Backpacking through Nicaragua - What to expect?

Backpacking through Nicaragua is like going back in time 100 years. Some people still ride a horse and carriage. And the chance that you will encounter pigs, cows or horses running loose somewhere is high. The country may be one of the least developed countries in Central America, but there is a very relaxed atmosphere and there is a lot to experience. Curious about what to expect from backpacking through Nicaragua? Read it here! Central America, maar er hangt een ontzettend relaxte sfeer en er valt veel te beleven. Benieuwd wat je van backpacken door Nicaragua kunt verwachten? Lees het hier!

Official Nicaragua Backpacking Papers

Online it is indicated that you must fill in a form before traveling to Nicaragua. You will not be asked to show this and it is therefore not necessary to fill it in. However, you must make sure that you have a negative PCR test. Recently, this is only necessary if you are not vaccinated. This will be looked at as soon as you enter the country. Furthermore, you do not have to fill in a customs form at the border (with Costa Rica) when you enter the country. We were only asked what our profession was. You do pay €8 entry tax. So make sure you have some dollars with you!

Of course, entry requirements can always be adjusted. So make sure you check all the requirements yourself before you leave! For Nicaragua you do that here.

Accommodations and transportation

In Nicaragua there are plenty of accommodations for your trip. You may need to adjust your requirements slightly. You cannot assume that there is a hot shower and air conditioning in your room. There is also a high chance that the power will go out every now and then. But the prices are also a lot more pleasant than in, for example Costa Rica or Guatemala. 

Transport is a bit complicated in Nicaragua. Renting a car is quite expensive, especially in relation to other costs here. In addition, it is not easy to pick up and drop off the car at different locations. You can really only get a car around the capital and the airport. So if you are going to fly, you can rent a car at the airport and bring it back there. Renting a motorbike or scooter, on the other hand, is easier and more affordable.

The local bus is very cheap and easy to take. However, it can sometimes take you a little more effort to find it. There are not bus terminals everywhere. Because of this you sometimes just have to stop and get on a bus along the road. The bus terminals are also not always easy to find. 

The biggest problem in Nicaragua is that Google maps is often incorrect. Restaurants, shops, bus terminals and hotels can sometimes be a few hundred meters wrong on Google maps. So good luck with your search! Fortunately, the locals are very nice and you can always ask for help.

Locals

The locals in Nicaragua are really very friendly. Even a lot friendlier than in neighboring countries if you ask us. They are extremely helpful when you want to ask something or need help with something.

Despite the fact that they are so very friendly, the service is not always good. At some hotels and restaurant they are a bit lazy in their service. This does not mean they are unkind but they show little initiative. For example, you have to call someone or ask if they can do something for you. They will not quickly come to your table to ask if you want something to drink or eat, for example, after you ordered 1 time.

Activities and tourism

There are many fun activities to do in Nicaragua. There are some cool trips to volcanoes, the beach or the lake, but most of it is in and around the cities. The colonial cities are an activity themselves. These cities are also super touristy and there is lots to do.

Safety during backpacking through Nicaragua

Nicaragua is now probably one of the safest countries in Central America. Of course, you should always be on your guard and keep an eye on your belongings. But in general it is very safe and you will see very few police on a normal day. Only on special occasions will you see police to escort the place. Banks and shops also have security guards, but they are not as extremely armed as in Panama or Guatemala. Panama or Guatemala.

Wildlife and nature

Nicaragua is extremely dry. It has a lot of dry plains and it is very dusty. There is little green to be seen in Nicaragua. We were there at the end of the dry season, in which this is also the worst. We were still able to spot howler monkeys. Because of the drought, they come to the city in search of green leaves to eat.

Unfortunately, there is little opportunity to really be in nature. This is because the tourist spots are all on the pacific side and they mainly consist of cities. The Caribbean side is difficult to reach and there are very few hotels to spend the night in. This part is much greener and more tropical, so if you want to see this you can take a chance. Only around the huge lake at Ometepe and Granada , you can imagine yourself surrounded by greenery.

Apart from the few howler monkeys, there is little wildlife to spot. This is probably due to the drought. There is, however, a beautiful national bird that you will encounter everywhere. In addition, you mainly see horses, chickens, cows and pigs running loose everywhere. You see this a lot, especially on the island of Ometepe.

Backpacking Nicaragua – what about covid?

Besides the fact that you are required to test before entering, there are few measures when you go backpacking through Nicaragua. Staff in shops and restaurants often wear face masks. Some people also choose to put on a mask on the street and on the bus. Furthermore, the country itself does not seem to be much affected by covid. It is of course a bit quieter and there are fewer tourists. A tour guide in Granada indicated that they have smaller groups with tours. But since the country hasn't gone into lockdown, not much has gone bankrupt. Furthermore, there are no fewer facilities or opportunities for activities.