When people think about Nicaragua they usually think about war, violence and poverty. It is true that Nicaragua is a poor country but it has been peace for a long time and it is in fact one of the safest countries in South and Central America to visit or live in. It has also been named on of the best placed in the world to retire due to the nice people and cheap prices.

Volcanos in Northern Nicaragua - Copyright William Berg

A lot of people know of Nicaragua neighbour Costa rica and dream about going there but the truth is that Nicaragua offer most everything that Costa rica offer including the stunning nature and beaches at a fraction of the price you would have to pay in Costa Rica. Nicaragua is also more tourist friendly as they view tourism as a way to fight the poverty in the country

If you want stunning empty beaches, tropical rainforests,  fantastic wild life and fantastic fishing than Nicaragua is for you. If you plan a trip to Costa rica we do recommend that you take a look at Nicaragua as well as you will usually be able to find something similar or better alternatives for a lower price. Traveling in Nicaragua will however but you a lot closer to poverty than you usually come in Costa rica so you need to be ready for a different experience while traveling.

Where to go depends on what you are looking for. We do not recommend that anyone stay in the capital Managua for longer than necessary. The city has little to offer, is dirty and a lot less safe than the rest of the country. If you are looking for colonial charm we recommend that you go down to Granada. A colonial city and one of the oldest cities in the new world. The city was spared the ravishing of war since it is considered off limit and still looks as good as ever. The reason that the city is considered off limit during time of war is that everyone send their wife’s and grandmothers here to be safe during war. It is in every bodies interest to keep war out of the city. Nearby laguna the apoyo offer fantastic views and swimming in a deep blue extinct volcano crater. If you like volcanos you should also visit Masaya and Ometepe. Granada is home to a lot of Americans and other immigrants from around the world.

For those who are looking for a beach experience there is the beach city of San juan del sur. San juan del sur is a city with a large expat community and a lot of bars and hotels. For someone who look for a more genuine beach experience we would instead recommend heading North to the beach communities of Poneloya and Las Penitas. These are charming small fishing villages that is just starting to get exploited.

If you looking for experiences we recommend going up into the mountainous northern Nicaragua. Home to the second biggest rain forest in the new world, a rainforest that is largely unexplored. People who want to visit a more easily accessible rainforest that is still spectacular can visit the Indian Maiz reserve in South Eastern Nicaragua.

If you prefer Caribbean island we recommend idyllic corn islands.

No matter where you decide to go you will find friendly people, spectacular sights and cheap prices.