Nicaragua

Beaches/Surfing

Popoyo

  • Surf powerful waves, including the Outer Reef and beginner-friendly breaks.
  • Relax on quiet beaches and explore tide pools.
  • Enjoy the laid-back, rustic vibe and local surf culture.

Playa Maderas

  • Surf consistent breaks, suitable for various skill levels.
  • Relax on the beach and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
  • Enjoy the laid-back surf atmosphere.

San Juan del Sur

  • Surf at nearby beaches like Playa Remanso and Playa Hermosa.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, including bars and restaurants.
  • Explore the surrounding hills for viewpoints, like the Christ of Mercy statue.

El Transito

  • Surf consistent, uncrowded waves.
  • Relax on the black sand beach.
  • Enjoy a more secluded and authentic Nicaraguan beach experience.

Playa Gigante

  • Surf at various breaks suitable for different skill levels.
  • Relax on the wide, sandy beach.
  • Explore nearby fishing villages and enjoy local seafood.

Las Peñitas

  • Surf beach breaks, suitable for beginners and intermediates.
  • Relax on the long, sandy beach and watch sunsets.
  • Explore the nearby Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve by kayak or boat.

Other Adventures

Ometepe Island

  • Hike the Concepción or Maderas volcanoes.
  • Rent a bike and explore the island at your own pace.
  • Enjoy the sunset at Punta Jesús María or Playa Mangos.
  • Drive up and hike to the San Ramón Waterfall.
  • Swim in the natural spring of Ojo de Agua.
  • Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Nicaragua.

León

  • Visit the León Cathedral and climb to the roof.
  • Volcano board down Cerro Negro.
  • Explore revolutionary murals and historic sites.
  • Do an overnight hike on volcanoes like Telica or Santa Clara, including camping and sunrise views.

Granada & Masaya Volcano Adventures

  • Explore colonial architecture, including churches and mansions in Granada.
  • Visit the Mercado Municipal for local crafts and food.
  • Climb the bell tower of Iglesia de la Merced for city views.
  • Visit Masaya Volcano National Park to view the active Santiago crater.
  • Enjoy the tree house party at the Treehouse Ecolodge.
  • Relax at Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake near Granada.

Little Corn Island

  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in pristine reefs.
  • Relaxing on secluded beaches with white sand.
  • Explore the car-free island on foot, enjoying its laid-back atmosphere.
  • Fishing trips and enjoying fresh seafood.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Nicaragua - 5 Weeks

Days 1-3: San Juan del Sur Area

  • Explore San Juan del Sur town, and enjoy the nightlife.
  • Surf at Playa Hermosa and Playa Remanso.
  • Enjoy the local seafood and relax at nearby beachs such as Playa Marsella and Playa Hermosa.

Days 4-8 Playa Maderas

  • Transfer to Playa Maderas.
  • Surf Playa Maderas.
  • Relax on the beach and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
  • Enjoy the laid-back surf atmosphere.

Days 9-14: Popoyo

  • Transfer to Popoyo.
  • Surf powerful waves, including the Outer Reef and beginner-friendly breaks.
  • Relax on quiet beaches and explore tide pools.
  • Enjoy the laid-back, rustic vibe and local surf culture.
  • Check out the thermal pools.

Days 15-19: Ometepe Island

  • Travel to Ometepe Island.
  • Hike Concepción or Maderas volcanoes.
  • Rent a bike, explore the island, Punta Jesús María.
  • Drive up and hike to the San Ramón Waterfall.
  • Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Nicaragua.

Days 20-23: Granada

  • Travel to Granada.
  • Explore Granada's colonial architecture.
  • Day trip to Laguna de Apoyo.
  • Day trip to Masaya Volcano National Park.

Days 24-29: León, Northern Nicaragua & Las Peñitas

  • Travel to León.
  • Explore León's revolutionary history and street art.
  • Volcano board down Cerro Negro.
  • Overnight hike on Telica, El Hoyo, or Santa Clara.
  • Visit the León Cathedral.
  • Travel to Somoto Canyon and hike/swim through the canyon.
  • Travel to Las Peñitas for a relaxed day at the beach.

Days 30-35: Little Corn Island

  • Travel to Little Corn Island.
  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in pristine reefs.
  • Relax on secluded beaches with white sand.
  • Explore the car-free island on foot, enjoying its laid-back atmosphere.
  • Fishing trips and enjoying fresh seafood.