San Juan del Sur

This colourful beachside party town is endeared by many backpackers worldwide who seek beautiful beaches, surfing laid back vibes during the day and parties at night. This is an ideal location for any backpacker seeking a good time on an affordable budget.

Things to See & Do – San Juan del Sur

3. Catamaran Ride

If you’re looking for a day of sun and drinks out on the water then this is a perfect plan. A catamaran ride can be found through your accommadation or on many flyers in the street and includes a boat ride, all you can drink, snacks, stop at a private beach for a swim and finishing with a sunset.

It’s also a excellent want to make friends and socialise if you’re travelling solo.

 Where to stay – San Juan del Sur

1. Los Chamos Hostel

A nice social hostel offering all the bare essentials with friendly staff.

Cost = $9 USD/night

Where to Next? – San Juan del Sur

1. Ometepe – Heading North

2. Costa Rica – Heading South 

To Ometepe Island

1. Public Bus + Ferry

1. Chicken Bus from San Juan del Sur (SJDS) to Rivas

Catch the chicken bus opposite the pink and white market building, on the corner of Avenida Mercado and Avenida Gaspar Laviana. They depart roughly every 30mins (starting at 5am, till 5pm). Cost ~$40Cordobas ($1USD). Travel Time ~ 1hr

2.  Catch Bus or Taxi from Rivas to San Jorge port

If catching a taxi make sure you pre-negotiate the price before jumping in as Rivas is notourious for taxi drivers inflating the price. A fair price would be $120Cordobas ($3.25USD) per taxi.

If you choose the public bus to San Jorge it comes every 30mins and costs $10Cordobas ($0.30USD). Travel Time ~15mins

3. Boat from San Jorge to Ometepe

Once at the port you’ll have to pay a $36Cordobas ($1USD) entry fee to the port than purchase your ferry ticket for ~$50Cordobas ($1.35USD). The ferry across typically takes 1hr and offers amazing views of the volcano along the way dropping you off at Ometepe island at a town called Moyogalpa.

2. Private Shuttle + Ferry

A more expensive yet time efficient route would be to hire a private shuttle which can be done through “Caribe Shuttle”. This costs approx $50USD and trip from SJDS to San Jorge is roughly 50min.

Once at San Jorge port you will need to take a Ferry as instructed above to Ometepe Island.

To Costa Rica

1. Bus

1. Chicken bus from SJDS to Rivas Bus Station. 45mins | $1 USD

2. At Rivas bus Station ask for bus to “Peñas Blancas” or “La Frontera” (The Border). Bus every 30mins | 25mins travel time | $0.70 USD

3. It will drop you off at the border and walk out to go through the Nicaraguan & Costa Rican customs

4. Catch the regular buses that arrive every 90mins from the border to Liberia (Costa Rica) where you will be able to switch to continue onto your next costa Rican city of choice. 

2. Shuttle Bus

The more efficient and hassle-free option is taking a shuttle bus which can range from $47-125 USD (depending where you go) and can be booked from “Caribe Shuttles” to take you to various Costa Rican cities.

Ometepe Island

In Nicaragua there is a huge lake in the middle of the country and within that lake is it’s only island home to 2 volcanos. It offers a breathtaking and unique landscape attracting many tourists who seek to hike them.

Things to Do & See – Ometepe

Where to Stay – Ometepe

1. Moyogalpa area

For logistical purposes staying in this area makes the most sense as it’s right at the port where the boats pickup and drop off, alot more accommodation options and places to eat.

Where to Next? – Ometepe

1. Granada – Heading North

To Granada

1. Boat + Bus

1. Boat from Ometepe to San Jorge Port

2. Bus from San Jorge Port to Rivas Bus station

3. Bus from Rivas Bus Station to Granada. Every 90mins | 2hr travel time | $50 cordobas ($1.35 USD).

To San Juan del Sur

1. Boat + Bus

1. Boat from Ometepe to San Jorge Port

2. Bus from San Jorge Port to Rivas Bus station

3. Chicken Bus from Rivas to San Juan del Sur

Granada

Granada is one of Nicaragua’s most charming and historically significant cities, nestled on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. It’s famous for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, with colourful buildings, churches, and mansions lining its cobblestone streets. The city’s architecture reflects its rich history as one of Nicaragua’s oldest colonial settlements.

Today Granada is a popular tourist destination known for its laid-back atmosphere, welcoming locals, and abundance of attractions. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the waterfront, explore local markets, or take horse-drawn carriage rides through the city streets.

Overall, Granada offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Nicaragua.

Things to See & Do – Granada

1. Masaya Volcano

Stare into the eye of an active volcano and be mesmerised by the orange glow of lava at night. The most popular attraction from Granda for good reason.

Hike up the volcano and you can stand at the crater staring down into bubbling lava beneath you. Tours can likely be booked from your accommodation.

Cost = $30 USD

3. Catedral de Granada

Probably the most beautiful piece of architecture in the whole country, the Catedral de Granada is a marvel of the city. It is centrally located in Granada and is the showpiece for the town’s colonial architecture making it perfect for a photo.

Where to Stay – Granada

1. Treehouse Hostel

Although it’s located outside Granda it would be criminal not to mention it. If you’re more into the social and party scene then this is the hostel for you. They host their famous treehouse party which always get rowdy and are symbolic to all travellers passing through this part of the world. If you wish to stay in the heart of Granada instead it is still possible to attend Treehouse parties.

Cost = $12 USD/night

3. De Boca en Boca

Great atmosphere and friendly/helpful staff, free breakfast of pancakes and bananas included, free coffee & tea. There’s also plenty of chill out areas with hammocks and perfectly located in the city.

Cost = $9 USD/night

Where to Next? – Granada

1. Leon – Heading North

To León

1. Chicken Bus

1. Chicken Bus from Granada to Managua ‘UCA’ Bus Station 

– Arrives every 10mins | 1:30hr Travel Time | $38Cordobas ($1 USD)

2. Chicken Bus from Managua ‘UCA’ Bus station to León

– Every day from 4am – 8pm | 2hr Travel Time | $71Cordobas ($1.90 USD)

2. Shuttle

Shuttle Bus can be booked from your accommodation to pick you up and drop off door to door.

– Twice a day from 5:30am & 12pm | 3hr Travel Time | $20 USD  

Leon

A historic city known for its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, and revolutionary spirit. It boasts a rich heritage dating back to the Spanish colonial era. Leon is famous for its stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dominates the city’s skyline with its imposing presence. The city played a significant role in Nicaragua’s tumultuous political history, particularly during the Sandinista Revolution, making it an essential destination for those interested in the country’s revolutionary past. Today, Leon remains a lively and culturally significant city, attracting visitors with its historical landmarks, vibrant street life, and welcoming atmosphere.

Where to Stay – Leon

1. ViaVia Hostel

Great atmosphere with its own restaurant and bar, live music stage and tour company called Volcano day. It is centrally located in the city close to the main Cathedral and museums.

Cost = $8-10 USD/night

Things to See & Do – Leon

1. Cerro Negro – Volcano Boarding

You’ve heard of Snow boarding now get ready for Volcano boarding. Undoubtedly the No.1 attraction in all Nicaragua!

You can book a tour from your hostel to take to Cerro Negro Volcano where once you arrive to the beautiful black gravel volcano you will take a 45-60min hike up to the summit and stare into the eye of the volcano before suiting up in you protective gear provided, grabbing a board and shooting down the side of the active volcano.

For the real adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers, the trick is the more you lean back the faster you’ll go!  

Cost = $25 USD (Tour operator: Volcano Day)

3. Museo de la Revolución

Learn about the eventful and tragic years of the Nicaraguan revolution where the group “Sandinistas” stood up against the Somoza dictatorship and US-backed Contras highlighting the pivotal role the city of León played in the Revolution.

Cost = $3 USD

5. Iglesia La Recolección

León is certainly not sure of architectural wonders and that is evident in this church.

It’s a perfect opportunity to showcase the city’s vibrant and colourful style.

Where to Next? – Leon

1. El Salvador – Heading North

2. Honduras – Heading North 

3. Granada – Heading South (Refer to above)

To Honduras

1. Shuttle

When travelling from León to anywhere in Honduras the most viable option is to book a shuttle from your accomodation.

It removes the hassle of crossing borders and switching buses which is this case, due to travel time is worth the shuttle.

Cost ~$50-$75 USD

To El Salvador

1. Shuttle

Much like Honduras, when travelling from León to El Salvador the most reasonable option is to book a shuttle from your accomodation.

Considering 2 border crossings are involved it is certainly worth the value.

Cost ~$50-$75 USD

Related Articles