Nicaragua from the Pacific to the Caribbean
2024
Highlights of the trip
During your stay you can enjoy the following highlights: Culture / Heritage, Faune and flora, Adventure / Sports & Leisure, Free time.
Best times to go
The best time(s) to go is/are : Printemps, Eté, Automne, Hiver.
Petit Futé
Where to stay - Managua ?
The map of your stay "Nicaragua from the Pacific to the Caribbean"
Detail of the stay : Nicaragua from the Pacific to the Caribbean
How to get there - Managua
Slowly but surely
Steps: Playa Popoyo
Barely arrived in Managua, on the Pacific coast. After this long trip, you will certainly feel very comfortable to rest a little. Nothing like beautiful waves, a great sun and long beaches with lost sight to make the energy. San Juan del Sur or Popoyo? These two small towns are the main centers of surf culture. While the reputation of the festivities of San del Sur is no longer to be done, the area of Popoyo is in full development. We let you decide, but in both cases it will be a beautiful entry into the matter to start properly your holidays!
Direction the Pacific Coast
Steps: San Juan Del Sur
San Juan del Sur or Popoyo. Farniente or slip sports? Take advantage of this first day to get to the rhythm of Central America where the watchword is usually "quiet". Please note that it is not easy to travel from the Popoyo area to San Juan del Sur, there is no road along the coast. If you have a bouquet and want to know both cities, you will need to revisit Rivas.
Surf and fancy
Steps: San Juan Del Sur
San Juan del Sur or Popoyo. Enjoy this last day with the gentle sound of waves!
Between the two volcanoes of Ometepe
Steps: Balgüe
Ometepe. Leave the ocean to reach Lake Nicaragua, direction the island of Ometepe, one of the most beautiful islands in the world with its two volcanoes (La Concepcion and Maderas) which can be asleep. Beware, it's quite sporty! Be sure, many other activities are also possible, from the quieter (sipping a cocktail on the beach) to the most adventurous (kayak at the mouth of the river to try to watch Caymans).
Places of interest : RESERVA NATURAL VOLCÁN CONCEPCIÓN VOLCÁN MADERAS
Exploring the island
Ometepe. To explore the island, we recommend renting a scooter. There are many fantastic sites to discover: archaeology, natural pools, rural tourism...
Large Colonial Town
Steps: Reserva Nacional Volcán Mombacho
Granada. Leave the island to head to Granada, one of the country's two major colonial cities. Long-awaited by pirates, who went back to the Rio San Juan to come to plunder it, the majestic Granada returned several times from its ashes. Stroll through its small streets to the central square and its colorful cathedral. Climb up the bell tower of the church of La Merced for a stunning 360 ° view of the city, its tile roofs, Mombacho volcano and Lake Nicaragua.
Places of interest : IGLESIA LA MERCED
Around Granada
Steps: Reserva Nacional Volcán Mombacho
Granada. Many excursions to the day are possible around Granada: boat tour on the lake in the middle of the isletas, walks in the volcano reserve Mombacho volcano (it is still active, at night you can admire its flamboyant lava), stuffing on the edge of the Apoyo lagoon, crafts villages of blancos.
Around Granada, next
Northern Direction
Steps: León
León. Another city, even decor (at last not quite, but even mindset). León is Nicaragua's second largest colonial city. The architecture is perhaps a little less well maintained than in Granada, but the atmosphere, more student, is also more festive (and certainly also less tourism).
Around León
Steps: Volcán Cerro Negro
León. In the vicinity of León is the great Cordillera of the Maribios. Fans of thrills will certainly be tempted by surfing on the black sand of the volcano Cerro Negro. Many hikes are possible on the slopes of the surrounding volcanoes. History and archeology lovers can visit the site of León Viejo located just over one hour bus from León.
In the vicinity of León,
Steps: Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado
León. Did the beach miss you? Find the relaxed atmosphere and surf attitude on the beaches of Las Peñitas, less than an hour from León. For nature lovers, explore Juan Venado Island Natural Reserve. It extends 22 kilometers long and 250 meters wide. From July to January, you may even have the chance to observe turtles...
The coffee region
Steps: Estelí
Estelí. Return inland and cool off at altitude. Esteli is also a small colonial town where you can delve into memories of the Revolution, admire numerous murals and visit a cigar factory (Honduras is one of the world's leading cigar exporters).
Many natural reserves
Steps: Reserva Natural Miraflor
Estelí. Very orientated excursions around the corner: in the Miraflor nature reserve, in Tisey's. You can also visit coffee plantations.
Places of interest : RESERVA NATURAL MESETA TISEY-ESTANZUELA
Somoto Canyon
Steps: Somoto
Estelí. 1 hour north, you can go to Somoto canyon. With its 6 km long, this canyon gives birth to the Rio Coco, the longest river in Central America. These waters are pretty cool, calm and shallow (no rafting possible). It hides water, that is to say, you walk down the river and swim and swim. It is open to visitors all year round, but its access is sometimes restricted in case of heavy rains (in September and October). There is no need to be very sporty to go there and many well trained guides accompany you.
Places of interest : CAÑON DE SOMOTO
Around Esteli
Steps: Jinotega
. You can also take a day excursion in the cities of Matagalpa or Jinotega. These two small towns are in the same spirit as Esteli, with colonial architecture, central square and beautiful churches.
In transit by the capital
Steps: Big Corn Island
Managua. Return to the capital to fly to Big Corn Island, a paradise island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. There is also a possibility to walk along the coast, to spend some very festive evenings on the weekend, but especially to make beautiful dives.
For travellers with a small budget, it is possible to travel to Bluefields by bus (via El Rama) and take a boat to Corn Island. However, the boat (which also delivers goods) is only once or twice a week.
Directorate Caribbean Islands
Small sister island
Steps: Little Corn Island
Little Corn Island. Take a boat to visit the smallest of the two islands, one of the most peaceful places in the country: no cars, no roads, no shoes, no stress! Perfect for relaxing... Pay attention to the days that scroll...
Sunshine
Steps: Little Corn Island
Little Corn Island. Continue this beautiful moment of relaxation well deserved...
