10 Days Discovering Nicaragua: A Land of Volcanoes, Beaches, and Culture
- shaunskolnick
- Apr 2
- 9 min read
Nicaragua, often called the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” is an underrated gem in Central America, that offers breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you're drawn to its colonial cities, pristine beaches, or rugged mountains, Nicaragua has something for every kind of traveler. From the colorful streets of Granada to the surfing paradise of San Juan del Sur, this diverse country is waiting to be explored.
One of the best things about visiting Nicaragua is its affordability compared to other travel destinations. Whether you're on a budget or looking for a more luxurious getaway, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs. Plus, with its growing tourism infrastructure and welcoming locals, it’s easier than ever to navigate the country and experience its natural wonders—like the stunning volcanic island of Ometepe or the crystal-clear waters of the Corn Islands.
When To Visit
Nicaragua has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm year-round, but the weather varies depending on the region and season. The country has two main seasons:
Dry Season (November–April) – This is the best time to visit Nicaragua, especially if you want sunny days and minimal rainfall. It’s ideal for exploring colonial cities, hiking volcanoes, and enjoying the beaches. December to February brings slightly cooler temperatures, making it a great time for outdoor adventures.
Rainy Season (May–October) – While some travelers avoid this time due to heavier rains, it can still be a great time to visit, especially for those who love lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. The Pacific coast typically sees afternoon showers, while the Caribbean side experiences more consistent rainfall. September and October are the wettest months, making travel to some remote areas challenging.
For the best experience, plan your trip between December and April when the weather is at its most pleasant, especially if you’re looking to surf, hike, or relax on the beaches without worrying about rain. If you’re a budget traveler, visiting in the shoulder months (May or November) can offer a good balance of decent weather and lower prices.
Getting Around Nicaragua
Navigating Nicaragua is relatively straightforward, with transportation options that fit all budgets and travel styles. Whether you want the freedom of a rental car, the affordability of public transport, or the convenience of shuttles, here’s what you need to know:
Car Rental – Best for Freedom & Flexibility
Renting a car is an excellent option if you want to explore Nicaragua at your own pace. Major roads between cities are generally in good condition, but rural areas—especially those leading to remote beaches or eco-lodges—can be rough, with some requiring a 4x4 vehicle.
🚗 Our experience: We rented a car and would 100% do it again. Having our own vehicle allowed us to visit off-the-beaten-path locations and travel on our own schedule.
🚦 Things to keep in mind:
Driving can be chaotic, especially in cities like Managua, where traffic rules are loosely followed.
Police checkpoints are common, and while most are routine, always carry a copy of your passport and rental documents.
Gas stations are widely available along major highways but can be sparse in remote areas—so fuel up when you can!
Public Transportation – Best for Budget Travelers
For those traveling on a budget, Nicaragua’s public transport system is affordable and widely used by locals.
🚌 Chicken Buses: These are repurposed American school buses that travel between cities and towns. They are incredibly cheap (usually under $2 for short routes) but can be crowded, slow, and lack air conditioning. If you're up for an adventure and don’t mind a bit of discomfort, they’re a fun way to experience local life.
🚐 Minibuses: A slightly more comfortable option, minibuses (or microbuses) operate on fixed schedules and are faster than chicken buses, though still quite affordable.
Private Shuttles – Best for Comfort & Convenience
If you’re looking for a stress-free way to travel between major tourist destinations, private tourist shuttles are a great choice. Companies like Nicabus and Caribe Shuttle offer air-conditioned rides between places like Granada, San Juan del Sur, and León.
💰 Cost: More expensive than public transport but much more comfortable.
✅ Best for: Families, groups, or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of public buses.
Taxis & Rideshares
🚕 Taxis: Readily available in cities, but always negotiate the fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used. It’s also common for taxis to pick up multiple passengers along the way.
📲 Rideshare Apps: In Managua, the app inDriver allows you to set your price and negotiate with drivers, which is often more reliable than hailing a taxi on the street.
Boats & Ferries – Getting to the Islands
If your itinerary includes Nicaragua’s islands, you’ll need to plan for boat or flight transportation.
⛴️ Ometepe Island: Take a ferry from San Jorge, which runs several times a day and takes about an hour.
✈️ Corn Islands: The fastest way to reach Big Corn Island is a domestic flight from Managua (about 1.5 hours). From there, you can take a short boat ride to Little Corn Island. A budget-friendly alternative is the long and challenging bus-boat combo, but it can take over 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
The best way to get around Nicaragua really depends on your travel style. If you’re comfortable driving, renting a car is absolutely worth it for the flexibility. If not, private shuttles offer a great mix of comfort and ease, while public transport is an ultra-affordable (but adventurous) option.
Itinerary
Planning our trip to Nicaragua was both exciting and challenging. With only nine nights, we had to make some tough decisions on what to include and what to skip. While there were a few places we wished we could have fit in, we were ultimately happy with how our itinerary turned out. Our journey took us through Granada, Morgan’s Rock, and Rancho Santana, giving us a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Days 1-3: Exploring Granada and Surroundings
Since we arrived in Nicaragua in the evening, we opted to stay just outside of Granada for our first two nights. While there are some great hotels in the city itself, we preferred a quieter setting to ease into our trip. We made it to our hotel just in time for dinner, as their restaurant closed at 7:30 PM.
Hotel: Pacaya Lodge & Spa
Hiking Volcano Mombacho
Volcano Mombacho Hike
Our first full day started with a hike at Volcano Mombacho—or at least, that was the plan. Unfortunately, we made a big mistake by entering the wrong location into Google Maps, which resulted in us getting completely lost and arriving over an hour late. Learn from our mistake and make sure to enter "Volcan Mombacho" into your GPS instead of "Reserva Natural Volcan Mombacho".
Once we arrived, we had three hiking options:
A short self-guided trail (about 45 minutes)
A moderate guided hike (around 2 hours)
A more challenging guided hike (over 3 hours)
We opted for the shortest trail since we were behind schedule and didn’t have much food with us. In hindsight, we could have easily managed a longer hike, but the views were still stunning, and it was an easy, enjoyable walk for the kids. The adventure began with a thrilling pickup truck ride up to the top, which the kids absolutely loved! Entrance fees were around $20 per person, but our younger two kids didn’t require tickets.
Lunch & Exploring Granada
Lunch at The Garden Cafe
After our hike, we drove into Granada for lunch at The Garden Café, which was a fantastic spot with a great atmosphere. Afterward, we wandered around the colorful streets, soaking in the colonial charm before heading to our next activity.
Las Isletas Boat Tour – A Trip Highlight
In the late afternoon, we took a Las Isletas boat tour, which we had arranged through our hotel. The most popular time for this tour is 4 PM so you can catch the sunset on the way back. This experience was truly magical, gliding past tiny jungle-covered islands, spotting wildlife, and even getting up close with some curious monkeys who climbed onto our boat. The kids were thrilled, and this ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
After the tour, we strolled around Granada a bit more before heading back to our hotel for dinner.
What We Missed
One thing we had originally planned but didn’t get to do was spend time at the lake beach clubs. We were recommended to check out Paradiso and Laguna Beach Club, but since we were eager to get to our next destination, we decided to hit the road early for the two-hour drive to Morgan’s Rock.
Days 3-5: Morgan’s Rock – A Hidden Jungle Paradise
The two-hour drive to Morgan’s Rock was relatively easy, though the last stretch of road was rough. If you plan to visit, we highly recommend renting a 4x4 vehicle, as the terrain can be challenging. Despite the bumpy ride, the scenic drive through Nicaragua’s countryside made the journey enjoyable.
Falling in Love with Morgan’s Rock
The moment we arrived, we knew Morgan’s Rock was special. The property is an eco-lodge set within a private nature reserve, blending seamlessly into the lush jungle while overlooking a secluded beach. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
We stayed in a forest-view bungalow with a plunge pool, which ended up being a great choice—mainly because it had easier access than the ocean-view bungalows, which require climbing a lot of stairs. With kids, this was a huge plus!
Room at Morgan's Rock
Activities at Morgan’s Rock
Morgan’s Rock offers a variety of activities (all at an additional cost per person). We chose two experiences:
Night Walk (Wouldn’t Recommend for Kids) We had high hopes for this, expecting to see nocturnal wildlife, but unfortunately, we didn’t spot much, and the kids were not thrilled. If you’re traveling with younger children, this may not be the best choice.
Breakfast at the Farm (10/10 Experience!) This experience was an absolute must-do for our family! The adventure started with milking a cow, which the kids found fascinating. We then collected fresh eggs from the farm’s chickens before sitting down for a delicious, farm-to-table breakfast. We even got to see baby bunnies, which was an added bonus. If your family enjoys hands-on, animal-friendly activities, this is a can’t-miss experience.
Breakfast at the farm
Surfing at Playa Maderas & Exploring San Juan del Sur
After breakfast, we took a 15-minute drive to Playa Maderas, one of Nicaragua’s best surf spots. The kids took surfing lessons, while we relaxed at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying the laid-back vibe.
Later that day, we headed into San Juan del Sur, a charming beach town known for its lively surf culture and beautiful sunsets. We explored the town, grabbed dinner, and watched the sunset before heading back to our hotel for the night.
The next morning, we had a leisurely breakfast at Morgan’s Rock and spent a bit more time at the beach before moving on to our final destination: Rancho Santana.
Days 5-10: Rancho Santana – Relaxation & Luxury
After another scenic drive, we arrived at Rancho Santana, a stunning oceanfront resort that felt like a world of its own. With five different beaches, multiple pools, and a variety of activities, it was the perfect place to wind down after our busy first half of the trip.
What We Loved About Rancho Santana
The property itself is gorgeous, offering a mix of luxury and nature.
It felt very safe, clean, and well-maintained, making it an ideal spot for families.
There were plenty of included activities, plus a few paid excursions like horseback riding.
What We Didn’t Love
While Rancho Santana is an incredible place, we did find ourselves a bit bored staying for five full days. The main issue was the intense heat during the afternoons, which made it difficult to do much until the sun started to set. After 4 PM, though, the place felt magical.
Activities We Did
Monkey Tour – A fun experience where we spotted howler monkeys in their natural habitat.
Sandboarding – My older son really enjoyed this adrenaline-filled activity!
Beach Time – We spent most evenings by the beach, soaking in the beauty of the coastline and the sunsets are some of the most beautiful we have ever seen.
Overall, our 9-night Nicaragua itinerary was a fantastic mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. While we had to skip a few places due to time constraints, we wouldn’t have changed much about our trip.
If You’re Planning a Similar Trip, Here Are Our Key Takeaways:
✔️ Double-check your navigation! We wasted time by entering the wrong location for Mombacho Volcano—make sure you use the correct coordinates.
✔️ Rent a 4x4 vehicle if you plan to visit places like Morgan’s Rock, as some roads are rough.
✔️ Be mindful of the heat—plan outdoor activities in the morning or after 4 PM.
✔️ Book early—popular hotels like Morgan’s Rock fill up fast!
✔️ Consider shortening Rancho Santana unless you prefer pure relaxation.
Nicaragua exceeded our expectations, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and unique experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a beach lover, or a family traveler, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country!
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