Nicaragua Travel Forum

Hi. I am planning a trip to Nicaragua and want to go to the Northern Region and see the cloud forests. What time of year is the best to go? I am hoping to go in February but my lonely planet guide gave me someone of an impression that it would be dusty and barren at that time during the dry season. Is this true?

In the period from a few days before till Xmas I am likely to be in/around Leon, will I have to make reservations? Good advice on budget accomodations? Special events to visit at this time?
After Leon I will go Matagalpa/Esteli till New Year. What will be the best place to celebrate New Years Eve, Matagalpa or Esteli? Good advice on budget accomodations? Reservations needed?

Thanks answering.

Looking for advice on traveling in Nicaragua my wife and me plan on being there for 3 weeks starting at the end of november. We like to hang out around the beach go for long walks and shop at markets we like to stay at budget places and take a few tours would like to go sailing for a day to two maybe a fishing trip can anyone suggest places we should go?

Already read some things about Isla de Ometepe but a few questions remain:
Which is the best area to base? I was thinking about Charco Verde or Playa Santa Domingo? Which are good budget options there (single room)?
Which is the best climb, Maderas or Concepcion (I was thinking about Maderas because there is also /more vegetation)?
Is it possible/doable to rent a (mountain)bike to get around the island by myself (is it safe)?
Is it easy to get a local bus from Moyogalpa to the part were I base?
Other recommendations (I think I will spend something like 4 nights there)?

Thanks answering,

Harry

Hi,

I will be travelling in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama for about 11-12 weeks starting on dec. 5th in San José where I will arrive by plane. Because it is about those 3 countries but also about best connections/route between them I will post this on all 3 forum lists. This is roughly my itinirary:

Costa Rica (about 1 week): San José (or better to stay in Alajuela, will go to San José later?) – Liberia/Rincon de la Vieja – Playa Tamarindo – to Nicaragua

Nicaragua (about 4 weeks, including Xmas): San Juan del Sur – Isla Ometepe – Granada – Masaya – Leon – Chinandega/Cosiguina – Matagalpa – Esteli – Managua – flight to/back Corn Islands (or will I have to skip this while also visiting San Blas Islands?, see later) – bus to San Carlos – will it be worth visiting Laguna de Las Perlas? – Rio San Juan – to Costa Rica

Costa Rica (about 3 weeks, january): Los Chiles/Cano Negro – Arenal – Monte Verde – San José – Tortuguero - San José – San Gerardo de Rivas/Chirripo – Domical – Corcovado – to Panama

Panama (about 3 weeks, february): Boquete – or better/also go to Cerro Punta/La Amistad? – Bocas del Toro – Santa Catalina/Isla de Coiba – Azuero Peninsula – visiting El Valle? – Panama City/Canal-Sobernia NP – boat via San Blas to Colombia – Are there places worth visiting during carnaval in Panama eg where they celebrate this?

General advice about this itinerary, places I have to skip/add?, will I have to make reservations somewhere (Xmas)? someone can answer the questions in between?

Thanx in advance,

Harry

My husband and I are living apart for 5 months and I want to plan a great vacation in Nicaragua after we reunite. I am only wanting to go to 1 or 2 locations. I am looking for an area that has beach and jungle, that allows us to easily go on day trips hiking, biking, snorkeling and any other adventerous activity. We do like a place that has some night life but it definately does not need to be the main attraction.

I am looking for a place to stay that is not budget but not top end either. I wamt something that is really nice, romantic, beach that is good for swiming, may be spa services. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Christy

I need to know how easy is to cash Amex trav cheques in cities in Nica. Costly fee? I know ATM is easier but fees accumulate and exchange rates are awful. I`d prefer to bring US dollars and cash there. Any idea

My wife and I are travelling to Nicaragua in mid November and plan to visit, in no particular order : Granada, Leon, Ometepe Island, Masaya and San Juan del Sur. We also want to squeeze in 5 days of Spanish lessons so need to do that where we can find activities to cover the afternoons.
Any suggestions for how long to stay at each location to see " everything"
One or maybe 2 volcano hikes will suffice.
Any suggestions for decent hotels in each place considering a planned hotel budget of $1000 for the trip.
Also, and this is stretching it- a suggestion for where to visit first considering we will be using local transport. My thought was Managua airport to Masaya to San Juan to Ometepe to Granada to Leon then back to Masaya.

We're looking for lodging the week after Christmas and we're having a hard time finding what we want. The ideal location would be the following-
- within 15-30 minutes from San Juan Del Sur, or in San Juan Del Sur
-Beachfront-true beachfront, walk out to a nice beach
-family of 5- so condo, townhouse, house, etc , would do fine
-doesn't have to be fancy, just clean
-pool would be nice but not required

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

I will be traveling to the Corn Islands in August/September, which I understand is during the rainy season. We wanted to stay in one of the huts on the beach like Derek's Place or Casa Iguana but we are worried about the building if it happens to rain. Are the walls/roof water proof or are they thatched roofs, etc? Any advice or tips are greatly appreciated!!

I've stayed at the La Orquidea guesthouse a few times (I proposed to my fiance on the dock!) and was really pleased with everything. The site is : http://www.laorquideanicaragua.com/

Where else should people stay in the area?

does anyone know of a cheap guesthouse or hostel in san juan del sur.. one that has a website.. the ones that i have tried contacting that only give their email address havnt got back to me at all!! thanks!!

Hi,

I'm currently in Nicaragua for just 5 days. Right now I'm in Granada, but would like to head over to León. However, I have a lot of luggage and am not sure what the best way to get there is. Any advice? Ideally, something between a bus and a private taxi (like a tourist van/colectivo was what I was originally thinking, but not sure how common they are? Do I have to return to Managua to get there, and if so, again, I'd appreciate insights as to some options for how to travel, balancing price with bringing important luggage.

Thanks so much!

Best,

Marla

I am going to Managua May 25-30. If you have any info on the city - climate, things to do, not to do, what to pack and wear, etc. - I would appreciate it. This will be my first trip to MAnagua. However, I will be returning there in July for two weeks. Thanks.

We are considering a stay on the Corn Islands for next year, probably in February. At this time we are thinking Big Corn Island ... we are not divers, but are looking for a relaxing time ... beach, hiking, good food.

Have not been to Nicaragua, but have traveled in Mexico, Guatamala, and Peru. We are US citizens, mid fifties, low-key, and like to be off the beaten path, but not necessarily roughing it too much. We think a decent bed and electricity are good things to have.

How difficult is it to get to the island? Is Feb a good time of year to visit? Will there be enough to do and see for a week? Any other places in Nicaragua that we might like to try for an added week or so?

Obviously we are in the very early stages of planning for this trip, but any suggestions, information, or comments are welcome. Thanks!

Hi all,

can anyone please recommend a decent Spanish school in Granada? I'll be travelling through Honduras and Nicaragua and have two weeks to kill before my flight goes back, so I'd like to spend these two weeks with an intensive Spanish course.

Thanks for any help!

I'm looking for any info on the rainy season in Ometepe prior to booking my trip for April. I've read that farmers are burning their fields around this time of year also. So any information on the possibility of heavy rains or smokey air conditions nearing the end of April would be much appreciated. Thank you

Never having travelled to Central America, I just do not know this answer. We will be travelling for 3 weeks in Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua travelling by bus and staying in budget hotels. Will be taking malaria pills and using a deet based insecticide. Are bed nets also in order or is this overkill? Do travellers actually use these, and is there the means to hang them up easily?
Any information would be appreciated.

I am looking to hire a car and driver for our March visit to Nicaragua. We'll be arriving in Managua on March 8th and would need a car and driver for just shy of a week. Is it better to go through a traditional rental car company and then get a driver through the hotel? Or, are there services that will package a car and driver?

Thanks,

We are a party of 4 adults and would like to fly from Managua to Panama City on Dec. 30 The Cheapest deal I could find was on the internet with Copa Airlines, for $440 US. My question is "Does anyone know if it would be cheaper to pay in person when we get to Managua, or to just book and pay now"? Also is there any other airline flying this destination with more economical rates? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Hello dear VT-ers!

I am planning to go to Nicaragua for 5 days flying into Managua. Would you have suggestions of what to see and do in this period? What are the hot spots? Anything with the nature would be very nice - eco lodges and such.

Many thanks!
Alla

I am wondering about people's experience in San Juan Del Sur.

I was drawn to this place due to the surfing it offered.

However, I am hearing that it is over-touristed, the in-town beaches aren't all that great, and there is increased crime targeting foreigners.

Am I nuts to avoid this place?

Can anyone share a great beach?

Thanks

Anyone drive from Leon to Belize or visa versa??? Would love to hear what route you took, how long it took and any other tips you might have. We live in Belize and are planning a trip to Leon. Your tips would be most welcome. Thanks

Is there a nearby tennis resort? I already have accommodations but would like to schedule court time and lessons with a pro. Thanks for your help!

My girlfirend is in Nicaragua alone, should I be worried???? She flew into Managua today. How safe is the place??? What about the Autonomous regions in the north???

Are public buses safe to take from city to city in Nicaragua, say from Managua to Granada, Rivas to San Juan del Sur? If not, what would you suggest?

Hi,
It is possible to get by bus or car, from san carlos ...to mosquito coast ??
If not ,from where in nicaragua can we hire car or take a bus to mosquito coast??
We have 2 months in central america ,and we want spent some time in nicaragua's jungle.....
thanks..

I'm spending 2 weeks in Grecia, Costa Rica and will be taking a bus to Granada afterwards. Problem is I'm not sure if it's possible to go directly there. Would I need to pass through Managua? Any advice on making this trip is greatly appreciated! If it matters at all, I'm a little white female solo backpacker with very little along the lines of an "itinerary" as I'm highly spontaneous..

Also I've done a good bit of research on hostels (including numerous VT pages) in Granada but am quite indecisive. Any recommendations/experiences? This is my first major solo trip and I'm excited!

Thanks!

Hi. Im going to Nicaragua next week, the 19 june, and I will stay in Managua for 3 days. I think I will stay in Nicaragua for 2 weeks and then moving on to Honduras. Im looking for some suggestions to what I should do and what I should visit. My guide book suggest that I visit:
volcan masaya, Laguna de apoyo, Granda, San juan del sur, Isla ometepe, Rio san juan and Corn islands.
I might visit Montibelli Private Natural Reserve, is there anyone who has been there? I want to visit Leon aswell..

kasper, denmark.

Hi
Has anyone done the full moon hike or other hike to volcan telica in nicaragua, with quetzaltrekkers.
Is is feasible for a women and a 14 years old who are used to hike swiss mountains and do some sports every week. are there dangerous places, i have fear of altitude.
Thanks for your advices.
Jacqueline