Backpacking in Nicaragua is a superb choice for travellers who are new to backpacking and also the more established drifter. The (mainly) Spanish – speaking Central American country, Nicaragua, was voted eighth happiest country, it’s a nice place to be! It has had a raw past with centuries of civil war and dictatorships and Nicaraguans are tired of it but on the forefront, you would never know. Like the fruits that grow on the trees, the sunsets that fire up the sky, and those pesky volcanoes – Nicaragua is colourful, and hot right now! Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Backpacking in Nicaragua Itinerary
Nicaragua is sandwiched between Honduras, on top, and Costa Rica on the bottom. Managua (Man-ahg-oo-ah) is the Nicaragua capital and largest city. This is the city, which gets less attention from backpackers, many ‘get in and get out’ to move on to other areas. Slightly north from Managua (2.5 hours by bus) you will find the liberal university town, León, which is the gateway to the infamous tourist attraction – volcano boarding (you bomb down the volcano, Cerro Negro). Hiking up an active volcano and sledging down it is one of the main things Nicaragua is best known for! If you want to find our more about Nicaragua’s history, there is a revolution tour which is worth checking out in León.
Thirty minutes by chicken bus from León is paradise which takes the shape of a beach town called Las Peñitas (Pen-yiet-ahs)! North of León is the coffee and tobacco region. Popular stops include Matagalpa and Estelí (Es-tel-lee), both which can be reached by microbus (approximately 2.5 hours from Managua). Somoto Canyon day trips can be organised from both towns. Somoto itself is a little on the quiet side (we opted for a slightly more bustling Estelí after reading Nicaragua travel tips online). Why not visit the Hermit the in Cave if passing by Estelí?
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