Nicaragua Things to Do

  Beautiful view from our boat.
by rosequartzlover1
 
  • Beautiful view from our boat.
      Beautiful view from our boat.
    by rosequartzlover1
  • Statue to Simon Bolivar, Managua
      Statue to Simon Bolivar, Managua
    by Stephen-KarenConn
  •   Things to Do
    by paradisedreamer
  •   Things to Do
    by mircaskirca
  •   Things to Do
    by mircaskirca
 
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

MANAGUA - CAPITAL OF NICARAGUA

by hanspeter_W.

Managua is the capital city of Nicaragua as well as the department and municipality by the same name. It is also the largest city in Nicaragua. It is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Managua. The city was declared the national capital in 1852.[2] Previously, the capital had alternated between the cities of León and Granada. The city has a population of about 1,680,100; composed predominantly of mestizos and whites.Founded in 1819 and given the name of Leal Villa de Santiago de Managua, its original purpose was to serve as a rural fishing village.[3] Efforts to make Managua the capital of Nicaragua began in 1824, after the Central American nations became independent from Spain. Managua's location between the rival cities of León and Granada made it an ideal compromise site.The city has been witness to the rise and fall of political powers throughout Nicaragua's history and...

Tip Photo
GOING TO BEACHES PONELOYA AND LAS PENITAS

by hanspeter_W.

The beaches of Poneloya and Las Peñitas are excellent places for sun and beach activities. The little towns are located less than 25 kilometers from León (about 35 minutes in car). Both towns are characterized by a wide beach, great swimming possibilities, and a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere. In addition to the regular beach activities (sunbathing, swimming, surfing), there is more to do at the beach towns. A narrow, long-stretched island is located in front of Las Peñitas. This island is called Isla Juan Venado (Juan Venado Island), and it is a protected reserve. The island is located only about a hundred meters offshore, making it easy to get there in kayak or boat. The island is flanked mangrove forest and offers a great habitat for many animals, including thousands of birds as well as large crocodiles.

Tip Photo
Volcano Boarding

by troybyers

Outside of Leon, Nicaragua is Cerro Negro, a young, active volcano that you can hire a tour company to take you out there for a half a day of volcano boarding. There are two options: sitting or standing. Its the difference between sledding and surfing. Most promotional materials display only sitting, run mostly by a big hostel in Leon, Bigfoot. Standing is not only safe, but not difficult. I have never snowboarded or surfed before in my life, but picked this up quick and loved it.

Tip Photo
Churches in Nicaragua

by Beast

I have always appreciated Spanish and Latin American architecture. The more extravagant displays of this art typically is found in the churches of old. Here are a few shots to enjoy. The two oldest colonial cities in Latin America were founded in 1524, in Nicaragua. They are Granada and Leon. These 2 cities have the largest collection of colonical style buildings with Leon having the largest cathedral in all of Central America. Perhaps the most ornate tomb in Leon is located at this cathedral and is that of Nicaragua's beloved poet, Ruben Darío. You can take a tour underneath the cathedral where there are a series of "galleries" that were used for various purposes over the centuries: alternate escape routes in the event of an attack on the city, tomb sites, storing of city valuables and treasures, etc.

Tip Photo
Volcanoes; Nicaragua's got lots of 'em

by Beast

Most people only look at the volcanoes from a distance. Some climb them. Here you can do both. Coming from the Pacific Northwest of the USA, I am more likely to be found climbing the volcanoes, rather then just looking at them from a distance. The most popularly climbed volcanoes in Nicaragua are Maderas, Concepcion, Momotombo, Cerro Negro (for sand boarding). Concepcion and Maderas (the volcanoes on Ometepe Island) cannot be legally climbed without a local guide. Masaya Volcano is very close to Managua and Granada. You can drive to the crater edge and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area as well.

Tip Photo
Snorkeling and ATV's In Nicaragua

by Beast

The water on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua is a bit cloudy much of the time with a few exceptions. We found an excellent place on the central coast of the Pacific but your best option for arriving there is by ATV. There are ATV rentals at Barcelo, Montelimar Resort. The ride is about 18 miles before arriving to a secluded pool that is created in low tide. A shallow reef protects the 300 yard long pool which is only about 12 feet deep at the deepest point. The most spectacular views of the many different tropical fish are found in the perimeter near the rocky reef in only 3 to 6 feet of water. Very safe.

Tip Photo
Checking out Sandino Estuary

by Beast

The Sandino Estuary is the second largest one on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. It is a huge sanctuary to a wide variety of birds which is located about 2 hours west of Managua on the old and bumpy highway to Leon.

Tip Photo
Hiking Adventures in Nicaragua

by Beast

There's lots of places to drift away into the many secluded forests, jungles and beaches of Nicaragua. Here are a few special places near the Pacific Ocean about 1 hour from Managua. The petroglphys are abundant in this sector. The petroglyph photo below is one of the most unique ones in Nicaragua. It suggests that human sacrifice was practiced in this remote area. There are very few indications that the ancient tribes that inhabited Nicaragua practiced sacrificial rites. I love the secluded, way off the beaten path, but not too hard to get to, swimming holes. The photo of a people swimming were on one of my tours. Otherwise there is no one here.

Tip Photo
Unexplored, Unexploited, Unlimited Potential

by Beast

The title tells of some key characteristics of the beautiful country, Nicaragua. In June 2008, after 2 years of planning, I moved to Nicaragua to realize a dream to bring some opportunity to some of the remote locations here. The idea is to create "sustainability through the development of real adventure travel". The principal method of doing this will be to create routes for white water kayaking and rafting which all pass through these forgotten communities left in poverty. Nicaragua is one of the last "bastions" of pure and raw nature. For example, where I live, the beach extends to the west about 23 miles and about 18 to the east. In that 41 mile stretch of beach there are 2 resorts (Barcelo, Montelimar and Gran Pacific). THAT'S IT. Nothing but pure beach. The interior of Nicaragua is much the same: the second largest rain forest in all of Latin America, 2 huge biospheres, thousands...

Tip Photo
Lake Nicaragua

by leigh767

Drive to Granada to reach the lake itself and take a boatride. Once in the lake, you'll have a panoramic view of Volcan Mombacho and the surrounding area. There are some permanent residents on the numerous islands of Lake Nicaragua, of which 50 are students who attend an "island school". Each day, the children put their books in a waterproof bag and swim to class. Amazing.P.S. I took a dip in the lake, which is supposedly parasite infested. So far, I still seem ok. So for the adventurous of you...

Tip Photo
Fun things to do in Nicaragua

Top 3 Hotels in Nicaragua

Hotel con Corazon  Granada

 1 Review and 192 Opinions  We stayed here in May 2011, very nice staff, arranged for safe secured parking for our truck and a... 

 Hotels in Granada

Hotel Casa Naranja  Managua

 1 Review and 54 Opinions  It felt like staying at Home in Nicaragua. The rooms are nice, very comfortable beds, a great... 

 Hotels in Managua

Buena Vista Surf Club  San Juan del Sur

 174 Opinions

 Hotels in San Juan del Sur

73 Hotels in Nicaragua
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Nicaragua attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Nicaragua sightseeing.

Experience Nicaragua
Things to Do: Cities in Nicaragua
  1. Managua Things to Do
  2. Granada Things to Do
  3. San Juan del Sur Things to Do
  4. Corn Island Things to Do
  5. Isla de Ometepe Things to Do
  6. Masaya Things to Do
  7. Pochomil Things to Do
  8. León Things to Do
  9. Estelí Things to Do
  10. Chinandega Things to Do
  11. Laguna de Apoyo Things to Do
  12. Matagalpa Things to Do
  13. Montelimar Things to Do
  14. San Juan de Oriente Things to Do
  15. Las Peñitas Things to Do
  16. Boaco Things to Do
  17. Rivas Things to Do
  18. Lago de Nicaragua Things to Do
  19. Jinotega Things to Do
  20. Catarina Things to Do
  21. Boca de Sábalos Things to Do
  22. Moyogalpa Things to Do
  23. El Viejo Things to Do
  24. Corinto Things to Do
  25. San José del Mombacho Things to Do
  26. Lago de Managua Things to Do
  27. Puerto Momotombo Things to Do

More Cities in Nicaragua

 

Popular Regions in Nicaragua

Departamento de Rivas Things to Do  Departamento de Managua Things to Do  Departamento de Granada Things to Do  Departamento de Zelaya Things to Do  Departamento de Masaya Things to Do  Departamento de León Things to Do  Departamento de Chinandega Things to Do  Departamento de Estelí Things to Do  Departamento de Carazo Things to Do  Departamento de Matagalpa Things to Do  Departamento de Río San Juan Things to Do 

More Regions in Nicaragua

Questions and Answers

sashanyc28 profile photo

Q:  Can anyone advise any information on a direct bus from Grenada, Nicaragua bus to Liberia, Costa Rica? Does anyone know where I... 

jmhultin profile photo

A: I'm as new at this as you, but I'm researching similar questions. Look at www.ticabus.com. 

Read 2 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for

Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Great Rooms. Great Rates.
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off. 
Great Rooms, Great Prices
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed!  Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-45-HOTEL

Sponsored Links