What to Do in Nicaragua on Your Next Vacation

The capital city, Managua, is home to about a sixth of the nation’s six million inhabitants, so this is one city you must see in Nicaragua, among other reasons, because it’s the country’s main transport hub. Visit both its cathedrals: the eerie shell of the neo-Classical Catedral Vieja, damaged by an earthquake in 1972, and the eclectic uber-modern Nueva Catedral built by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta in the early nineteen nineties. The city offers easy access to many of Nicaragua’s top attractions and is also a hop skip and a jump away from the Pacific shore, where you’ll find the only all-inclusive hotel in Nicaragua.

Also known as Lake Cocibolca, the 3,191 square mile “sweet sea”—as the “Nicas” like to call it—is the largest lake in Central America and the 19^th largest in the world. The lake drains out into the Caribbean Sea through the San Juan river and once served as a port. It is no doubt one of the most famous landmarks in Nicaragua. In fact, the Spanish conquistadors initially mistook it for another sea, hence the nickname. 

Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake in the world that contains oceanic marine life. Scientists speculate these bull sharks must have traveled up the San Juan river, swimming upstream like salmon, and ultimately adapted to living in fresh water. Lake Nicaragua is also great for birdwatching, making it one of the best places to visit in Nicaragua.

Another of the cities to visit in Nicaragua is the country’s cultural capital and second-largest city. The city is officially called Santiago de los Caballeros de León (León for short). This vibrant university town and a bustling industrial and commercial center lies just off the Pacific coast, some 55 miles northeast of Managua, and is one a key stop on the Pan-American Highway. 

The city boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ruins of Old León—the original Spanish settlement founded in 1524 and destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1610—and the cathedral. León’s cathedral is one of the most famous places to visit in Nicaragua, and the largest cathedral in Central America.

Nicaragua’s most renowned poet, Rubén Darío, is buried inside the eclectic, white-washed building alongside other national heroes. Climb up on the roof for unforgettable panoramic views of city with the Los Maribios mountain range in the background.

Ometepe—or “two mountains” in Nahuatl—is the largest freshwater island in the world. This Biosphere Reserve covers an area of approximately 107 square miles and is made up of two volcanoes that gave it its name: the 5,249-foot-high Concepción and the slightly more modest 4,573-foot Maderas. One of the cool things to do in Nicaragua is to hire a guide (it’s mandatory) to take an 8-hour hike up one of the volcanoes and hang out at the top watching the sunset. You may well spot howler monkeys along the way.

And if you’re more inclined to relaxation, take a dip in the Ojo de Agua—a natural pool whose waters flow directly from the Concepción volcano and are said to have medicinal properties—or cool off under the spray of the 148-foot San Ramón waterfall at the foot of Maderas. And this is just a tiny selection of some of the best things to do in Ometepe.

To get a sense of what day-to-day life is like for locals, make sure to put riding  a “chicken bus” on your Nicaragua bucket list. Chicken buses are decommissioned American school buses that were repurposed in the 1970s for use as a means of public transport for the general public throughout Central America. Keep in mind these buses were designed for school children. They’re often packed, and legroom is limited even if you do find a seat, but riding in one is a great way to meet locals and one of the most unique things to do in Nicaragua.

With some 50 volcanic formations in all, including at least eight active volcanoes, it’s no surprise the volcano tourism has become one of the main tourist attractions in Nicaragua. The country offers volcanoes to suit all tastes. San Cristobal—also known as Tepemesquián—is the highest peak in Nicaragua, and one of its most active volcanoes. Cerro Negro, on the other hand, is the country’s youngest and smallest volcano and offers visitors the chance to go volcano surfing. Lake Apoyo, in the crater of a dormant volcano, is deep enough to enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, and sailing.

Another must-see is the Masaya Volcano National Park in Nicaragua, the country’s first and largest national park, where you’ll find the Masaya Volcanic Complex, one of the most interesting places in Nicaragua. Gazing at the incandescent lava lake at night is another unforgettable experience to include in your Nicaragua bucket list.

Keep in mind that visits are limited to 10 minutes because the bubbling lava in the volcano’s crater emits carbon dioxide, which can be toxic.

When you hop on the chicken bus, chances are many of your fellow passengers will be headed for one of the many traditional markets you’ll find all over Nicaragua. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Mercado Nacional de Artesanías. Visiting this market is of the most popular things to do in Masaya. 

Every Thursday night, during the Verbena, the market comes alive with local food and music and traditional Nicaraguan dances. And you’ll find a wide selection of rum, coffee, hammocks, ceramics, and other handicrafts that will make perfect souvenirs. Truly one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Nicaragua!

On the northern shore of Lake Nicaragua, Granada—officially, Santiado de Granada, founded in 1524—is the country’s oldest city and one of the prettiest places to visit in Nicaragua. The city is often referred to as the Paris of Central America and is one of the must-see places in Nicaragua. Stroll its cobblestoned streets and enjoy its colorful colonial buildings. Visit the San Francisco convent museum to learn about the regions pre-Columbian civilization and you’ll find the city’s history is as colorful as its architecture. Spend a day on the lake kayaking around the Granada Islets—there are 365 in all, so you can visit one each day of the year!

Or visit the archeological site on Isla Zapatera to check out the petroglyphs. And while you’re in town, make sure you sample the famous vigorón—a typical local dish made of cassava, fried pork rinds and cabbage salad. Because sampling local fare is no doubt one of the best things to do, in Nicaragua or anywhere else for that matter!

Coffee is one of Nicaragua’s main exports and has played a key role in its history and economy for the past 200 years. Major production hubs include the volcanic region around Jinotega, the mountains of Matagalpa, and the area near Estelí, in the northern part of the central highlands. One of the great things to do in Nicaragua is to learn all about how this staple product is grown and processed. And since over 90% of coffee plantations in Nicaragua are owned by small farmers, visiting a coffee plantation is a great way to make a positive impact on the local economy.  

San Juan del Sur is a surfer’s paradise. Notable activities include lounging on the beach, gazing at the sunset over the Pacific, strolling along the bay, sipping cocktails... you get the drift. Not surprisingly, the town has become a popular place to hold yoga retreats and is one of the top places to visit in Nicaragua to chill out. Contemplate the impressive Christ of Mercy, one of the 10 tallest statues of Jesus in the world while you’re there. Oh, and… you can also go surfing!

Aside from Ometepe and all the other islets on Lake Nicaragua, “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes” also boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Head for one of the string of 18 remote Pearl Cays or visit the Corn Islands, once a base for British buccaneers. Exploring underwater caves, snorkeling or scuba diving with hammerhead sharks are just some of the Corn Island activities to look forward to. Or, you can simply laze about on a traditional Nicaraguan hammock on a deserted beach as you contemplate the azure waters of the Caribbean while enjoying the freshest seafood imaginable. Because doing nothing is another of the great things to do in Nicaragua!