turtles and dolphins.

A Day at the Beach

Perhaps the main reason Nicaragua tourism is on the rise is because of the variety of beautiful beaches along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. And the Caribbean coast has yet to be fully explored. Some of the beaches feature gentle waves that are perfect for a day of swimming and fishing, while other beaches have a strong tide that surfers prefer. Go to a beach a little further away and you may not see anyone all day.

Bird Watching

There are mountains, rain forests, coastal waters and hardwood forests where you can see over 698 species. Will that keep you busy enough with your binoculars?

Good Eating

Everything is not beans and rice here. We have phenomenal steaks, lobster, fish and the best chicken in the world and all at very reasonable prices. On the side are the freshest vegetables and fruits. Vendors bring them to our door every day.

Montelimar

Montelimar Beach is an all inclusive resort community on the unspoiled beaches of the Pacific Coast. There are so many things to do in Montelimar. Visitors can go to the zoo, go shopping in one of the resort's gift shops, or snorkel, scuba dive, and surf on the beach. Montelimar Beach is one of the best tourist attractions in Nicaragua for people who simply want to relax and prefer not to worry about arranging the details of their vacation. And it used to be the summer home of a past dictator.

Corn Islands

These tropical islands feature plenty of things to do such as deep sea fishing, taking a trek through rocky Nicaragua trails, and learning more about the species that inhabit the island, such as howler monkeys. You won't find any modern hotels or cell phones on these primitive islands. In fact, the Corn Islands haven't changed much throughout history but are gradually becoming favorite Nicaragua attractions.

Bosawas Biosphere Reserve

The Bosawas Biosphere Reserve is an important rainforest located in the northern part of Nicaragua and the southern part of Honduras. The million acre reserve is composed of thousands of animal species and plants. Out of all tourist attractions in Nicaragua, the reserve is the one that is least visited by tourists.

Granada

There are many Nicaragua attractions in the historical city of Granada. A Granada vacation is perfect for seeing colorful colonial style churches. There are several other historical buildings in Granada that all the way back to the 1500's. Granada also has an active nightlife as well as many festivals that occur all year round. Many good restaurants and hotels as well as the largest expat population in Nicaragua.

Volcano Boarding

Yup, like snowboarding but down the side of a volcano near León at Cerro Negro. How many of your friends have done that?

Ometepe Islands

Located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua you explore the world’s largest volcanic island in a fresh water lake. Enjoy a one hour ferry ride to the Ometepe Islands. Life is a little slower here. Trek up the volcano, there are two.

Rio San Juan

Visit the grand river made famous by Mark Twain that connects Lake Nicaragua to the Caribbean on the east coast. It’s another world of rain forests and people living on the river. This was the first choice for the canal that was eventually built in Panama. There is still talk of building a canal here.

National Zoo

No, it does not compete against the national zoos of the states or Europe but it is a nice small zoo and butterfly farm located just outside of Managua. It houses more than six hundred animal species, with the majority of them being wild animals and some of them pets, in addition to some exotic species from remote locations like Africa and Asia. Also has a butterfly and orchid garden. Located at Kilometer 16 of the Managua-Masaya road.
 

The best places that you can visit in my country are the beaches.

 

In Nicaragua there are many beaches, lagoons and lakes. The best beach is in the town of San Juan del Sur. You can have fun in this town and relax, too. There are great restaurants and an amazing night life.

 

My favorite hotel restaurant in San Juan del Sur is Pelican Eyes. 

The best places that you can visit in my country are the beaches.

 

In Nicaragua there are many beaches, lagoons and lakes. The best beach is in the town of San Juan del Sur. You can have fun in this town and relax, too. There are great restaurants and an amazing night life.

 

My favorite hotel restaurant in San Juan del Sur is Pelican Eyes. 

The best thing to do in Nicaragua is surfing.

 

You can also go horseback riding and hiking.

 

There are lots of zip lining, sailing, and fishing activities here, too.

 

One of the things that is nice here in Nicaragua when you have nothing to do is to hang in a hammock and read a book.

The best thing to do in Nicaragua is surfing.

 

You can also go horseback riding and hiking.

 

There are lots of zip lining, sailing, and fishing activities here, too.

 

One of the things that is nice here in Nicaragua when you have nothing to do is to hang in a hammock and read a book.

Nicaragua has a bit of everything so everybody can enjoy this land. In Nicaragua, you cannot get easily bored. We can classify the activities to do in and around Nicaragua by beach and sun, active and adventure, eco and nature, and cultural and colonial.
 
Nicaragua has some of the best beaches in Central America. Some of the best are located in Tola, Rivas. Here you will find private, virgin, secluded beaches and tranquil environments. On the other hand, there are beaches closer...

Nicaragua has a bit of everything so everybody can enjoy this land. In Nicaragua, you cannot get easily bored. We can classify the activities to do in and around Nicaragua by beach and sun, active and adventure, eco and nature, and cultural and colonial.
 
Nicaragua has some of the best beaches in Central America. Some of the best are located in Tola, Rivas. Here you will find private, virgin, secluded beaches and tranquil environments. On the other hand, there are beaches closer to San Juan del Sur bay, best known for their nightlife and loud activities.
 
Nicaragua, known as "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" is great for adventure seekers. You can climb volcanoes such as San Cristobal which is 1,700 meters in height or descend a 500 meters volcano by sand boarding. Another option is in northern Nicaragua, where you can hike tropical forests and coffee plantations, or do some kayaking and rafting in lagoons and rivers.
 
Nicaragua is a green country; eco lodgings and eco activities are booming.  Places such as Ometepe Island, Matagalpa, Jinotega, Mombacho Nature Reserve, San Juan River, Apoyo Lagoon are a must for those looking to immerse in nature, relax, and forget all those addictive electronic appliances.
 
Finally, Nicaragua has a rich culture. Its best two colonial cities are Granada and Leon, which offer histories of old churches, buildings, and ruins. Visiting these two colonial cities is a must if you are in Nicaragua.