2 weeks in West Nicaragua
Nicaragua itinerary
Created by:
itinerary-hub
Published on:
Sept. 14, 2020
14 days
841 km
6 steps
This 2 week round trip will start and finish in the capital of Nicaragua, Managua. It will take you past beautiful colonial towns, majestic volcanoes and relax on the beach, party or go surfing in San Juan del Sur.
Step 1: Managua
1 days recommended
Managua
Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua. is located in the central west of the country south of Lake Managua. It is often overlooked by travellers but has some interesting cultural and historical activities.
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Step 2: Granada
2 days recommended
Granada
Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. In Granada you can find multiple Spanish colonial landmarks. The city’s main plaza, is famous for its colourful Cathedral, originally dating to 1583.
Best hotels in Granada:
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Hotel Casa San Francisco (budget hotel)
Hotel Casa San Francisco is a delightful choice in Granada, housed in a beautifully restored colonial-style building. The rooms offer a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool to cool off after a day of sightseeing or relax in the serene garden courtyard with a refreshing drink.
Its central location puts you just steps away from Granada’s key attractions, restaurants, and shops, making it convenient for exploring the city. What sets this hotel apart is its outstanding staff, who are always ready to assist with tour bookings and dining recommendations.
Breakfast here stands out, featuring made-to-order dishes that go beyond the usual options. With its inviting atmosphere and thoughtful touches, Hotel Casa San Francisco is an excellent choice for experiencing the best of Granada.
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Hotel Plaza Colon (luxury hotel)
Hotel Plaza Colon is a beautifully restored hotel in the center of Granada, Nicaragua, right across from the main park. Its prime location makes it easy to explore the city’s colonial architecture and vibrant cultural spots. The building features traditional elements like a central courtyard and balconies overlooking the lively streets.
The rooms are comfortable and equipped with modern conveniences such as air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Guests can unwind by the pool, a refreshing spot after exploring the city. The staff are welcoming and always ready to provide helpful tips on dining and activities in the area.
What sets Hotel Plaza Colon apart is its dedication to sustainability. Eco-friendly practices are in place, and local artwork is displayed throughout the hotel. Guests also praise the delicious breakfast included with their stay, making this a stylish and thoughtful choice for enjoying Granada.
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Hotel La Polvora (medium range hotel)
Hotel La Polvora in Granada is a delightful place with plenty of amenities for a comfortable stay. The rooms are spacious and equipped with air conditioning, providing a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can unwind in the outdoor pool, surrounded by vibrant gardens, making it a serene spot after a day of exploring the city.
The staff consistently deliver exceptional service, always friendly and ready to assist with helpful recommendations. A complimentary breakfast is included and highly praised by guests. You can enjoy your meal poolside or in the charming courtyard, adding a pleasant touch to your mornings.
Although slightly outside the main tourist area, the hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the central plaza. The quieter surroundings offer a calm escape from the lively city center. With its colonial-style architecture and thoughtful details, Hotel La Polvora creates a peaceful and inviting atmosphere for visitors.
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Best hostels in Granada:
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Casa Yoly Hostel (boutique hostel)
Casa Yoly Hostel is a welcoming and convenient spot in Granada, located just a short walk from the main square, restaurants, and shops. The rooms are simple yet comfortable, offering options for private accommodations or dormitory beds, making it a budget-friendly choice.
The staff are a standout feature, always friendly and eager to share tips on exploring the area. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast that, while basic, provides a good start to the day before heading out.
The hostel’s common areas are great for socializing and connecting with fellow travelers. It features a shared kitchen for those who prefer to cook their own meals and a small outdoor patio for relaxation. Casa Yoly Hostel is a relaxed and affordable choice for backpackers or anyone seeking a comfortable stay in Granada.
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Oasis Hostel (hostel)
Oasis Hostel in Granada is a relaxed and budget-friendly option, ideal for backpackers and travelers looking to connect with others. The hostel features a small pool for cooling off and several common areas where guests can unwind. There’s also an on-site bar offering affordable drinks, making it easy to socialize.
Conveniently located in the center of Granada, the hostel allows for easy exploration of the city on foot. The rooms are simple but clean, with options for dormitory or private accommodations. A complimentary breakfast is included, a helpful perk for those keeping an eye on their expenses. With its central location, friendly atmosphere, and practical amenities, Oasis Hostel is a great choice for travelers seeking an affordable and social stay in Granada.
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Hostel De Boca en Boca (party hostel)
Hostel De Boca en Boca in Granada is a vibrant place ideal for socializing and connecting with fellow travelers. The outdoor pool provides a refreshing spot to relax, and the hostel features several common areas for unwinding. The staff keep the atmosphere lively by organizing activities like themed dinners and bar crawls, encouraging guests to mingle.
Its central location makes it easy to explore Granada's colonial charm on foot. The rooms are clean and comfortable, offering options from shared dorms to private rooms with air conditioning. A delicious breakfast is included each morning to help guests start their day.
With its social vibe, helpful staff, and convenient amenities like the pool, Hostel De Boca en Boca is a great choice for solo travelers and groups. It's an inviting place to meet new people while enjoying all that Granada has to offer.
Step 3: Ometepe
3 days recommended
Ometepe
Ometepe is an island in Lake Nicaragua, which is known for its twin volcanoes, the active Concepción Volcano in the north and the Maderas volcano in the South. There are a lot of things to do on Ometepe, including hiking one of the volcanoes, motorbiking around the island or kayaking.
step 3: Ometepe
step 4: San Juan del Sur
Step 4: San Juan del Sur
3 days recommended
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a town on Nicaragua’s southwest coast. It’s known for its amazing beaches but mostly for its party scene. If you like to party head to San Juan del Sur for the weekend and specifically sunday when Sunday Funday happens. This party is like a bar crawl with different hostels with pools, this is a must for every party lover and is known as one of the biggest parties of Central America.
Best hotels in San Juan del Sur:
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Chale's House Hotel (budget hotel)
Chale's House Hotel is a comfortable spot right in the center of San Juan del Sur, just a short walk from the beach and close to local restaurants and shops. The rooms are simple yet cozy, featuring air conditioning to keep you cool in the tropical climate.
A standout feature is the shared kitchen, which is clean and well-stocked, ideal for preparing meals or keeping snacks handy. There's also a pleasant terrace area where you can relax, read a book, or mingle with other guests.
The staff are friendly and always ready to offer helpful recommendations on where to eat, drink, or explore in town. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to stay close to the action in San Juan del Sur, without any unnecessary extras.
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Eden on the Chocolata (luxury hotel)
Eden on the Chocolata is a tranquil getaway located just outside San Juan del Sur. Situated on a hilltop, this eco-friendly hotel offers breathtaking views of the jungle and coastline. The open-air common areas and pool create a peaceful space to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The rooms are basic yet comfortable, with private terraces that provide a perfect spot to take in the scenery. The hotel fosters a community atmosphere with yoga classes and vegetarian meals, bringing guests together in a laid-back environment. Though a bit remote, shuttle service to town is available for those looking to explore.
Eden on the Chocolata is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, wellness-focused stay in a beautiful natural setting. The friendly staff and calm atmosphere make it easy to disconnect and enjoy Nicaragua’s lush landscape away from the crowds.
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HC Liri Hotel (medium range hotel)
HC Liri Hotel is a cozy spot right on the beach in San Juan del Sur. This small hotel has a relaxed atmosphere, with only a few rooms that create a more personal experience. There’s a refreshing pool to relax by and a peaceful garden area, perfect for unwinding with a book in a hammock.
The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, serving a delicious breakfast every morning and offering free coffee throughout the day. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with some featuring balconies that offer ocean views. While it's in a quiet area, you're still just a short walk away from the town's restaurants and shops.
HC Liri is a fantastic place to stay while exploring San Juan del Sur. The beachfront location, relaxed vibe, and attentive service make it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the beach atmosphere.
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La Santa Maria Resort (resort)
La Santa Maria Resort offers a stunning hillside location with breathtaking views of San Juan del Sur bay. The ocean and vibrant town below look especially beautiful during sunset. The resort has a relaxed atmosphere, with modern, spacious apartments and villas designed for a comfortable stay.
The infinity pool is a standout feature, providing the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail while enjoying the panoramic views. The resort is within walking distance of the beach and town center, though the peaceful surroundings might make you want to stay on the grounds longer. The friendly staff go above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable experience. This place captures the laid-back surf town vibe of San Juan del Sur, offering a serene and picturesque environment for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
Best hostels in San Juan del Sur:
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Hostel SaltWater (boutique hostel)
Hostel SaltWater in San Juan del Sur is a relaxed spot just a short 5-minute walk from the town center, offering a peaceful vibe while still being close to all the action. The common areas provide stunning ocean views, adding to the laid-back atmosphere.
The hostel offers both dorms and private rooms, all kept clean and comfortable. The friendly staff is always ready to provide helpful tips about local activities. A highlight of staying here is the included breakfast, which is both tasty and filling—perfect for fueling up before a day of adventure.
The atmosphere strikes a nice balance with a social vibe that’s not too wild. Guests can enjoy the lounges, hammocks, or outdoor spaces to relax and chat with other travelers. It's a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay while exploring San Juan del Sur.
step 4: San Juan del Sur
step 5: León
Step 5: León
3 days recommended
León
León is a city in the west of the country, famous for its massive León Cathedral which combines neoclassical and baroque architecture. León has a lot to offer, there is fun nightlife, culture, history and fun activities like boarding down the Cerro Negro Volcano.
Step 6: Somoto
2 days recommended
Somoto
Somoto is a quiet town in the Northern Highlands of Nicaragua. Somoto is famous for the dramatic Somoto Canyon, one of the countries most impressive natural sights. Several activities can be enjoyed here like hiking and canyoning.