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.