Nicaragua Travel Forum

Myself and a friend are off to Nicaragua for two weeks on 12 April, and would be grateful for any recommendations. We have some ideas, but aren't so clued up on what's really possible time-wise.

Our very rough ideas so far consists of heading out of Managua as soon as humanly possible when we land; then Granada (thinking a day in the town but maybe an extra day to do something like Volcan Mombacho, Las Isletas, or Laguna de Apoyo?), Isla de Ometepe for a couple of days (climb the big volcano and chill out for a day?), and 4-5 days in the Corn Islands (to dive, probably fly from Managua, as the overland trip sounds a bit much for just two weeks in the country).

Other than that, I would really love to go down to San Carlos and at least go as far as El Castillo on the Rio San Juan, but it sounds a bit ambitious to get there (on a 2 week holiday when there's plenty else we want to do); and my friend would really like to go to Matagalpa & Jinotega.

Two weeks really doesn't seem like nearly long enough even just for these things!! What would anyone recommend

Any thoughts very welcome!!!
Thanks in advance....

In Nicaragua I have been to Granada only and can provide limited advice, but will try to give my two cents.

First, if flying into Managua, as I assume, you don't need to overnight there. Granada is only 1 hour drive away and you can leave off to Granada as soon as you arrive. If you have booked a hotel or guesthouse in Granada, they can arrange pick up for you with trusted drivers.

Second, I recommend you spend more than a day, at least two or better three full days in Granada. That will allow you to visit the town, Las Isletas, los Peublos Blancos, the Laguna de Apoyo and Volcano Masaya.

Can't help with other destinations. If interested, you can look at my Granada page with tips on sights and attractions in Granada and nearby.

Enjoy your trip!
Giuseppe

Depending on what you like I would get in and out of Granada - unless you like expat bars and food? The town itself is flooded with tourists and volunteers and it is the only place in Nicaragua that you may feel unwelcome by the locals - if you even meet any at all. Definitely fly to the Corn Islands on your tight schedule. Mombacho is less impressive than Volcan Masaya which is also in the area. Leon is a great city and has some nice volcano trekking and also has access to the pacific beach as a day trip. A good mix of locals and travellers along with great nightlife make this my choice over Granada in a heartbeat. Jinotega and Matagalpa are beautiful little mountain towns but you will likely need to choose between that area and the lake. Ometepe Island, El Castillo, the Solentiname Islands and Los Guatuzos Park are all worth visiting as well. I just wouldn't try to squeeze in too much or you will miss the best part of Nicaragua - relaxing and meeting the locals! Good luck...

Scott

I personally loved Granada but havent been to Leon so I cant make the comparison. I spent five days in Granada alone and found plenty to do (e.g. a day at Laguna de Apoyo just relaxing, a day exploring the market at Masaya and the museums in Granada, a day trekking out to the Masaya Volcano National Park) and found there were a lot of delicious locally-run restaurants (Nica food and different international fusion meals) to sample not to mention the fabulous tortillera lady in the central square who sells freshly made tortillas served on a banana leaf for 3 cordobas a piece (and you have to try some fresh cacao- a chocolately-type drink also). I met plenty of locals and didnt find anyone unfriendly- it was a welcome change from the Costa Ricans who, in my travelling experience, were rather sick of foreigners invading their quiet beach towns... but that was just my experience and I am fluent in Spanish to it helps break those barriers. Also I highly highly recommend the Hostal Oasis- it was $6 a night when I was there and had a pool, fabulous hammocks to chill out, free internet all day and a place to get breakfast and a self-serve beverage fridge. No A/C (get a bed near a fan, Granada was stifling hot even in rainy season). And the place was centrally located so we walked everywhere from there. There are obviously a lot of backpackers staying at this place so if for some reason that turns you off, might be better staying at a small hospedaje.