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Central America’s largest, but least densely populated, country overflows with natural beauty.

It can be hard to choose between chatting with monkeys, climbing volcanoes or picking a banana straight from the tree. The locals are incredibly welcoming and you’ll find new friends at every turn.

€1 deposits are back – lock in your 2019 holiday for less!

Offer applies to trips departing before 14 December 2019.

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Top Nicaragua travel deals

Departing Days From EUR
11 May 2019
Best of Nicaragua 		9 €1,060
€1,007
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Nicaragua travel highlights

Building facades with colonial architecture

Granada

Explore Granada's charming colonial streets

Small lagoon surrounded by lush green forest on a mountain top

Volcano Maderas

Hike to a lagoon on the summit of Volcano Maderas

Wide view of two conical volcanic mountains protruding from green forest sitting on a giant lake

Ometepe Island

Take a boat to Lake Nicaragua’s Ometepe Island

Nicaragua holiday information

At a glance

Best time to visit Nicaragua

Geography and environment

Health and Safety

Handy Links

Top 5 Island Experiences in Nicaragua

Further Reading

Nicaragua travel FAQs

NICARAGUA:
Australia: Not required
Belgium: Not required
Canada: Not required
Germany: Not required
Ireland: Not required
Netherlands: Not required
New Zealand: Not required
South Africa: Not required
Switzerland: Not required
United Kingdom: Not required
USA: Not required

Please note that although a visa is not required, holders of British, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and most EU passports are now required to pay US$10 for a tourist card on arrival.

Tipping isn’t expected in Nicaragua but if you’ve received good service consider a 10% tip. Some high-end restaurants may include a service charge on your bill.

There are plenty of internet cafes available in the main towns.

Reception is good in most coastal and urban areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

It's likely that you’ll encounter different types of toilets while travelling in Nicaragua. Western-style flushable toilets are commonly found in high-end resorts, hotels and restaurants, while squat toilets are common in rural areas and homes. Be prepared by carrying your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren't always provided.

Bottle of soft drink = 20 NIO
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 25 NIO
Simple lunch = 75 NIO
Three-course meal = 150 NIO
Short taxi ride = 50 NIO

Drinking tap water in Nicaragua isn’t recommended. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Credit cards are widely accepted.

There’s good access to ATMs in nearly all towns and cities.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey. 

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

  • 1 Jan New Year's Day
  • 13 Apr Holy Thursday
  • 14 Apr Good Friday
  • 1 May Labor Day
  • 19 Jul Liberation Day
  • 14 Sep Battle of San Jacinto
  • 15 Sep Independence Day
  • 8 Dec Immaculate Conception
  • 25 Dec Christmas Day

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Nicaragua go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/nicaragua/public-holidays

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Woman drinking from reusable water bottle

Top responsible travel tips for Nicaragua

1. Be considerate of Nicaragua’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.

2. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

3. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.

4. When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!

5. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.

6. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.

7. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.

8. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.

9. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.