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Introducing Nicaragua

Discover the best of Nicaragua.
Bet your vacation days on Nicaragua, and you'll be mightily rewarded. Expect perfect surfing beaches on the Pacific coast, beautifully preserved colonial architecture in Granada, and opportunities for truly out-of-this-world adventure—think underwater cave diving and hikes to hidden jungle fortresses. With a tourism infrastructure that's still catching up, Nicaragua still feels like a hideaway—book your trip before the secret's out.

When is the best time to visit?
Nicaragua's high season runs from December-March, but November and April may actually be the best time to visit. During these shoulder season months, you can expect mostly dry and sunny weather with a fraction of the high season crowds. Most travelers will want to avoid the rainy season, which usually lasts from May through October—rough roads and stormy days can make logistics tricky, though you'll score bargain hotel deals.

Where should you go?
Nicaragua may be a small slice of Central America, but it has an impressive diversity of outdoor and cultural options. Tola and San Juan del Sur in the southwest are perfect for surf-happy beachgoers and travelers looking for the perfect wellness retreat. Head north to Estelí and Matagalpa for a dose of local culture, while western León has it all: nature, crumbling colonial history, and adventure are at your fingertips here.

The intrepid traveler will also want to consider a visit to Ometepe Island. Formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua and connected by a low strip of wetland, Ometepe is one of the largest freshwater islands in the world—and the only island with two volcanoes in a freshwater lake. Designated a biosphere reserve, the area offers plenty of untouched nature to explore—but it's also a historical gem. The influence of ancient aboriginal tribes can still be seen in petroglyphs dating back 1,700 years.

How many days do you need?
In just 5 days, you can see a number of Nicaragua's highlights. Start by exploring León with a private guide, check out Granada, take a Las Isletas boat tour, and finish the trip with a day at Masaya Volcano and Pueblos Blancos. With a week or more, you should consider adding two nights at Ometepe Island and some leisure time on the beaches of Tola. In 2 weeks, you can complete a true grand tour, with unique opportunities to engage with local culture. Take a coffee farm tour in Matagalpa, check out the Indio Maíz Nature Reserve, snorkel off the coast of Corn Island, and so much more.

Nicaragua Travel Insights

Cayos de Perlas, Nicaragua
Map of Beaches & Culture in Nicaragua - 10 Days
Beaches & Culture in Nicaragua - 10 Days

On this relaxing 10-day tour of Nicaragua's best beaches, you'll explore the surf and sand from coast to coast, with a dose of local culture along the way. Unwind on stunning white-sand beaches, kayak around Caribbean cays, and tour the massive Lago de Nicaragua and its hundreds of islets. You'll also gain insight into culinary traditions in the colonial city of Granada, spot marine wildlife like sea turtles, and visit a tropical cloud forest reserve.

Rainbow-billed Toucan
Map of Kayak the Pirate Routes in Nicaragua – 11 Days
Kayak the Pirate Routes in Nicaragua – 11 Days

Retrace the old pirate routes on this kayaking adventure in Nicaragua. Your journey will start in the 500-year-old Spanish colonial city of Granada. You will then fly to San Carlos and paddle the San Juan River from Sabalos to San Juan de Nicaragua. See exotic fauna such as the rainbow-billed toucan, visit the fort at El Castillo built to fend off pirates, and camp on the banks of the San Jan River. Finish your trip with a free day in Nicaragua's exciting capital, Managua.

Walking at Mombacho Volcano
Map of Sustainable Nicaragua - 11 Days
Sustainable Nicaragua - 11 Days

Although only a small country, Nicaragua packs in a lot of variety. On this eleven day tour, learn about the country's sustainability efforts while enjoying cultural experiences and fun outdoor excursions. Hike a volcano in the middle of a lake, visit an organic farm, and try your hand at pottery, weaving, and traditional cooking in a series of local-led workshops.

Nicaragua Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Nicaragua map: Beaches & Culture in Nicaragua - 10 Days
Beaches & Culture in Nicaragua - 10 Days
View article
Nicaragua map: Kayak the Pirate Routes in Nicaragua – 11 Days
Kayak the Pirate Routes in Nicaragua – 11 Days
View article
Nicaragua map: Sustainable Nicaragua - 11 Days
Sustainable Nicaragua - 11 Days
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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Nicaragua

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Gorgeous, still relatively untouched, and inexpensive
Nicaragua | Feb 28 - Mar 16, 2023

F
fern k.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 23, 2023

Nicaragua is still relatively unspoiled and has great natural beauty. We were impressed by the accommodations, food and knowledge of our guides. We felt safe everywhere we went and didn’t get sick at all.
Reyna did a great job capturing who we were and the kind of experiences we were looking for - we felt like we had great exposure to authentic Nicaraguan customs and life. We learned a lot about the importance of coffee, chocolate, cigars and farming in general to the economy.
We plan to... read more

Nicaragua is still relatively unspoiled and has great natural beauty. We were impressed by the accommodations, food and knowledge of our guides. We felt safe everywhere we went and didn’t get sick at all.
Reyna did a great job capturing who we were and the kind of experiences we were looking for - we felt like we had great exposure to authentic Nicaraguan customs and life. We learned a lot about the importance of coffee, chocolate, cigars and farming in general to the economy.
We plan to return in 2 or 3 years!!!

Hotel Reviews
Finca San Juan de la Isla
Altagracia

We were in a cabana overlooking the lake and “bird island”. Beautiful spot. Food and service was great. Lots of wildlife. It’s super windy but the restaurant did a good job of putting up screens to block the wind but still allow a view. We loved the private remote feeling of this place - if you need to be where the action is , look elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character
Rustic cabanas Beautiful gardens
Location
Private remote
Staff
Very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pacaya Lodge y Spa
Masaya

We were in a private cabana overlooking the lake and gorgeous grounds. Loved the sound of the howlers and birds every day. Loved our deck with comfy hammock. Very luxurious accommodations. Staff were super friendly and accommodating. Food was good.

Authenticity & Character
Loved that the owners also are involved in education and farming locally
Location
Big deck overlooking the lagoon
Staff
Staff were super friendly and helpful. I even received a birthday card and small gift on my birthday 🥳
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very luxurious.
Hotel Selva Negra (Bungalow)
Matagalpa

Loved this rustic cabin in the middle of a forest. Lots of wildlife!! Great hiking trails. Very interesting coffee tour of a large coffee producer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Loved the forest location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lever
Somoto

What a surprise to find such a high end feeling newer hotel in northern Nicaragua!!! Food was great. Comfy bed. Loved the town of Somoto. Just small enough to easily explore and quickly feel at home in.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aaki Hotel
Las Peñitas

Wonderful location on the beach with comfy bed and great view from our balcony. The included breakfast was ok but we added a fruit platter for an extra charge that was fabulous. The lunch and dinner items need work. I had what I thought was going to be a fresh fruit bowl with chia and granola but the fruit was puréed into a smoothie - such a shame when the fresh fruit in season is outstanding. The flavours all just blended together- disappointing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location on a gorgeous stretch of beach
Staff
Awesome friendly staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Victoriano
San Juan del Sur

Older hotel that needs some work. The architecture is amazing and some areas were well maintained. But the main stairs to the hotel were uneven / being repaired. Funky smell - mildew? In the lobby. The room itself was nice with good amenities and comfy bed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
On the Main Street across from a very busy boat filled beach/ harbour
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Had to be careful on the uneven main entrance stairs. Find what is causing the smell in the lobby - maybe it was just temporary???
Hotel Los Altos
Estelí

We visited the stone man and did an artisanal coffee and farm visit from Esteli , all of which were awesome. The city itself is BUSY and we were warned to not be walking around our hotel after 10 pm. The hotel was near Central Park and church and the area was totally fine during the day and early evening. The room was fine, the staff ok. Might look into a home stay if we were to visit Esteli region again. We are not busy city people but if you like being in the centre of action you might not mind this hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Reyna Ulloa

I had an amazing experience travelling to Nic...
Nicaragua | Dec 24 - Dec 31, 2022

K
Keyla A.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2023

I had an amazing experience travelling to Nicaragua with Kimkim. I was a bit skeptical at first because I have never travelled with this agency before but they really surpassed my expectations. Reyna worked closely with me to accommodate my needs and always made sure everything is okay and if anything else is needed. There was active communication at all times. We stayed one week in Nicaragua and it was the perfect escape for whomever enjoys being in nature, surrounded by great people and... read more

I had an amazing experience travelling to Nicaragua with Kimkim. I was a bit skeptical at first because I have never travelled with this agency before but they really surpassed my expectations. Reyna worked closely with me to accommodate my needs and always made sure everything is okay and if anything else is needed. There was active communication at all times. We stayed one week in Nicaragua and it was the perfect escape for whomever enjoys being in nature, surrounded by great people and eating delicious food. Every guide we had the pleasure to be with picked us up on time, was extremely helpful with any questions we might have had and you could tell they loved doing what they do.

In the future I would definitely book another trip with kimkim and was overall very impressed.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Patio del Malinche
Granada
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
always attentive and very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Caite San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Charco verde
Rivas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Marimba
Apoyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Las Isletas Kayak adventure
Granada
Quality of Experience
Food
we did not have any food so I would rate it neutral
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mombacho Volcano - Crater Trail
Granada
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
San Juan del Sur - Sunset Boat Journey
San Juan del Sur
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking the Maderas Volcano
ometepe

We are not experienced hikers but we were able to succeed. It was not easy but the views were incredible. We were told this was a beginner's hike and it definitely wasn't. We also were not well prepared with the attire but overall it was a whole new experience for me and I am glad I was able to finish the whole hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day at leisure
Apoyo
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Masaya Volcano - Lava Rock Night Tour from Apoyo Lagoon
Apoyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Reyna Ulloa

Reyna was a great agent through both the plan...
Nicaragua | Dec 14 - Dec 23, 2022

C
Chris C.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 24, 2022

Reyna was a great agent through both the planning of this vacation and during the trip itself. She was very prompt and knowledgeable answering all our questions, and checked in regularly. We never saw her, but felt that she was with us every day, making sure that things ran smoothly. All of the guides and drivers we met on the trip were also top-notch and helped us get the most out of each excursion. The while trip was fantastic. read more

Reyna was a great agent through both the planning of this vacation and during the trip itself. She was very prompt and knowledgeable answering all our questions, and checked in regularly. We never saw her, but felt that she was with us every day, making sure that things ran smoothly. All of the guides and drivers we met on the trip were also top-notch and helped us get the most out of each excursion. The while trip was fantastic.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Plaza Colon
Granada

A classy hotel with the friendliest of staff. They rolled out a TV to watch the World Cup with us, and were great hosts of their city

Authenticity & Character
Location
The room and the inner courtyards, one with a secluded pool
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel El Convento
León
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pacaya Lodge y Spa
Masaya
Authenticity & Character
Location
The most amazing view of the crater lake and close to some great volcano excursions
Staff
Super-nice people
Cleanliness & Comfort
Malibu Popoyo

Lives up to its website. Ultimate in laid-back beach vibes, with a great kitchen (food was simple but delicious). Very nice people running the place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cerro Negro sandboarding tour
León

A great hike - nice views. The boarding was fun and lived up to its promise of adrenaline-inducing. But it can easily go from fun to injury in a second. I would not recommend it for children, and they should really take more steps to improve health and safety. ( ie options for shorter or gentler rides similar to green, blue and black paths as on a ski hill). As it is now- it is a black diamond ride as your first experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Masaya Volcano - Lava Rock Night Tour from Apoyo Lagoon
Apoyo

Wasn’t sure if we would really see lava or just lots of steam - but there was a great view of the swirling lava and a nice hike overall

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mombacho Volcano - Crater Trail
Granada

Both a beautiful hike and a break from the heat combined. Well worth it

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Las Isletas Kayak adventure
Granada

Do it if you want the exercise - but there was nothing special about this kayak route

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Reyna Ulloa
Reyna
Reyna Ulloa
Local specialist in Managua | Replied on Dec 30, 2022

Hi Chris, nice to greet you!

Thank you very much for your kind feedback.
It was great to have the opportunity to create this trip all together and provide you with the best assistance.

All the team was happy to meet you, and give you the warm welcome you deserve.

Thanks for visiting our beautiful country!
We all wish you a happy New year :)

Best regards,