Nicaragua

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We had never heard anything about Nicaragua, but we loved our time through the largest country in Central America. Tourism here is all about volcanoes, at least on the Pacific side. No matter where you go, you’ll always have a view to a volcano, you can climb many volcanoes, you can swim in the crater’s lake of a volcano and you can even do Volcano Boarding, a sport that only exists here.

The country is also famous for its surfing, with radical waves, icy waters and beaches in unique style, with rocks and a dry look. With friendly, relaxed and unhurried people and a cool vibe the country attracts traveler from distinct tribes.

What was worth it: The relaxing island of Ometepe, our delightful hostel in San Juan del Sur and the colorful city of Granada.
What we wanted to do but we didn’t: Swimming in the waters of Somoto Canyon and explore the Corn Islands in the Caribbean Coast.

A few tips:

• TRANSPORTATION: Moving across the country is very easy on the Pacific side, because the distances are short and there are frequent buses. Once on the Caribbean do not expect the same, it is the least populated region of the country (only 12%). But do not expect much comfort on public transport, buses are old American school buses, which are usually crowded and don’t have air conditioned. But between some sections there is the option of minivan or minibus, that are faster and more comfortable.
• SECURITY: Crime exists as throughout Latin America, but surely the risk increases significantly in the Capital. So, if you have no great interest in history and arts, delete the Capital of your itinerary and concentrate in small towns, where you will feel more secure. However, keep a responsible behavior and use common sense, without giving a chance for the worse.
• VOLCANO BOARDING: Nicaragua is the only country in the world where you can do this sport, which was invented by the owner of Big Foot hostel in León. We did the tour with them and we believe that is the best option. It has a downside that sometimes the groups are very big, but they sure have the best boards that allow you to go faster if you like adrenaline. The best advice: go with very long socks and put the pants of your jumper inside the socks, this will prevent the volcanic tiny rocks to get into your pants scratching your entire leg.
• PANAMA TO MEXICO: If you just want to cross Central America inexpensively there is a bus service called Tica Bus, which takes you from Panama City to Chiapas in southern Mexico. The trip takes 5 days and all nights in the capital of each country you must pay for your accommodation. The total cost is USD 133 in tourist class and 172 USD in business class. But you can also buy just the sections between 2 countries, 3 countries, etc … Any section in their itinerary.

Our itinerary (12 days)

We crossed the border from Costa Rica to Nicaragua by the popular Peñas Blancas and went directly to San Jorge of Rivas to catch the ferry to the Ometepe island, where we spent four days relaxing in an ecological farm. From there we returned by ferry to San Jorge and took a shared taxi to San Juan del Sur for 3 days. Then we went by public bus to Granada where we spent two days and went from there to Leon in an express Minivan for 3 days and then spent one night in Managua to catch the Tica Bus to El Salvador.

The best of the country