Nicaragua: A Central American gem hiding in plain sight!
- asastry007
- Jul 6
- 9 min read
Introduction: A country in Central America away from the well-trodden "Central American routes"
Mention Central America to your friends and odds are that they will mention Costa Rica or Belize. What if I told you that there is a country next door to Costa Rica that's vibrant, authentic, and brimming with natural beauty? And if I told you that over there, you will not see caravans of tourist buses ferrying hordes of tourists to over-touristed spots and that it is about a third cheaper than Costa Rica? Which country is this? Well, it is Nicaragua!
Often overlooked, this Central American gem - and the largest in Central America - offers an incredible array of experiences, from ancient colonial cities to active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. It's a country that captures your heart with its warm people, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Geographic and Demographic Diversity
A land of three distinct regions
Pacific Lowlands (where most travelers visit): This western region stretches along the Pacific coast and is characterized by fertile plains, a chain of active volcanoes, and two large freshwater lakes, Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua. Lake Nicaragua hosts Ometepe Island on which lie two volcanoes: Concepción and Maderas.
Central Highlands: Lying northeast and east of the Pacific Lowlands, this area has a much cooler climate, featuring rugged mountain ranges (like the Cordillera Dariense and Isabelia) with elevations up to 5,900' (1,800 meters.)
Caribbean Lowlands (also known as the Mosquito Coast or Miskito Coast): This eastern half of the country is less developed, covering more than 50% of the national territory and is characterized by lush tropical rainforests and a network of waterways. It's a hot and humid area with high rainfall throughout the year, making it one of the wettest regions in Central America.
Cultural tapestry
Nicaragua's cultural landscape is a rich tapestry woven from Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences across its regions.
Mestizo and Spanish Influence (Pacific and Central Regions):
The majority of Nicaraguans are Mestizo, people of mixed European (predominantly Spanish) and indigenous ancestry. This fusion is most evident in these regions, which were heavily colonized by the Spanish.
Religion:
Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, with many traditions and festivals rooted in Catholic practices blended with indigenous beliefs. Celebrations like La Purísima (in honor of the Virgin Mary) are central to Nicaraguan culture.
Folklore and Arts:
Traditional music often features instruments like the marimba, and folklore includes performances like El Güegüense, a UNESCO-recognized satirical drama often seen as a symbol of indigenous resistance and ingenuity against colonial rule.
Cuisine:
Staples like corn and beans are central to the cuisine, with dishes such as gallo pinto, indio viejo, and vigorón.
Indigenous and Afro-Nicaraguan Cultures (Caribbean Coast):
The Caribbean Lowlands have a distinct cultural identity due to historical ties with the British as a protectorate and significant African influence.
Indigenous Groups: Several indigenous groups have maintained their distinct identities and languages, including the Miskito, Sumo (Mayangna), and Rama peoples.
Afro-Nicaraguan Communities: A substantial Black (Creole/Kriol) population, largely descended from West Indian (Jamaican) immigrants and shipwrecked African slaves, resides on the Caribbean coast.
Languages:
While Spanish is present, English and various indigenous languages are widely spoken in this region.
Music and Dance:
The Caribbean coast is known for its lively and sensual Palo de Mayo dance music, celebrated during the Maypole Festival, which has British origins.
Culinary journey through Nicaragua
Nicaraguan cuisine, often referred to as comida Nica, is a delightful blend of indigenous, Spanish, and Creole influences.
Dishes to try
Coffee:
Forgotten in this discussion is the fact that Nicaragua grows coffee in the northern regions. For coffee lovers, this will be the best part of your morning ritual! Drink it black, con leche (with milk) and sugar (if you like that!)
Desayuno típico, a hearty breakfast to start your day! It consists of:
Gallo pinto, a flavorful mixture of red beans and rice cooked together until they have a "spotted" appearance. This is the origin of the name Gallo pinto, or "spotted rooster"!
Eggs
Maduros fritos (fried plantains)
Local cheeses, which can include cuajada, a type of fresh curd cheese
Nacatamal:
A larger, heartier version of a tamale, made from corn dough and typically filled with marinated pork or chicken, rice, potatoes, and vegetables, then wrapped in a plantain leaf and steamed.
Indio Viejo (literally meaning "Old Indian):
A thick and savory stew made with shredded meat (often beef), blended tortillas, vegetables, and sometimes sour oranges or achiote.
Quesillo:
A warm tortilla wrapped around a piece of local white cheese (quesillo), topped with pickled onions (curtido) and cream (crema).
Rosquillas:
A dessert made from corn flour and enjoyed with coffee. Available in a sweet or savory form (I prefer the sweet one!)
For vegetarians:
Even though Nicaraguan cuisine often features meat, vegetarians can still find options to suit their palate:
Gallo pinto (see above)
Fried plantains (see above)
Assorted cheeses and salads
Assorted soups
Drinks to try
Flor de Caña: Nicaragua's internationally renowned rum, enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails (yummy!).
Fresco de Cacao: A refreshing drink made from raw cacao beans, rice, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, and milk or water.
Fresco/Batido (Fruit Juices/Smoothies): Can't go wrong with this, given the abundance of tropical fruits!
Nicaragua Travel Tips: Your Essential Guide
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season (November to April) offers sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities. The "green season" (May to October) brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds, with often brief afternoon showers.
Entry into Nicaragua:
Most people fly into Managua's Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA), serviced by American, United, Spirit and a few other airlines. It is also possible (and quite easy) to enter overland from Costa Rica through the Peñas Blancas border, but be prepared for a bit of a walk on the "no man's land" between the two countries!
Visas: Available on arrival at all official border posts. The fee at the airport is US$10, while the border posts at overland crossings add a few more dollars towards miscellaneous fees (TIP: BRING small USD bills to facilitate a quick entry process!)
Note that visa regimes are subject to change, so make sure you always have the latest information on visas!
Getting Around: "Chicken buses" are a cultural experience and budget-friendly, while tourist shuttles (highly recommended!) offer more comfort and direct routes between popular destinations. Taxis and local buses are readily available in towns.
Currency: Nicaraguan Cordoba (NIO), but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
Language: Spanish is the official language. Learning a few basic phrases goes a long way!
Safety: The country is generally safe for tourists, but always exercise common-sense precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night. And do not broach the "P" word: politics!
Must-visit Destinations
Emerald (Pacific) Coast, where most visitors go to
Ometepe Island (on Lake Nicaragua)
Imagine an island born from two majestic volcanoes, rising from the tranquil waters of Lake Nicaragua. That's Ometepe, a truly unique destination that blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
What to do on Ometepe:
Hike a Volcano: Conquer the challenging ascent of Volcán Concepción for panoramic views, or opt for the cloud forest trek up Volcán Maderas to discover a hidden waterfall.
Kayak on the Isthmus: Paddle through the calm waters of the Isthmus, a narrow strip of land connecting the two volcanoes, spotting diverse birdlife and playful monkeys.
Swim in Ojo de Agua: Relax and rejuvenate in the crystal-clear, natural spring-fed pools, said to have healing properties.
Explore by Scooter/ATV: Rent a scooter or ATV to navigate the island's winding roads, discovering charming villages, local farms, and stunning viewpoints at your own pace.
Chocolate & Coffee Tours: Learn about Nicaragua's rich agricultural heritage with hands-on tours that take you from bean to bar (or cup!).
Beyond Ometepe
Zip lining at Parque Aventura San Juan del Sur:
Located atop one of the highest places in the San Juan del Sur area, this spot offers views of the Pacific Coast as well as the inland volcanoes. Enjoy an ATV ride up the mountainaous terrain through the tropical forest and get a chance to see monkeys, sloths and tropical birds in their natural habitat.
Colonial Charms of Granada: Stroll through the colorful streets of Granada, one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Explore its grand cathedral, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and enjoy vibrant nightlife on Calle La Calzada.
León's Revolutionary Spirit & Rooftop Views: Discover the intellectual and revolutionary heart of Nicaragua in León. Climb to the rooftop of its magnificent cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site!) for incredible city and volcano views, then delve into its powerful street art.
Surf San Juan del Sur: Catch a wave on the Pacific coast in San Juan del Sur, a lively beach town known for its excellent surfing conditions and laid-back vibe.
Masaya Volcano by Night: Witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava at the active Masaya Volcano, a truly unforgettable experience.
Northern Highlands
This is a great spot for ecotourism and hiking. This region offers cooler temperatures, stunning cloud forests, coffee plantations, and tobacco farms.
Caribbean Coast (Corn Islands)
The Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island offer white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a relaxed Afro-Caribbean culture, perfect to escape the crowds. They are perfect for snorkeling, diving, fishing.
Places to stay
In general, the Emerald Coast offers the most luxurious of accommodations. Here are a few:
Rancho Santana (2-hour drive from Managua airport or a 3.5-hour drive from Liberia, Costa Rica)
A premier luxury resort and residential community located on Nicaragua's stunning Emerald Coast. Its location is interesting in that it is on an isthmus that is between the Pacific Ocean and lake Nicaragua. This results in the place getting constant offshore breezes!
The property spans 2,700 acres of rolling hills and offers private access to five distinct beaches, each with its own character and often renowned for specific surf breaks. These include Playa Santana, Playa Rosada (known for a powerful left-hand point break), Playa Los Perros (gentler waves, good for beginners), and Playa Duna (features sand dunes for sandboarding).
Activities
The resort offers s range of activities:
Surfing
Horse riding
Swimming
Nature walks
Treetop yoga classes (lovely doing yoga with humming birds chirping away, as well as views of the jungle and ocean!)
Spa (I will say that the massage I got here was one of the best I have had!)
A sea turtle conservation program to help release baby turtles (do not miss this sight if you happen to be there when they release the hatchlings!)
Several restaurants serving assorted food from tacos to sushi and pizza
Mukul (3-hour drive from Managua airport or a 3-hour drive from Liberia, Costa Rica)
This is another high-end place offering luxury accommodations (they also take pride in using local building materials):
Beach Villas: Located directly on the gently rolling surf of Playa Manzanillo, these one and two-bedroom villas offer spacious indoor-outdoor living, private pools, wrap-around decks, and outdoor showers.
Tree Suites (Bohios): Perched dramatically on a steep hillside 300 feet above the beach, these "treehouse-like" suites provide breathtaking ocean views, private plunge pools, and a strong connection to the lush jungle.
Flor de Caña Rum Experience: The owners' connection with rum means that guests can enjoy exclusive Flor de Caña rum experiences, tastings, as well as a well-stocked humidor with Nicaraguan cigars.
Jicaro (1-hour drive from Managua airport or a 4-hour drive from Liberia, Costa Rica)
A high-end spot and an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers seeking a luxurious and serene escape in Nicaragua.
Located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua, it is accessible by boat from the lovely colonial city of Granada.
Volcano Views: The lodge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Mombacho Volcano across the lake!
Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery
Nicaragua isn't just a destination; it's an invitation to experience a part of Central America at its most authentic. It is a good time to visit, before the secret is out, and before the roads are full of large tourist buses carrying armies of tourists all over the isthmus!
Author's Note: This guide combines personal experiences from my visit to Nicaragua that also included meetings with on-the-ground travel professionals. The country's tourism infrastructure is still in its nascent stage, offering experiences that can't easily be booked online - the kind we specialize in creating for our clients.
Great article Arun, and great pictures.