Popular Topics

Trip Report

Backpacking Nicaragua

Wow, Nicaragua is stunning! I had wonderful 1 1/2 months in this country. My time was so diverse - people, food, cities, beaches, an island, volcanos ...

liakl_
by liakl_About Me:I am a 25 year old, female solo traveler. I like to travel around the world, especially in Latin America. I try to take my time while getting to know places and also explore stuff beside the well known tourist paths. read more

North AmericaNicaragua11 days / October 2022

Highs & Lows

Absolutely loved Yuca and Plantain Chips! Just buy them from the various street vendors

As a woman or female presenting person you need to be prepared for a lot of catcalling

Itinerary Overview

Before Nicaragua I was in Honduras and took a direct shuttle from La Ceiba to Leon in Nicaragua. I stayed there for a few nights and went to Granada the first time, after that I went surfing in San Juan del Sur, I came back to Granada the second time and after had awesome days on Isla Ometepe. I ended my nicaraguan travels in Popoyo at the beach. I got around just with local transportation and mostly ate street food - both super affordably and perfect for budget traveling. The variety of food you could buy as a vegetarian was limited, but luckily the mercados and supermercados provide a lot of different products, so I could enjoy some wholesome, diverse meals.

Nicaragua's coast definitely has to offer a lot more of nice beaches and surfing spots, best to be traveled with motorbike as public transport is not the best in these areas. A few friends also told me about the beauty of the Caribbean islands Little and Big Corn.

  • 7 Nights: Granada
    Pretty colonial city with lots to do
  • 4 Nights: Ometepe
    Adventurous island time

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    If possible, not travel during rainy season as it was raining every afternoon or evening. And I would also visit the Caribbean islands of Nicaragua (big and little corn)

  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    Got touched inappropriately by a man on the chicken bus and had to deal with a lot of catcalling.

  • How was the food?

    The Garden Cafe for Coffee and pastries in Granada, Banana Burger in Granada, Comedor Isla Bonita on Ometepe

  • Packing tips?

    Rain Jacket if you travel during rainy season, mosquito repellent

  • Transportation Tips?

    Local buses are the cheapest option but take some time. Tika Bus provides passages from Managua to a few locations in the country and to the borders

  • Any surprises?

    Leon is not completely white, it's just the top of the cathedral

Lodging

  • Oasis Hostel. Popular backpacker hostel with affordable dorms and private rooms. Nothing special but I had a good time here.

  • La Urraca Loca. Super chill hostel with awesome breakfast and great location on the Island.