Nicaragua is a place to consider for your next tropical trip.
Still, I’m here to tell you: this is an unspoiled paradise featuring luxury and bespoke adventure.
From beaches to boutiques, nightlife to nature, Nicaragua delivers.
As an adventure-seeker and a mom, I look for destinations that balance comfort with immersion.
- I’ve explored and spent days on the ground over a few trips, mapping it out so you don’t have to
- Steal my itineraries from volcano hiking on Ometepe to scouting luxury eco-resorts in San Juan del Sur, or renting a private island!
- Nicaragua has boutique stays, private drivers and amazing dining spots! I will share all the best ones (including eco-lodges, tasting menus and beachfront lobster shacks).
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Ometepe Island: Volcano Hiking & Affordable Adventure Travel in Nicaragua
Ometepe Island blends:
- Waterfalls
- Volcano hikes
- Ancient history
- Wild, raw nature
Most activities cost under $10 USD — making it one of the best value adventure destinations in Central America.
A volcanic eruption sealed the lake off from the ocean centuries ago, which explains why bull sharks still swim there. (Though you’re unlikely to see them; we didn’t.)
Catch a ferry to the island and then hire a driver to explore. I personally vet local drivers by reading reviews from services like GetYourGuide and Viator and communicating directly before booking.
- Hike to the San Ramon waterfall
- Visit a natural swimming hole at Ojo de Agua
- Hike a volcano – more than one option!
- Admire ancient petroglyphs
- Bike about the island for a relaxing tour
- Beach day at Santa Domingo beach (great for sunsets!)
Where to Eat and Stay on Ometepe
Stay at the Totoco Resort for a comfortable and eco-friendly getaway. Great volcano views, upscale accommodations and a relaxing atmosphere, including yoga and a restaurant.
Enjoy a meal at Cafe Campestre, where you can find outdoor, al fresco dining with a farm-to-table menu, featuring insane tandoori chicken (among other drool-worthy dishes!)
The Jungle Restaurant has ridiculously fresh juices and an authentic Nicaraguan menu, with some of my favorites like the Nica breakfast. (The local Nica cheese is heavenly!)
Finca del Sol Eco Lodge is a great spot for those wanting a cozy stay and island ambience. The colorful casitas are so striking against the lush plants, and while you are one with nature, the accommodations are not so rustic that it feels like camping! The best of both worlds.
Calala Island: Private Island Luxury in Nicaragua
Plan well and book early for this splurge-worthy luxe getaway; it might be the best money you spend! Calala Island only welcomes overnight guests — they do not sell day passes for this exclusive, private island escape.
Calala sits within the Pearl Cay archipelago, giving guests access to the surrounding untouched islands. Some of those are accessible to day-trip visitors.
This was just too good to pass up looking into – but no, we did not go. I just wanted to be sure to share this amazing private island experience! (If you go, call me! I want to drool over your photos and hear all about it! If you are in the market to rent a private island, here are all the details:
What Makes This Private Island Worth the Splurge
- Accommodates only 10 adults across 5 beachfront bungalows
- Includes a dedicated staff of 25
- Requires only a 3-night minimum stay
- Costs approximately $4,400–$5,800 per night (all-inclusive)
- Includes fully customized activities
- Requires flights + boat transfer
SheBuysTravel Tip: This is best booked for milestone celebrations — anniversaries, honeymoons or once-in-a-lifetime trips with girlfriends.
Granada: Colonial Charm and Cultural Travel Experiences
Granada feels like stepping into a living postcard.
Spanish architecture still dominates the skyline.
Color spills from colonial buildings along Lake Nicaragua.
The lore of pirates and marauders, traders and merchants and Spanish flair. (I’m pretty sure I was a pirate in another life!)
The city has carefully preserved its colonial architecture, but the vibrancy of daily life today sings from the streets.
- Rent a horse-drawn carriage for a unique afternoon ride.
- Taking a cooking class is one of my favorite things to do while traveling!
- Another opportunity to explore a volcano! I’m telling you…volcanoes a-plenty!
- Swim in a crater lake at Laguna de Apoyo.
- Take a tour on the lake by boat.
- Kick back and enjoy the sun from any spot around!
Where to Eat and Stay in Granada
- Get your grill on at Restaurante El Zaguan (my fave!)
- The Garden Cafe is good for a healthier and lighter assortment of foods.
- The Tribal Hotel is adults-only and offers a luxurious, vibrant ambience – I love this one!
- Hotel Granada Nicaragua is another spot to splurge on some of the nicer things in life!
- Having pizza is a must everywhere I go, and Panaderia Pan de Vida will not disappoint you! Don’t miss the churros!
The Corn Islands: Laid-back Luxury and Scuba Diving in Nicaragua
Little and Big Corn Islands burst with Afro-Caribbean culture — from Garifuna drums to freshly caught lobster in the Rondon stew.
- Hike to the lighthouse and enjoy the views!
- Obviously, I am going to tell you to go scuba diving or snorkeling!
- Find a local fisherman and join him in his pursuit of a fresh catch!
- Attend a Garifuna drum and dance performance – and if you’re brave like me (or have some liquid courage, learn some local moves and join in!)
- Enjoy the breezy beaches, which are mostly free of crowds.
- Partake in a yoga class or other wellness activities (yoga is super accessible on the islands!)
Where to Eat and Stay on The Corn Islands
- Try lunch at the Turned Turtle restaurant on Little Corn Island (which is also part of a bed and breakfast!) I can wholeheartedly recommend the lobster!
- Catch live music and have some refreshments at Tranquilo Cafe (Little Corn Island)
- Stay at Yemaya Reefs for luxury on Little Corn Island, with amenities like A/C and on-demand generator power.
- Hotel Los Delfines (Little Corn Island) is the spot to be for all the nightlife and a modern, budget option to stay (they also have a dive shop on-site and the location is perfect for launching to sea!)
- Yemaya Reefs has it all – luxury, amazing food and gorgeous ocean views. This is my favorite place to experience paradise.
- Arenas Beach Hotel on Big Corn Island has the look of a white sand beach glossy travel story, but you get to experience it off the pages of the magazine and in real life!
Getting to the Corn Islands
- Fly or take a ferry to Big Corn Island from the mainland of Nicaragua.
- Take a small boat to Little Corn Island.
- Expect a sporty ride if the water is choppy; you and your luggage are likely to get wet.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Confirm boat departure times the day before travel — schedules can shift.
Managua: Urban Culture and Day Trips like Masaya Volcano
Managua pulses with energy. It surprised me as I zoomed along the streets:
- Motorbikes weave through traffic with a hair’s breadth of space to spare
- Street vendors line busy intersections or walk amongst traffic stopped at lights
- Massive “Trees of Life” sculptures light up the skyline and add pops of color
There are so many things to do in and around the city. Most trips are half to full day, but do not require a ton of time.
- Visit the hilltop monument to General Augusto Calderon Sandino (which offers sweeping city views!)
- I found it never got old admiring all the “Trees of Life” which provide pops of color around the city.
- Try a fritanga tour, experiencing Nicaraguan street food
- I love to explore the history of a place, which you can do at the Plaza of the Revolution or the Old Cathedral of Managua.
- Book a private driver and take a day trip – this is the driver and company I used, and they are fantastic!
- Visit the Masaya volcano, which is a perfect ½ day trip from the city of Managua
Where to Eat and Stay in Managua
- Stay at the InterContinental Managua at Metrocentro for an elevated stay – I really loved how convenient it was to walk across the street to experience a huge Nicaraguan shopping mall.
- Have coffee and sweets at La Tostaderia in Managua
- Enjoy an authentic meal at Cocina de Doña Haydée
- Hotel Los Robles is a boutique hotel that has so much charisma! If you love supporting the non-chain lodging in a destination, this is my recommendation for you!
- Le Cafe de Paris accepts reservations and is a little taste of French cuisine in Nicaragua, for a fun twist in your vacation menu!
- Nativo is a newer restaurant in Managua, and I love it for its exploratory tasting menu! This is a special spot – so make sure to save time to dine and enjoy Nativo. I know you’ll love it!
San Juan del Sur: Surf, Eco-Resorts and Family-Friendly Luxury
San Juan del Sur is an established resort and traveler destination. Boutique hotels offering modern luxury are widely available. There isn’t a thing you’ll be wanting for on your vacation here. (Well, maybe bottomless refills or more ceviche!)
Why San Juan del Sur Feels Different
- Strong expat community
- Popular with surfers and backpackers
- Rustic charm still intact – you won’t find “big tourism” here
- Family-friendly beaches
San Juan del Sur is the ultimate beach-and-waves vacation.
- The most obvious thing to do is try a surf lesson! I proved to be a terrible surfer, but it’s a fun thing to give a go!
- Horseback riding along Playa Maderas – nothing is more romantic (with a side of adventure) than this!
- Get a massage and let relaxation seep in
- Hang out at Tree Casa – the most epic spot for families!
- Try ash boarding at Cerro Negro Volcano (this is going to have to be a go-back for me! We couldn’t make it work in our schedule, but it looks SO fun!)
- The Cristo de La Misericordia statue reminds me of a scaled-down version of the towering statue in Rio de Janeiro and is an easy spot to walk around and admire the surroundings.
Where to Eat and Stay in San Juan del Sur
The Pacific side of the country has a totally different vibe from the Caribbean side. Here you’ll find a healthy population of expats, lots of backpackers and surfers looking for the perfect wave. With that crowd, you know there’s got to be some great beaches!
- Stay at Rancho Santana
- Dine at Dale Pues with lots of high-quality options and a cozy vibe
- Blend two of my favorite things, eco-resorts and luxury, at Morgan’s Rock
- For a boutique stay, try Hotel Alcazar, which looked lovely!
- Mango Rosa has an upscale restaurant and gorgeous bungalows
- Sabores de mi Patio has the coolest decor and motif, plus patio seating, as the name would imply– a great spot to please everyone!
Nicaragua Luxury & Adventure Travel FAQs
Yes. I felt safe the entire time in Nicaragua. Most travelers stick to well-known destinations like those I have mentioned: Ometepe, Granada, San Juan del Sur and the Corn Islands. As with any travel, using reputable tour operators, private drivers and established hotels adds an extra layer of security. As with anywhere you travel, situational awareness is key.
Nicaragua offers strong value compared to other Central American countries, such as Costa Rica and Belize. Ultra-exclusive stays, as I talked about with Calala Island, range from approximately $4,000–$6,000 per night (all-inclusive), while many high-end boutique stays fall into a much more accessible price range.
The dry season (November through April) is ideal for beach days, volcano hikes and island hopping. The green season (May through October) brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds, though afternoon showers are common. As with many destinations, any holiday will be more expensive and busier. Nicaraguans widely observe Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas, which drive up prices and crowds.
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