One trip simply isnt enough to absorb all of the awesomeness that Nicaragua has to offer. Stay in Paradiso for a couple of nights, you wont regret it. The real charm is in the surrounding beaches. Check the weather in Nicaragua here. I love anyone who gives me food. A look at lovely little Leon A stark contrast to the island life of Ometepe, Len is a small but vibrant city with lots going on. This near-legendary event consists of getting well and truly plastered on a Sunday pub-crawl. Backpacking Nicaragua Do you have a lighter? Day 2 has 2 destinations. We did! Eat local as much as possible! It is pretty much like having your own private beach. We stayed at the Los Cardones Eco Lodge. Quetzaltrekkers offers day hikes (including volcano boarding), 2 day hikes, and 3 day hikes. Prices tend to be a little bit higher on Isla Ometepe and on the Corn Islands. I found them to be surprisingly open about their experiences. Mount Telica is one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua and the only volcano where you can see lava. I do not recommend going with a tour company; its a waste of money. Dnde est el bao?How do I get to .? A little about the guides: Pim and Femka were both Dutch. Backpacking WebHonest guide to backpacking in Nicaragua. Forever roaming the world. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. As we were packing up, a dozen cows appeared from the trail, coming toward us. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. If youre backpacking in Nicaragua, make sure Ometepe is on your list of places to visit it really is one of the highlights of travelling here. Hostels in Leon, Nicaragua My favorite view was from the Ruins of Old Leon where you have a full view with Lake Managua in front. Buenas tardes.Good evening. As a wise man once said, if you cant afford travel insurance, you cant afford to travel. Not too many tourist come here, and the only foreigners you will see are backpackers who base themselves here to either climb the surrounding volcanoes, study Spanish or volunteer at one of the local organizations. Do you love trekking? Intensely political, buzzing with energy anddrop-dead gorgeous, Len isa city of fabulous art collections, stunning streetscapes, cosmopolitan eateries, vibrant student life, fiery intellectualism, and all-week, walk-everywhere, happening nightlife. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Jazzy and I are not really big drinkers but damn even we enjoyed a drink or two or three. Buenos das.Good afternoon. (For those of you who worry about where and when you go to the bathroom on trips like this They provide a shit kit with a shovel and toilet paper. We swam and had lunch. We bought ours from one of the families there and paid about US$18 for a very high quality hammock. Its a beautiful eco resort and turtle sanctuary right on the Pacific. Never stick your hand somewhere you havent first seen with your eyes. Once you have a motorbike you can leave the main traveler hubs to discover an island that is surprisingly underdeveloped. It might take some getting used to, but boy is this country fun! Granada is the oldest and most visited colonial city in Nicaragua. Fun fact: the cathedral is one of the few old buildings in the city that wasnt completely destroyed by the devastating 1972 earthquake that wreaked havoc on most of the urban landscape. Exploration potential is endless here. These range from your standard backpacker hostel to crude surf camps on the beach to jungle bungalows. Nicaragua Backpacking Wherever you stay, try to find a hostel in Leon with a kitchen as eating out every day gets expensive. Walking around you cant miss the street art that is influenced from the revolution in days gone by. DAY: Leon & Day Trips. Nicaragua Backpacking Broke Backpacker readers get a $10 discount when you sign up. You should always have some emergency cash hidden on you and Ive written an entire post on the best places to hide your money. There is simply no better way to explore this beautiful volcanic island. Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party. All Rights Reserved. My eyes well up a little thinking about that sunset. Backpacking Nicaragua Suggested Budgets On a backpacking budget of 1,100 NIO per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, use public transportation and chicken buses to get around, limit your drinking, cook all of your meals, and enjoy free and cheap activities like free walking tours and lounging on the beach. Post revolution life in Nicaragua has seen slow development of the countrys economy and standard of living. You will find many fast food joints, especially in the cities. Quetzaltrekkers is a fantastic non-profit that helps disadvantaged youth in Nicaragua. Be careful with your footing on the hike; no broken ankles here! Insider Tip: If you are into seafood head to La Lancha where you can get three lobster tails with sides for US$6 or a huge plate of seafood rice for two people for US$12. Hostels in Leon, Nicaragua During the 1980s both theFSLN(aleftistcollection of political parties) and the Contras (arightistcollection of counter-revolutionary groups) received large amounts of aid from the Cold War super-powers (respectively, theSoviet Unionand theUnited States). Again, thank you! Backpacking If you do not have a PADI certification, you can take an open water course on one of the islands. After three months of backpacking and surfing through Nicaragua she fell in love, both with surfing and a handsome Canadian. Hello! award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert Rumor has it that Bluefields is a place where drugs, specifically cocaine is abundant. The Santiago Cathedral is an impressive building worth a visit. WebTrue story Backpacking in Leon, Nicaragua Travel Video 2: #100video100day. Enjoy the hell out of the paradise that is Nicaragua! Volcano boarding AND an overnight backpacking trip on a volcano? The stunning natural beauty and the chilled out vibe make the effort to reach the island totally worth it. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Technically, you are also required to have a valid return ticket or some other kind of proof of onward travel but that rule is rarely enforced. In smaller towns, there is a fixed rate so its fairly easy. Apoyo Lagoon is a beautiful crater lake with an abundance of wildlife and different plan species. You get to volcano board down Cerro Negro, put your packs on, and journey up to el Hoyo. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! You can also arrange a visit to acigar factory from the city and this is a great way to spend an afternoon. Churches & Cathedrals. Len However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children. Arroz con Pollo Chicken served with rice and fried plantains. Because of its remote location not to many travelers visit here and you will most likely have most of the reserve to yourself (Ok you might have to share it with the locals who live here but other than that its all you and your backpack). The hike itself takes about five hours one way and is moderately challenging. Boat is the only way to get to some of the islands like Isla de Ometepe. Backpacking Nicaragua Look for the market areas in town as that is where most of the locals go to eat and food only costs a fraction of what you would pay in the touristy areas. What are you waiting for? I would love to go back someday and do more hiking; it was such a beautiful place. Sign up to The Broke Backpackers EXCLUSIVE VIP AREA below and download our top backpacking guides as PDFs go offline with peace of mind! They decided to stay in Nicaragua and lived there for the next two years. You wont find huge gangs of backpackers slamming drinking buckets (thank god). The city is not exceptionally pretty and it felt strangely Americanized due to all of the American fast-food joints and strip malls. Leon Make sure to check out the stunning cathedral in the main square, for just a dollar you can get right up on top of the whitewashed roof where you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city. Cerro Negro is an active volcano located just outside of Leon. This was my first time doing an organized backpacking trip, and I 100% recommend it. It is easy to do this on your own; just catch a local bus to the border town, walk across, and youre on your way! You get 3 volcanoes and a crater lake swim packed into 2 days. Nicaraguans love to party. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. Camping is at any of the various surf camps found along the Pacific coast is cheapand awesome. There you will find local families selling hand made hammocks from their front porch. If you are looking for a multi-day backpacking trip, Quetzaltrekkers is a great organization offering just that. Quetzaltrekkers did an excellent job. There are a variety of fun festivals taking place though out the year. If you already have your PADI cert and you make it to the Corn Islands, it is an obvious choice to go diving! I found that Nicaraguan locals were very welcoming people. Leon It looks like you had perfect weather for this trip! CIA trained Contras? From here you can escape the chaos of the city while catching some great views. A second election in 1990 resulted in the election of a majority of anti-Sandinista parties and the FSLN handing overpower. Conqueror of mountains, survivor of deserts, and crusader for cheap escapades. Check flights to Nicaragua from the USA (starting at $380 RT). The Sandinistas were a Nicaraguan revolutionary organization active in Nicaragua from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. Whilst riding a motorbike, always be safe and remember to wear a helmet for christs sake! In this vlog, I went to Leon, Nicaragua and tried volcano boarding which involved sliding down an active volcano! A ticket should cost you about $6. Some of the jumps, many of which are optional, are up to eighteen meters high! Leon. Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. No comprendo.Please. Intensely political, buzzing with energy and drop-dead gorgeous, Len is a city of fabulous art collections, stunning streetscapes, cosmopolitan eateries, vibrant student life, fiery intellectualism, and Use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER. The first is a colorful crater lake, surrounded by trees. Project Top Spot Plus, now you wont be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! In recent years, Nicaraguas economy is on the rise, especially in the tourism sector. Stay aware of your surrounding and take common sense precautions just like you would in every other foreign country in the world, and youll have a great time in Nicaragua. But it offers so many beautiful places to visit on a day trip. Free breakfast, cool staff, and great location. Nicaragua Backpacking Itinerary 6. I say down, but it was still difficult. Good news amigos: Nicaragua is one of the cheapest countries in Central America to go backpacking. Hint hint Go there and cool thyself! Most travelers prefer Little Corn Island over Big Corn Island because of its more diverse dive sites, lack of development and car free lifestyle. I can highly recommend it for your Nicaragua backpacking trip! Your guides cook breakfast for you before you leave, and you get to meet your fellow hikers. Unfortunately, we only had a few days in Nicaragua, so we only had time for the 2 day hike. This Nicaragua itinerary has you starting off from the capital Managua; however, you can easily start from the north or south as well. Insider Tip: Cheap local food can be found behind the Cathedralde La Asuncin around dinner time. If you have an interest in this poet or a bit of Nicaragua history this museum is worth walking through. Organized by YOUR travel needs, this kick ass guide will show you which of the best hostels in Leon suits your travel style so you can have a safe and awesome time in Leon :) Nicaragua is home to 19 volcanoes! Nicaragua has two distinct season: the dry season and the wet season. Backpacking Nicaragua Leon. They run regularlybetween Managua andnearby cities like Granada, Leon, Masaya, Jinotepe and Chinandega. Volcanos. Cheap. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Long story short a hike there is rewarded with a brilliant swim in the pool underneath the waterfall. Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks), and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. A decent head torch could save your life. Their el Hoyo backpacking trek was one of the best travel experiences Ive ever had, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants adventure, beautiful views, and time spent with good people. $3-5 for cocktails in a western-style bar. Odds are you should be just fine. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Drink water from ANYWHERE. Backpacking How f-ing cool is that? in my head, and this seemed to propel me forward. The dry season lasts from November to April and the wet season from May to October, with the wettest months being September and October. Most travelers backpacking Nicaragua want to have a crack at surfing and this is one of the best places to learn. If you havent figured it out by now, Nicaragua is home to some world-class surf beaches. Subscribe here for honest travel advice and inspiration. You will want to wake up early to catch the sunrise on Momotombo volcano. But you certainly did not come to Nicaragua to eat at Mcdonalds, right? You need to have avalid passport with at least six months to run to enter Nicaragua. Traveling toNicaragua is relatively easy and you can arrange pretty much all of your travels yourself. If you are more of a book person and would rather carry a physical guide with you while backpacking Nicaragua, we recommend Lonely Planet Nicaragua. Just in case you werent psyched enough to visit Little Corn, get this: there are no cars on the island! Nicaragua is fast becoming a popular base for digital nomads from around the world. I truly enjoyed getting to know everyone. Be aware that Nicaragua is home to many species of poisonous spiders, snakes, and other dangerous creatures. You arent going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. A month is a perfect timeframe to see a generous swath of the country. I backpacked through Nicaragua a few years ago and it is very affordable indeed! You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. Their el Hoyo backpacking trek was one of the best travel experiences Ive ever had, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants adventure, beautiful views, and time spent with good people. You can eat well, move from place to place with ease, and score some pretty cheap accommodation. I have listed thetop 10 most popular and best things to do in Nicaraguabelow to get your ideas flowing for your next trip backpacking Nicaragua! All rights reserved. Nicaragua offers up some excellent trekking opportunities for those looking to spend time outdoors. City Tour of Leon, Nicaragua | Backpacking in Central America, Leon, Nicaragua | Planet Vagabond. I am sure that as time marches on, Nicaragua will continue to be more and more developed as is the case everywhere. If cities and history are your thing, spend a couple extra days in Leon or Grenada. The best time to go scuba diving or snorkeling in the Corn Islands is December- March. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Food in Nicaragua is extremely affordable, with a typical local meal costing only about $3. You can speak it in over 20 countries! If you are traveling during high season or prefer to book your accommodation in advance, we have listed our favorite spots for you below. If you are keen to camp, many hostels offer camping as an option. Will has been on the road for more than a decade, travelling to far-flung lands on a shoestring budget. Like everywhere prices increase, accommodation books out & the tourist hot spots are packed! It makes for a good pitstop if you are enroute to Costa Rica, or just feel like a few days of eating and drinking. Backpacking Nicaragua was without a doubt my favorite adventure in Central America. So dont leave home without it. From the Sunday-Funday to Volcano boarding, From Leon to Ometepe. While it can be a good time to sniff a few lines, do not blow your entire budget on getting high. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Como llego a ?I dont understand. Cunto cuesta?Where is the restroom? If you are flying in, you can catch a bus from Managua to most places of interest. For the loudest party, and also most gringofied town in Nicaragua, head to San Juan Del Sur. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on your backpacking Nicaragua adventure. Nicaragua is full with hostels and budget hotels so you wont have a problem finding a cheap place to stay, but to help you plan your trip we have listed some of our favorite spots below. The second destination is a shower, a bed, and (for us) some celebratory beers. And the packs. 1,151. To keep costs down, spend a few days in cities like Leon and Matagalpa, where the only expenses are food, hostels, and $0.25 museum admissions. Brilliant Things To Do In Leon (Nicaragua If you have the time, you can rent a house to live in from just $20 a day. Anyone who visits Len, Nicaragua should book an adventure through Quetzaltrekkers Len. Ceviche One of my favorite foods of all time. Here are a few helpful Nicaragua travel phrases with English translations for your backpacking Nicaragua adventure: Shit Mierda! If you want to find out more about the great things to Backpacking Not to make you feel bad, but it is important to keep that in mind when deciding where to spend your cash. The beautiful landscape of active volcanoes, lovely lakes, tropical rain forests and its old colonial cities are what makes travelers fall in love with this still mostly undiscovered country. Although the initial overthrow of the Somoza regime in 197879 was a bloody affair, the Contra War of the 1980s took the lives of tens of thousands of Nicaraguans and was the subject of fierce international debate. When you GoogleMap Quetzaltrekkers Len, the address is 3 blocks North, block West of Iglesia La Merced, which is hilarious and pretty meaningless to me. From Leon, head to Somoto Canyon to explore one of Nicaraguas most beautiful natural landscapes. Its easy to arrange a day-trip from Leon or, if you prefer, you can even sign up for a 3 day hike across multiple volcanoes. Prices vary but the average price of a dorm bed throughout Nicaragua is between $7-12 USD. WebBy Craig-World-Travelle. Head to the World Heritage Site and icon of Nicaragua, Cathedral of Leon, for some impressive architecture and a wonderful view from the top. Beware of the endless loops of terrible Latino movies. Fresh Seafood If you find yourself on the coast, trying the fresh fish is a must. Citizens of some countries like the US, UK and a lot of European countries can travel to Nicaragua without a visa. When my boyfriend and I booked cheap Southwest flights to Costa Rica, we began researching nearby countries and our adventure options. Adventurer and vagabond. Be prepared for what life throws at you. Cheap. In talking to some ex-Sandinista revolutionaries, I gained invaluable perspective on what life was life in Nicaragua during that period. However, since you are most likely interested picking up some local handicrafts instead of a chunk of meat you should visit the Mercado de Artesanias which is located in the center of the city. Anyone who visits Len, Nicaragua should book an adventure through Quetzaltrekkers Len. Some of my favorite places in Nicaragua are relatively close to each other. Why stay in a naff hotel when you can stay in a cosy, stylish local house instead? Fidel Castro stayed here before it was a hostel of course. Inside San Juan Del Sur itself, there isnt much going on, besides an amazing Italian Gelato place (go for the Nutella!). Like Express buses they make fewer stops but expect them to be overcrowded as jamming more people in meansthe drivers make more cash There are many advantages to being a shorter backpacker when traveling in Nicaragua! Nicaragua Backpacking Itinerary 6. Nicaraguas colonial cities of Grenada and Leon are full of interesting locals, open-air markets, history, and a good party scene. The Pan Y Paz bakery is well worth finding for delicious bread, pastries and coffee and if you really fancy splashing out head to Carnivore for amazing meat dishes or Antoninos for big pizzas. City Tour of Leon, Nicaragua . If you need to transfer money internationally, use Transferwise, its the fastest and cheapest way to move money around when travelling. Two doors down from ViaVia, Green Pathways Tours hooked us up with a guide who gave us the lowdown on Nicaragua s capricious politics, myriad cathedrals, varying and socially compelling artwork, and the best tamales to try in the local Can you give me a ride Me puedes dar una vuelta? It was SO refreshing after 2 days of sweaty hiking. WebLeon is usually either the first or last stop on a backpacking Nicaragua itinerary, due to its location. Chicharrnes Fried pork belly or pork skin, typically served with a dipping sauce or as part of another dish. To get a proper idea of what the area is about, definitely hit up the beaches just outside of town. Choosing the right accommodation can make or break your trip, choose your Granada hostel wisely! Learning a bit of Spanish is a great way to get the most out of your trip. There the sell items such as hand woven hammocks, wood carvings and other hand made local items. The public buses or minivans are the cheapest options to get from place to place, with fares costing around US$1 or less for shorter trips and US$3 4 for longer trips. I kept repeating, You are hiking through the Nicaraguan wilderness right now. Another option could be to catch minibuses. Its only 1 night, and you have to carry the weight. Learn some Spanish so you can understand them! The Contra War ultimately ended following the signing of theTela Accordin 1989 and the demobilization of the FSLN and Contra armies. It is the perfect getaway spot for surfers and travelers who appreciate the simple things in life and dont need large crowds and luxury hotels. The hike takes a lengthy 10 hours round trip, though you will feel like a badass upon completion of the trek. S. Learn how your comment data is processed. A truly fantastic community of people run this hostel set right on the beach. Backpacking Nicaragua itinerary, advice on accommodation, transport, culture, and travel budgets. Whatever way you decide to visit, just make sure you spend plenty of time here! They decided to stay in Nicaragua and lived there for the next two years. WebThose looking for somewhere more off the beaten path may want to consider the the mountainous regions north-east of Managua and Leon. You will be pleased to know that Nicaragua has some of the cheapest hostels anywhere in Central America. A trip with them is very reasonably priced and was a great experience for me. The Caribbean coast is isolated, wild, and stunningly beautiful. This is also where youll find lots of Nicaraguas hostels and backpacker accommodations. There is a definitive gringo trail in Nicaragua consisting of the popular surf towns and the colonial cities. Its a pretty cool way of exploring Nicaragua. If you use the maps.me app or ask at your hostel or just look out for the signs, I promise you will easily find them. I hope you have enjoyed this Nicaragua travel guide. We were able to see the turtle eggs hatch and baby turtles scurry into the ocean by the moonlight. Nicaragua is also one of the most affordable destinations in Central America and traveling on US$20 a day is still very feasible. The best budget accommodation in which to enjoy this paradise.
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