A Guide to (Solo) Travel in Nicaragua - From a Female Backpacker's Perspective
- Ilse
- Jun 11, 2025
- 22 min read
Updated: Feb 8
Nicaragua is a popular backpacking destination in Central America, rapidly gaining popularity for its diverse landscapes, sense of adventure, and its central placement on the Central America backpacking route that many people follow. Although many backpackers and other travellers I had met while living in Xela, Guatemala said Nicaragua was one of their favourite countries, after visiting I could not disagree more.
I decided to visit Nicaragua together with a friend as we were both on our own solo trips in Central America and Nicaragua was somewhat in the middle. Moreover, I had specifically heard someone talk about the beautiful island of Ometepe and was eager to visit.
I arrived to my first location in Nicaragua after a long shuttle bus ride from Antigua, Guatemala to León, Nicaraga – crossing the border from Guatemala to El Salvador, from El Salvador to Honduras, and the border from Honduras to Nicaragua. Right away, I was surprised by the young backpacking crowd that was apparently drawn to Nicaragua. I guess the days that people started backpacking in the safety of Southeast Asia is over and Central America is now considered just as good of a first introduction to the solo travel life.
In this Nicaragua travel guide, I will take you through everything you need to know about Nicaragua, give you general travel tips for Nicaragua, and give you specific recommendations for where to stay and how to get around. I will also share my mixed experiences and what I would do differently if I were to visit again.
Contents of this post
Nicaragua’s history in a nutshell
Culture, Indigeneity and language in Nicaragua today
Nicaragua capital, language, religion, population
Safety & travel realities in Nicaragua
Why is Nicaragua a popular travel destination for backpackers?
How to get around in Nicaragua
The best time to visit Nicaragua
Top places to visit in Nicaragua
Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve
Final thoughts & what I would have done differently looking back
About Nicaragua
First things first, where is Nicaragua on the map? Nicaragua is located in Central America, bordering Honduras in the north and Costa Rica in the south. Nicaragua has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean on the west side and the Caribbean Sea on the east side. Managua, its capital, lies in the western part of the country near the Pacific coast.
Nicaragua's landscape is incredibly diverse, featuring everything from the volcanic mountain ranges of the Pacific coast to the dense rainforests of the Caribbean side. The country has large lakes, like Lake Nicaragua, and offers stunning coastlines with both sandy beaches and rocky shores. The architecture in cities like Granada showcases well-preserved colonial buildings, adding to a picturesque scenery somewhat similar to places like Antigua in Guatemala.
Nicaragua’s history in a nutshell
One of the first questions that prompted me into learning more about Nicaragua's history was the difference in terms of visibility of Indigenous populations in Nicaragua in comparison to Guatemala, where I was living at that time. Why do there seem to be less Indigenous people in Nicaragua? Are there less Indigenous people, or are they just not visible to me as a foreigner?
Before Spanish colonisation, the Pacific side of Nicaragua was home to several Indigenous groups, including the Chorotega, Nicarao, and Maribio peoples. These societies were closely connected to Mesoamerican cultures further north and practiced agriculture, trade, and complex social organisation. Unlike parts of what is now Mexico or Guatemala, Indigenous populations in Nicaragua were more dispersed and less concentrated in large urban centres.
As with other countries in the Americas, Spanish colonisation in the 16th century was particularly devastating. Indigenous communities in western Nicaragua were rapidly decimated through disease, forced labour, and enslavement, and many survivors were absorbed into colonial society. Granada and León became key colonial cities, and the region was tightly controlled by Spanish elites. As a result, Indigenous identity in much of the Pacific region was systematically erased earlier and more completely than in places like the Guatemalan highlands, where various Maya cultures are very present.
After independence from Spain in 1821, Nicaragua experienced long periods of political instability, foreign intervention (most notably from the United States), and internal power struggles. In the 20th century, the Somoza dictatorship ruled for decades with US backing, followed by the Sandinista Revolution in 1979 and a brutal civil war throughout the 1980s. These events deeply shaped the country’s political culture and relationship to the outside world. When you visit and get a historical tour, for example in Léon, you will find that people are still hesitant to talk about what really happened in those decades as well as what is currently happening politically. So, be mindful when asking locals about politics in Nicaragua and do not push for answers.
Culture, Indigeneity and language in Nicaragua today
Today, Indigenous communities do exist in Nicaragua, but they are more visible on the Caribbean coast (the Atlantic regions), where groups such as the Miskito, Mayangna, and Rama have maintained stronger territorial autonomy, languages, and cultural continuity. On the Pacific side, many people have Indigenous ancestry but do not identify as Indigenous, largely due to centuries of forced assimilation. This is why Indigenous presence in Nicaragua feels much less visible than in countries like Mexico or Guatemala - not because it is absent, but because it was systematically dismantled much earlier.
Culturally, I found Nicaragua more reserved than some other parts of Central America. Locals that I met in hostels and on walking tours were generally super friendly, but the people in the streets are definitely less outwardly touristic. Moreover, as a solo female traveller, I felt uncomfortable various time as there is a lot of catcalling - not only towards foreign travellers, but also to local women and girls. I will get to this later.
It definitely helps to connect with locals by speaking Spanish and although I personally did not love this country, its history and culture are fascinating and there are some nice places, such as Popoyo and Léon, even for solo travellers.
Nicaragua capital, language, religion, population
Capital: Managua
Language: The official language is Spanish, but English and Indigenous languages are also spoken in some regions.
Religion: The majority of Nicaraguans are Roman Catholic, followed by Evangelical Christianity. Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities may also practice traditional religions.
Population: Nicaragua has a population of around 6.6 million people. The population is a mix of mestizo (people of mixed European and Indigenous descent), along with smaller communities of Indigenous peoples, Afro-Nicaraguans, and people of European descent.
Safety and travel realities in Nicaragua
People often ask how safe Nicaragua is. Nicaragua is generally considered one of the safer countries in Central America for travellers, but the experience differs per person and per trip. Obviously, like anywhere, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in urban areas. Petty theft can occur, so it's advisable to keep valuables secure and be cautious when walking alone at night. Political protests can occasionally lead to unrest, so staying informed about local conditions is crucial. Right now, in 2026, it seems you do not have to worry too much about safety when travelling to Nicaragua as a result of political situations.
In terms of feeling safe as a female traveller, however, I would say it is one of the most countries that I have visited where I felt the most uncomfortable – either walking alone or walking with other women. There is a lot of aggressive-feeling catcalling by local men that made me feel unsafe, definitely more than in any other Central American country. Although I have heard other solo female travellers in Nicaragua speak about this too, the catcalling is not even only towards foreigners and travellers. The local population – even very young girls – get catcalled too.
For me, this meant that I quickly started putting on a pokerface and tried to avoid any eye contact with locals when walking. I saw many local women and girls do the same. This bothered me because one of my favourite things about travelling is speaking with people, learning from them and their culture, and being immersed in other environments. The frequent catcalling and my discomfort walking around made that impossible.
It was not just a feeling of safety and it is unfortunately also not limited to women. When I took a local 'chickenbus' from León to Ometepe by myself – which I have done in Guatemala countless of times without problems – one of the bus drivers (!) eyed me down from head to toe with the most sexualizing and objectifying look. Then upon entering he grabbed my (long) skirt and pulled it up – since it was long it only lifted from the floor, but it is safe to say that that busdrive did not feel comfortable and I was eager to get off at the end. And for the ones wondering what I was wearing, which should never matter, I was wearing a long sleeved, loose top and a long, wide skirt.
Later in Peru, I encountered a male solo traveller that visited Nicaragua earlier on his trip. When I told him about why I had disliked Nicaragua, he shared with me an even more violent story that shocked me: on a trip home from a bar in San Juan del Sur, he was physically grabbed and hit by three local women that had insisted on him coming inside to have sex with them.
So, overall I would not recommend Nicaragua to first-time female solo travellers and I would even recommend going with various people if you can. It is usually easy to make friends in hostels, so make of use of that in this country! I would not discourage anyone from travelling solo in Nicaragua as it is definitely possible and with precautions, I do think it is safe, I just felt very uncomfortable and it is for this reason that I would not go back as a female solo traveller again.
Why do people travel to Nicaragua?
Why do so many people travel to Nicaragua? And what is Nicaragua known for? Nicaragua is mostly known for its stunning natural beauty, which includes lakes, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. It’s often called the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" because of its 19 volcanoes and extensive lake systems.
Like Acatenango and Fuego, and Santa María and Santiaguito in Guatemala, Nicaragua even has several active volcanoes. The most notable ones include Cerro Negro, where you can try volcano boarding, and Concepción and Maderas on Ometepe Island, which offer challenging hikes with rewarding views.
For backpackers, however, Nicaragua seems to be known for another reason: its backpacker party scene. In every popular backpacking place within the country there is a special party where you will likely meet backpackers you have met before – from the Treehouse Party near Granada to the not so secret Popoyo Secret in, shocker, Popoyo.
The best time to visit Nicaragua
The best time to visit a country in my experience always depends on your intention of visiting. Are you there for holiday, trying to do volunteering, or do you want to surf?
According to most online platforms, the best time to visit Nicaragua is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. We went at the very end of the dry season in April... Would I recommend to go at that time? I don't know. I have not been in Nicaragua in other months so I have nothing to compare with and I know from others that Nicaragua is always incredibly hot, regardless of when you go. However, when we were there even the staff from some hostels noted that it was unusually hot and this definitely impacted our experience of the country - more on that later.
The rainy season, from May to October, can also be a good time to visit, especially for surfers seeking larger waves, but some areas may become less accessible. Note that climate change is a harsh reality in these areas. When I visited in 2024, the entire region of Central America saw the rainseason come in unusually late with extremely hot periods right before. This led to floodings due to overly dry, loose earth when the rain finally started. So... check the weather and your routes before you leave!
How to get around in Nicaragua
Getting around Nicaragua is relatively straightforward, especially along common travel routes. Local buses — often referred to as chicken buses — work in a very similar way to those in Guatemala. They’re cheap, frequent, and connect most towns and cities, though they can be slow, crowded, and not always intuitive if you don’t speak Spanish.
Personally, I had one negative experience on a chicken bus, but the rest were fine. Most rides were uneventful, and they’re often the easiest way to get a sense of everyday life beyond tourist areas. That said, keep your belongings close, avoid travelling with valuables on your lap, and be extra alert in busy terminals or during peak hours.
For longer distances or routes that are less direct, shared taxis (taxis colectivos) and tourist shuttles are common alternatives. These can usually be arranged through hostels, guesthouses, or local drivers. Shuttles are more comfortable and straightforward, but I don’t generally recommend them unless there’s a clear reason - they tend to keep you inside a traveller bubble and limit interaction with local life. Still, comfort and ease matter, and it’s okay to choose that option if it feels right for you - especially if you are solo travelling as a female.
Night travel deserves special mention. While some people do it without issues, travelling after dark increases risk, especially on local buses. If you’re arriving late, especially at an airport, carrying expensive gear, or just feeling unsure, arranging a shared taxi or shuttle in advance is often the better choice. As with most things in Nicaragua, getting around safely is less about rigid rules and more about reading the situation and trusting your intuition.
Best places to visit in Nicaragua (backpacker-friendly)
You don’t need to visit every place on this list - I didn’t either. As with other relatively small countries, Nicaragua is a country where travel can easily become rushed if you try to “do it all.” Choose the places that spark your interest, and don’t be afraid to stay longer when you are having fun or feeling like you need to breathe the same air for some weeks. In my experience as a slow traveller, lingering in one place often creates more space for reflection, and stopping for a while while travelling can be a way to actually integrate what you’ve experienced so far, rather than just moving on to the next destination. So, don't get FOMO but rather critically choose the destinations that feel authentic for you to visit.
León
León is one of Nicaragua’s most intense and interesting cities. It’s political, hot, dusty, and full of contradictions. You’ll find impressive colonial architecture and a large student population that gives the city its energy. Moreover, this city shows the revolutionary history of Nicaragua thought its political murals and museums. I can really recommend doing a walking tour here to learn more about Nicaragua now and its history!
León is also the base for volcano boarding on Cerro Negro – one of the most well-known activities in the country for travellers. Beyond that, it’s a good place to slow down, walk a lot, sit in cafés, and get a feel for Nicaragua’s recent history. As a digital nomad, this was also one of my favourite places in Nicaragua to get some remote work done while feeling inspired by the energy of the city.
Granada
Granada is often described as beautiful and colonial – and it is – but it can also feel more curated and tourist-oriented than other places. The colourful streets, central park, and proximity to Lake Nicaragua make it a popular stop, especially for shorter trips. From here, you can visit Laguna de Apoyo or Masaya Volcano. Granada works well as a softer landing into the country, or as a place to rest between more rural destinations.
The biggest reason why I personally did not like Granada was because when I was there it was excruciatingly hot, making it pretty much impossible to do anything between 9am and 5pm – including the walking tours that usually started at 10am. So plan your visit accordingly, pack light clothing and a hat, and maybe buy a hand fan if you go in the hot and dry season.
Popoyo
Popoyo is where many travellers end up staying far longer than planned, including my friend and I. The focus here is surf, slow days, and a rhythm shaped by the tide rather than schedules. Infrastructure is super minimal, beaches are wide and empty, and evenings are quiet, except for when Popoyo Secret is on. It’s definitely not a place for sightseeing, slowing down every traveller that gets here. If you’re interested in long stays, are working as a digital nomad, or stepping out of constant movement, Popoyo makes a lot of sense to stay for a while.
El Tránsito
El Tránsito is a smaller, less developed surf town north of León, and from what I have heard from fellow travellers, it still feels largely untouched by mass tourism. This is perhaps one of the only places in Nicaragua that is somewhat on the backpacker's route but does not have the backpacker nightlife and location-based party. This makes it a good option if you’re looking for waves without the social scene of San Juan del Sur, and a place where daily life feels more grounded and local. Facilities are basic, but that’s part of the appeal. I have not been here, but would love to go if I would go to Nicaragua another time (a trip that would definitely be dedicated entirely to surfing)!
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is Nicaragua’s most well-known beach town and has a reputation for parties and surfing. It offers a range of surf schools and rental shops, making it an ideal place for beginners. You will find many surfcamps here too – I linked one that I went to elsewhere and can really recommend.
However, from what I have heard, to go to different beaches you have to take small vans which makes it a bit complicated. This spot is also a big backpacker destination, meaning it can get quite crowded also in the line-up. I decided to skip San Juan del Sur and extended my stay in Popoyo instead.
Ometepe
Ometepe Island sits in Lake Nicaragua and is formed by two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas. It’s much greener and generally more rural than most other destinations on this list - with the exception of maybe Popoyo and El Tránsito. People come here for hiking, swimming in natural springs, and a sense of separation from the mainland. Transport can be a bit chaotic and distances are longer than they look on a map, so I recommend splitting up your stay so that you stay on either side of the island at a time.
One major aspect of Ometepe that I did not like is the mistreatement of animals. It is the worst that I have experienced in Central America for sure. Unfortunately, this mistreatment of animals is not limited to Ometepe, also in Granada, for example, my friend and I ate at a restaurant where they kept two turtles in the tiniest fountain, it was heartbreaking to me as they constantly tried (and failed) to crawl out. This is one of the other reasons, besides my negative experiences as a (solo) female traveller here, why I did not like Nicaragua very much.
Activities in Nicaragua
Activities in Nicaragua are largely shaped by nature, geography, and history. Many experiences are outdoors-focused and relatively low-key, with a mix of hiking, surfing, cultural visits, and (many!) social backpacker events. You don’t need to do everything – most travellers end up choosing a few activities that fit where they are and how long they stay, rather than planning their entire route around ticking off highlights.
What kind of tours you join very much determines the type of travellers that you meet in Nicaragua. The backpacker crowd is very young (all around 20) and they tend to mostly follow the parties and surf in San Juan del Sur. Highly skilled or super motivated surfers tend to go to Popoyo as it has various surf breaks and the most cultural travellers spend more days in Léon.
Natural Parks and Volcanoes in Nicaragua
Masaya Volcano National Park
Masaya is one of the active volcanoes in Central America, like Acatenango and Fuego and Santa Maria's son Santiaguito in Guatemala. Whereas it used to be possible to hike Masaya Volacno and peek into its glowing lava lake, the volcano is now too active making this a dangerous (and therefore illegal) undertaking. There are still various hikes and viewpoints in the national park that allow you to get close to the volcano and it is strongly recommended to do these with an experienced or trained guide.
Cerro Negro
If you have looked into backpacking Nicaragua you most likely have seen the photos of people volcano boarding down a sandy volcano hill. This popular activity can be done on Cerro Negro, a young volcano and one of the most active in the country. The experience is short but intense, and tours usually include a hike up the volcano, protective gear, and the descent itself. While it’s become a bit of a rite of passage for backpackers, it’s still a genuinely unique way to experience Nicaragua’s geology up close. I felt discouraged to do it because all the tours that I found that offered this experience included some kind of party bus and I was not in that kind of social mood when in Léon. Many backpackers note this experience as one of the highlights in their Central America trip, however!
Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve
Mombacho offers a very different volcanic experience. Located near Granada, the reserve is known for its cloud forest, cooler temperatures, and well-maintained trails. You can explore the area on guided or self-guided hikes, walk along hanging bridges, and enjoy panoramic views over Lake Nicaragua and the surrounding lowlands. From what I have heard, it is a good option if you want nature without extreme heat or physical intensity.
Parties In Nicaragua
One of the main backpacker attractions in Nicaragua is its party scene. This is also one of the reasons I actually did not like Nicaragua. Every popular backpacking destination has a party, which I will list below, and generally the public consists of all travellers from the age 18-23 average. Yes, again, the backpacking crowd in Nicaragua is quite young.
Don't get me wrong, I do like parties and especially dancing in Central and South America! And I have nothing against young backpackers, I started this trip with the age of 24 myself and have backpacked in Laos and Cambodia with 19. The reason I do not like these parties, however, is because they only attract travellers and very few locals. I prefer to travel in an authentic way that allows me to see and experience local cultures, rather than merely a backpacker culture. Moreover, many of these parties are focused on alcohol and since my experience with the plant medicine brew Ayahuasca I do not like to drink anymore, nor be in alcohol-dominated spaces.
That being said, if you do like to visit a party, here comes a list. However, please consider the impact you are making as a traveller and what these parties mean for locals. Read more on that in my blogpost on Ometepe, where I spoke with a taxi driver about the impact of backpacker parties on their local youth!
Sunday Funday in San Juan del Sur
This is probably the most famous backpacker party in Nicaragua. It’s a weekly pool-hopping event with stops at different hostels and bars around San Juan del Sur. It’s a massive day-party that attracts travellers from all over, known for its wild and social atmosphere and ocean views.
Treehouse Party in Granada
Held at the Treehouse Hostel, this jungle party is located just outside Granada with shuttles arranged from Granada. It’s set high in the trees, offering an adventurous vibe with hammocks, live music, fire dancing, and a laid-back crowd. It’s a great party for those looking to enjoy nature while socializing. Make sure to book your stay at the Treehouse Hostel well in advance as it is often sold out for the night of the party weeks in advance.
Popoyo Secret
Known as an underground or low-key party, Popoyo Secret is a gathering of surfers and backpackers, often held in remote spots around Popoyo. The party’s exact details can be somewhat elusive, adding to its allure. I considered going to this party but ended up not going, which actually led me to my first paid writing assignment.
Volcano Boarding After-Party in León
After a day of volcano boarding down Cerro Negro, most backpackers head to Bigfoot Hostel, which is famous for its after-parties. It’s a good way to wrap up a day of adventure with drinks and dancing. The biggest reason I did not go volcano boarding was because all the buses going there are party buses – some more intense (read: being fed strong liquor from the bottle) than others. However, the volcano boarding is considered a highlight in Nicaragua by many!
Wet Wednesday Party on Ometepe
Wet Wednesday is a popular backpacker event on Ometepe Island, combining a pool party with music, games, and plenty of drinks. It’s a great mid-week break for travellers exploring the island. This is the only party that I actually went to in Nicaragua and I enjoyed it, especially since the fire show got me in touch with the firespinners on Ometepe, allowing me to spin myself at El Zopilote hostel one week later.
Museums & Cultural Activities
Nicaragua’s recent history and cultural identity are closely tied to revolution, political struggle, and everyday resistance, and this is reflected in its museums and cultural spaces. León is particularly strong in this regard, with several museums focusing on the Sandinista revolution, human rights, and local art.
Granada offers smaller museums and cultural centres that focus more on colonial history and regional traditions. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, visiting one or two provides important context for understanding conversations, murals, and the political sensitivity that still exists in the country today.
Keep in mind that history is a very sensitive topic though. Walking tour guides will not publicly talk about it, and some might not at all. There are still dangers in openly discussing ones political views. Another experience that denotes this is when visited a government-owned history museum in León, which was free to visit. We got a tour – where I translated the whole story from Spanish to English, which was a challenge with my non-fluent Spanish at the time – and got... well, let's just say, a version of that history.
Surfing in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is one of the most popular surf destinations in Central America, especially along the Pacific coast. I have already mentioned the most popular surf towns above, but here is a quick summary that compares them. Popoyo is known for its consistent waves and variety of breaks, making it suitable for a wide range of levels and ideal for longer stays focused on surfing. El Tránsito, further north, is quieter and more low-key, with reliable waves and a strong local feel, as well as suppsoedly some of the best sunsets on the coast. San Juan del Sur is the most beginner-friendly option, with many surf schools, camps, and rental shops, though reaching different beaches requires transport and the area can feel crowded, both in town and in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nicaragua
What is the currency in Nicaragua?
The currency in Nicaragua is the Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO). U.S. dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas. ATMs are available in most cities, but it’s wise to carry cash, especially when traveling to more remote areas.
Can I get a Nicaragua visa online? / What are the visa requirements for Nicaragua?
Most visitors can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Nicaragua, valid for up to 90 days. However, it's essential to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality before traveling. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa in advance, while others can apply online through Nicaragua's electronic visa system.
Moreover, remember that Nicaragua is part of the CA-4 agreement, together with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. This means that most travelers receive up to 90 days total for all four countries combined – not 90 days per country. So if you spend time in Guatemala or El Salvador before entering Nicaragua, those days already count toward your 90-day limit. Moving between CA-4 countries does not reset the clock. In other words, keep track of your total days across all four countries, as overstaying in one affects your status in all of them.
What is the political situation in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua's political situation has been tense in recent years, with periodic protests and government crackdowns. While these issues have impacted some areas, the majority of tourist destinations remain unaffected. Right now, in 2025, there are no special political safety concerns for Nicaragua. However, it's always important to stay updated on current events and avoid any areas where protests may be occurring. Moreover, the topic of politics can be a sensitive topic in Nicaragua, so do not push any questions if people do not want to open up about it.
A more prominent consequence of the political situation for travellers is the fact that politics and questions about politics are a very sensitive topic amongst citizens. Your guides might not answer your question, answer untruthfully for fear of spies (yes!), or feel uncomfortable with the question. Please keep that in mind when asking about politics and respect the locals!
What is the weather like in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The Pacific coast is typically hot and dry, while the Caribbean coast is more humid with more rainfall. Temperatures generally range between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F) year-round, but it can be cooler in the highlands and at higher elevations.
When you look at these temperatures, it may seem fine. At least, that's what I thought, having experienced other tropical places like Laos, the Brazilian rainforest, and Ghana. However, the heat in Nicaragua is something else. Everyone I spoke with, including the ones that loved Nicaragua, that had travelled here mentioned the scorching heat as the first thing they remember. And so do I. So the biggest advice I can give you is to always get accommodation with air conditioning!
Is it worth to visit Nicaragua?
Although my experience in Nicaragua was not great – besides that I enjoyed spending time with my friend – and I rarely recommend Nicaragua to others, I cannot answer this question for you. If you are travelling to Central America and are trying to decide on a country, I would recommend Nicaragua but would advise Guatemala or El Salvador instead. But if you are travelling from Mexico all the way down to Panama, then skipping Nicaragua makes no sense as it is on your way anyway.
Moreover, it will all depend on the purpose of your trip and what you are planning to do. As a digital nomad, I for example enjoyed my hostel in León and the art museums that the city had to offer. Similarly, the surf house that I stayed at in Popoyo was great for working and it was a great spot to surf. To help you with your decision, let's look into what to do when you visit Nicaragua.
Final thoughts and what I would have done differently looking back
I did not like my experience in Nicaragua as a female traveller – the catcalling and resulting lack of interaction with locals, the young party-going backpacker audience, and the excruciating heat when I was there. So, when you are trying to decide on a Central American country to go to, and are for example looking at Guatemala vs. Nicaragua, I would not recommend Nicaragua at all. If Nicaragua is on your way anyway, choose your destinations in the country based on what you truly want to see or do. And maybe spend some more days in Guatemala or El Salvador if you have to split your time between the them!
However, there are ways to make your stay more enjoyable and different from mine:
First of all, definitely look up the weather and if it is unusually hot or you are going in the hottest season, try to book accommodation near a body of water and/or with air conditioning.
Secondly, if you go I recommend going with a small group of people, preferably including some men. I do not recommend this often as I am a large advocate of solo travel and usually find that phrases like "travelling South America as a solo female traveller" tend to confirm stereotypes or clickbait.
Thirdly, if you are travelling solo, try to get a small group together at a hostel to either take the public transport together - which will be feel and be safer with more people - or even get a taxi together. I usually recommend trying local transportation at least once as it is not only much cheaper than, but also gives you a more authentic travel experience. However, if I happen to make it back to Nicaragua (I doubt it, but maybe Popoyo), I will probably opt for a shuttle when travelling alone.
Finally, take into account that the backpacking crowd in this country is young and that parties are a central element of the backpacker activities. If that is your thing, definitely go (while being mindful of your impact as a visitor for locals!). If not, try looking for alternative destinations or experiences to avoid these environments. Considering that we were not going to the Treehouse Party, my friend and I could have probably skipped Granada and opted for an extra beach destination like El Transito instead. Or if you have the budget and are with a small group, you could rent a car and explore the country by doing some road trips instead.
All in all, I hope that my experiences and the information in this blogpost help you to make an informed decision and help you to prepare you for the best possible stay in Nicaragua if you decide to go.
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