Talk to me and I will tell you that the sunsets in Nicaragua are what made me fall in love with the country.
This is simply an amazing country, that has so much to offer to travelers. Beautiful colonial cities; a turbulent yet fascinating history; incredible nature and wildlife; lakes and volcanoes; amazing beaches; kind and warm people.
And, something that you should never underestimate, this beautiful country is still unspoiled by mass tourism (but hurry! This will change, it is such an incredible place), it is very safe to travel even for solo female travelers, and it actually is the cheapest country in the continent: your dollar will get you a long way there.
Not convinced yet? Perhaps these amazing sunsets in Nicaragua will get you going.
Check out my posts The Most Awesome Things To Do In Nicaragua and What You Must Know Before You Travel To Nicaragua,
The 5 Best Sunsets In Nicaragua
Granada and Las Isletas
Anybody visiting the country will take a side in the local argument over which city is better, Leon or Granada? Many will say colonial Granada, is the prettiest city in Nicaragua. I must admit my heart beats for Leon, but the most touristic destination in the country (which for some reason reminds me of Trinidad, in Cuba) is indeed picture perfect, and the waterfront of Lake Granada or a boat ride across Las Isletas offer fantastic opportunities to photography lovers.
In fact, if you are planning a boat ride around Las Isletas make sure to board at around 3:30 or 4:00 pm and to linger on long enough for the sunset, which you will see on your way back, behind the volcanoes that surround the city.
Last Isletas are a great haven for wildlife, so you can expect to see all sorts of birdlife and even monkeys. Make sure to bring your binoculars and camera, with a good lens in case you intend to photograph wildlife.
Make sure to read my post 15 Cool Things To Do In Granada Nicaragua.
Poneloya and Las Peñitas
At half hour ride on a chicken bus from Sutiava, Leon, these two Nicaragua beaches are more than a surfer’s paradise. Lay in the sun, challenge the waves, go for a walk, enjoy a cold beer and by all means, do not miss the amazing Pacific sunset.
Personally, I am more of a fan of Poneloya as it is a more local beach – chances are you won’t find anybody during the day, so you literally have the beach to yourself. The other side of the coin is that there also is an almost complete lack of services so if you do decide to go there, take whatever you need for your day in terms of towels, umbrellas for shade, etc.
Since Las Peñitas is a surfers’ hub, there are more kiosks along the beach so it’s actually easier to hang out there. You will also find a good selection of restaurants where you can enjoy a seafood dinner and a drink after sunset.
Make sure to read my post All The Nicaraguan Food You Should Try.
Volcan Cerro Negro
One of the best sunsets in Nicaragua is the one you will enjoy from Cerro Negro.
This volcano is located at about one hour drive from Leon and you will be able to go on short and windy hike and. This is also the only place on the world where you can go volcano-boarding – you basically slide down the side of the volcano on a board that you will have to carry all the way up yourself. This is not something you can do alone – you need a guide for the hike and a company that rents you the boards and that actually drives you there, as it’s not easy to reach on public transportation.
After the hike, you can stay along for one of the most incredible sunsets in Nicaragua.
You may also want to read my posts A Complete Guide To Leon Nicaragua and What To Expect When Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro, Nicaragua.
Isla de Ometepe
Located in Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe is an 8 shaped island which, despite the presence of two active volcanoes, is peaceful, remote, and offers great hikes, wildlife and spectacular views.
I strongly recommend spending at least 3 days there to make the most of it – the incredible nature, the lagoons and obviously the volcanos. You can get fantastic sunset views from pretty much anywhere around the island – the photo above was taken from Finca Magdalena, which is a bit of a backpackers’ hub in Balgue, one of the most remote villages on the island.
The location of Finca Magdalena is incredible. It’s set in a coffee plantation, at the base of Volcan Concepcion. But it is an extremely basic place, with very basic sanitary facilities and rooms.
Make sure to check out my posts A Complete Guide To Ometepe, Nicaragua and Where to Stay In Ometepe.
Corn Islands
Whether you feel like relaxing under the Caribbean sun, snorkeling in the clear waters, diving or just want to walk around to explore the island, Isla de Maiz won’t disappoint. Needless to say, the Corn Islands are perfect in terms of sunset.
Little Corn Island is the most remote of the two, and harder to reach. You will have to take a boat or plane to the main island from the mainland and then another boat to Little Corn Island but please factor in the sea conditions as it is not advisable to cross when it is rough. Once there, there is some basic accommodation options and local eateries but the atmosphere is ten times better!
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Beautiful site, Claudia! You seem to have captured the true essence of Nicaragua.
The bus to the beaches of Las Penitas and Poneloya leaves from Sutiava, Leon, not from Suyapa. Before boarding the bus, people might want to visit the nearby small, but very interesting Indigenous Sutiava Museum.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Nicaragua lately. Definitely a place to check out soon.
Definitely!!
Oh, yes – I forgot that was the name. Suyapa is actually a beach resort in Las Penitas. Thanks for pointing that out. I will correct it now!
Volcan Cerro Negro looks absolutely breathtaking!!
Isla de Omotepe looks like a wonderful place to vist. I’ve always found volcanos facinating!
It is – it’s not a hard hike at all, but it gets windy and sandy. Totally worth it!
I heard people saying it is not that great. I love it. Would go back there anytime!
Seems like a really beautiful place. Lovely countryside with nature untouched.
Your pictures just reinforced why Nicaragua is on my list.
There are plans to build another canal in Central America, through Lake Nicaragua. Go ASAP 🙂 although I hope they never do!
There are so many places to visit in Nicaragua that I am not done with it yet. It still is on my list 🙂
Good overview for someone whi doesn’t hear abt nicaragura often (me!)
🙂 I am glad you liked it. Just so you know, there are so many more places to visit in Nicaragua besides those I mention!
Definitely makes me want to visit! Nicaragua looks amazing. Great photos!
Great captures. I need to get my butt down there asap!
With so many things to do in Nicaragua, you have to spend a good few weeks there!
Hehe so you can be a proper beach bum in the best beaches in Nicaragua?
Beautiful pictures. Nicaragua is definitely on my list of places that I need to go as I lived in Panama twice and I heard so many great things about Nicaragua! They also apparently have amazing community based projects that I would love to discover.
Poneloya has to be my favorite! I’ve never been to Nicaragua – now I know who to ask for advice 🙂
It is one of my favourites too, and definitely one of the best beaches in Nicaragua. I will be writing more posts – guide-like ones. So stay tuned 🙂
Hey Yvonne! Yes, they do. One of the best things to do in Nicaragua, if you care to travel there on a budget (well, it already is very cheap anyways!), is to join one of the environmental protection projects.
Wow loving the sunset shots! What a unique place!
While I agree that Nicaragua is great, it’s by far not the cheapest country in Central America. Guatemala is a lot cheaper, Mexico as well, El Salvador is actually on a similar price level, while Belize and Costa Rica are indeed more expensive. So I’d say Nicaragua is in the middle.
In terms of safe for female solo travellers, I have to say I’ve felt most uncomfortable in Nicaragua because I was constantly being stared at, which I didn’t experience in any of the other places. I travelled by bicycle, so maybe that made a difference but in all of the other countries there was a lot more encouragement on the road whereas in Nicaragua there was staring, obscene gestures and even kids shouting swear words. In Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize and Mexico, the people have been a lot friendlier so far. Sure, I’ve also met friendly and kind Nicaraguans but on the whole Nicaragua doesn’t compare well to the other countries I’ve visited in Central America.
Hi Kim, thank you for sharing your experience. I always like to hear (or read) different stories and points of view. For sure, I talk about my own experience, and that may differ from others. I found Mexico (especially Yucatan) to be more expensive than Nicaragua for example. Guatemala is more or less the same. El Salvador is a bit more expensive. It all depends on where you go, I suppose. As for your experience – yes, that makes it unpleasant. It’s not nice you’ve had to go through that!